Yellow Key Sign on Dashboard - What's This and How to Fix?

When a yellow key indicator appears on your car's dashboard, it is usually depicted by a symbol of a key with a yellow line cutting through it. This often implies that the key fob used to access the car is either not being detected or is broken. In this case, you need to seek the services of your car dealer or a locksmith to fix or replace it.

Yellow key warning light highlights

• Common reasons:key fob battery is dead, issues with electronics
• How to fix:replace the key fob battery, check the 12V battery
• Possible consequences:car won't start with the button
• Priority level:Low
• Can you drive?Yes
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$5-$200

What Is the Yellow Key Sign on the Dashboard?

How the keyless entry system operates may vary from car to car. It is therefore recommended to go through your car's owner's manual for further details on the particular keyless system.

The yellow key sign appears on the dashboard of vehicles with keyless ignition to let the driver know that the proper key fob has not been used or detected. 

Additionally, these devices could also alert you when the right key fob signal code has been detected by a car and the engine can be started. This warning light is often a yellow key sign if the key fob has not been recognized or if it is missing.

It will be difficult to start your vehicle if the key fob's battery dies since it won't be able to connect to the vehicle. If the yellow key sign illuminates your dashboard even with the correct key, then you can try changing the batteries in the fob. 

If the problem does not go away after changing the battery, then the key's programming may have been lost and there is a failure in transmitting the proper code to start the car. 

In this case, you can restart the car by forcing the key to memorize the right code using a specific process. However, different car models have different procedures to follow when troubleshooting this. Some vehicles may even need a diagnostic test first.

Why Does the Yellow Key Sign on the Dashboard Appear?

A majority of modern vehicles don't start with standard ignition keys anymore. The cars now feature keyless entry systems, which include a key fob transmitter and a receiver installed within the vehicle, thanks to the evolution of key fob technology. 

These key fobs transmit coded signals to receivers installed in the cars, which act as short-range radio transmitters. When you press the button on the key fob, the receiver then carries out a specific action. These include locking or unlocking the car doors or even starting the car engine.

Key fobs for cars are very useful. Having them makes it difficult to leave the keys in the vehicle. However, your car may occasionally fail to recognize signals from the key fob. This eventually triggers the yellow key sign on the car's dashboard. 

This sign can be very frustrating since it can prevent you from accessing your vehicle or even using the key fob to start the vehicle.  

Below are a few potential causes for a car failing to pick up the key fob signals:

1) A Bad Key Fob Battery

The most frequent cause of a keyless entry system failure is a faulty battery in the key fob. In this case, you can use the extra key fob to unlock the car and turn on the ignition if a spare one is available. 

Additionally, you can use the key that is embedded in the fob to unlock your car's door if the spare fob is not available. Make sure you check the owner's manual for more information on how to start your vehicle when the key fob malfunctions.

2) Applying the Wrong Key Fob

It may happen often that you pick the incorrect car key when you are in a rush. It's important to note that each key fob is individually configured and cannot be used with other cars. You should always verify if the key you are using belongs to that specific vehicle.

3) A Bad Key Fob

Your key fob could be broken if the yellow key sign shows on your dashboard. Your car will fail to lock or unlock if it has a key fob that is damaged or has programming problems. 

To fix this, you can get in touch with a licensed locksmith to help in reprogramming your key fob.

4) A Bad Start Button or Keyless Entry System

The keyless entry system's antenna or wiring issue, malfunctioning software, a faulty circuit board, or a broken start button are all potential triggers of the yellow key sign on your dashboard. Be sure to have your car checked by a technician to see if any repairs could be required.

5) An Old Car Battery

Often, the issue may be with the car itself rather than the key fob. The key fob won't work if the car battery weakens or dies. 

Modern automotive systems require a lot of power from the battery itself and the key fob isn't an exception. If the battery is old or worn out, try replacing it with a new one if it does not charge anymore. 

6) Car Lock Problems

Your key fob may experience technicalities if there are any issues with the door locks in your car

7) Misaligned Buttons or Broken Contacts on the Key Fob

You should always keep an eye out for any broken or stuck buttons on the key fob. They may hinder the key fob's capability to function effectively and convey the intended signals. 

If you have the technical knowledge, you may consider disassembling the key fob and then making the required modifications. However, if you doubt your skill level, you can seek the services of a licensed locksmith to inspect and fix it.

8) Radio Signal Disruptions

If the key fob suddenly ceases to work, then radio interference may also be to blame. When radio emits at the same frequency as key fob signals, wireless devices like radar detectors, as well as anti-theft alarms can interfere with key fob signals. 

Fortunately, most key fob problems have simple fixes. You may have a duplicate key produced or have the key fob repaired, replaced, or even reprogrammed to prevent vehicle lockouts if the issue is not associated with dead batteries.

Is It Safe to Drive a Car with the Yellow Key Sign on the Dashboard?

The yellow key sign on the dashboard may occasionally allow you to continue driving, but there is no assurance the car will start again. It's necessary to take your car to a repair shop immediately and have it examined. 

However, other car models may not even start. In this case, you may tow your vehicle to a repair shop for a technician to examine and fix its security system.

Vehicles should always function normally, but often, when you turn off the engine, you might not be able to restart it without facing any difficulty. There should be a backup method to start a car so that you can still use it even if the key fob malfunctions or the battery goes low on power.

It could be necessary to forcibly reprogram the key fob if the signal code is lost and your car can't detect it anymore. In such a situation, you will have to visit the dealership where there are the appropriate tools for carrying out the reprogramming process.

How Can You Fix the Yellow Key Sign on the Dashboard?

To fix the yellow key sign on your car's dashboard you can follow the procedure below:

• Ensure that the key is within the vehicle as you replace the key fob battery.
• If the issue does not go away, you can tow or drive the car to a shop where the security system can be examined and fixed.
• The next alternative can be reaching out to a mobile key fob programmer to come and service the car at your location.

You can try the following if your car won't start and the yellow key sign on the dashboard is on: Sometimes, you may try to start the car by touching the key to the start button; however, if the car still won't start, there might be a serious problem with its security system.

What Other Methods Can You Use to Reset and Fix the Yellow Key Sign on the Dashboard?

Fortunately, there are a few other ways to reset and fix the yellow key sign on the dashboard: 

Park the vehicle and repeatedly try to lock and unlock it. This procedure should typically assist in resetting the yellow key sign on the dashboard.

Restart your vehicle a few times. If the yellow key sign does not go away, you can use a different key to start the car. If this works, then ask your car dealership to replace the original key.

Turn off the engine three seconds after starting it if none of the above steps helps. Once again, if none of these solutions work, reach out to a mechanic to examine the vehicle.

The Conclusion

Always keep in mind that, only correct maintenance and repair techniques to your car can guarantee its safe and dependable operation. It's crucial to be conscious of how well your car is running at all times. 

Always pay attention to the dashboard and make sure everything is functioning properly even when the vehicle still looks new. If you observe some systems performing strangely, you should always get in touch with your service technician.

I hope this article has made it easier for you to understand everything you need to know about the yellow key sign on the dashboard, why it occurs, and how to fix it.