[MikeElmendorf]

Having a banner week with my Q50. I think this is the third new problem, on an ever-growing list: Today while out on an errand during lunch, when I got back in the car it wouldn't start. It told me key ID error and kept flashing a picture of the start button and the key fob. After about 10 attempts, getting out of the car and returning, it finally started--which was a good thing, as I had to get to a wake. I was about to call roadside assistance.

Here's a photo. Has anyone else seen this one?

 

[Foxwiz]

It's possible there was radio frequency interference. It has happened to me on another vehicle while I was on a Naval base. It just depends if there were strong signals messing with your key.

If it happens only this time. Don't worry. If it happens again, maybe there is an issue with the transmitter in the key fob.

 

[marquee50]

I got this error today but my friend was in the car trying to start the car while my key fob was in my pocket outside the car. Maybe there was something in your pocket interfering with the fob...isn't that what she said. Nevermind.

 

[MikeElmendorf]

Nothing in my pocket besides my wallet--same conditions as always. Was in a mostly empty parking lot at Home Depot, where I have been more times that I would like!

Also worth nothing that all three cars I have owned since 2009, other than this one (two TLs and my current other vehicle, a 2013 BMW X3) have keyless start and I've never seen this problem.

I now look forward to not only wondering if the electronics are going to lock up or fail, or the car is going to want to veer left, but now also whether it will start.

I am really missing my 2012 TL right now. First time I've ever felt that way about my last car after moving to a new car. Very disappointed in the quality here.

 

[waffleman]

That would not be a pleasant thing to happen, especially when in a hurry to get somewhere. That has never happened to me, 4 weeks into ownership (no issues with anything to dayte). If occurs again, try putting the key right next to the starter button - I seem to recall it said to do that if the battery was low.

 

[SnowItch]

According to the manual:

OPERATING RANGE FOR HYBRID
SYSTEM START FUNCTION
The Intelligent Key can only be used for
starting the hybrid system when the
Intelligent Key is within the specified
operating range.
When the Intelligent Key battery is almost
discharged or strong radio waves are
present near the operating location, the
Intelligent Key system’s operating range
becomes narrower and may not function
properly.

I know that the OP thought that wasn't an issue because he was in a Home Depot parking lot, etc, etc. Simple fact of the matter is that radio waves don't always follow logic and this could be a factor.

I had this happen once. Fortunately, I had read the manual, and did put the key next to the start button:

If the battery of the Intelligent Key is
discharged, or environmental conditions
interfere with the Intelligent Key operation,
start the hybrid system according to the
following procedure:
1. Move the shift lever to the P (Park)
position.
2. Firmly apply the foot brake.
3. Touch the ignition switch with the
Intelligent Key as illustrated. (A chime
will sound.)
JVS0264X
4. Push the ignition switch while depressing
the brake pedal within 10 seconds
after the chime sounds. The hybrid
system will start.
After step 3 is performed, when the
ignition switch is pushed without depressing
the brake pedal, the ignition switch
position will change to ACC.

Car started right up. Thinking it was the remote battery, I was close to the dealer and headed over. Of course, I couldn't duplicate the issue at the dealer (we even tested the remote's battery, and it was fine), the only logical explanation was something interfered with the signal.

In today's world of everything, everywhere being constantly bombarded by electronic signals, I find that explanation plausible.

 

[StevetheTech]

It's possible there was radio frequency interference. It has happened to me on another vehicle while I was on a Naval base. It just depends if there were strong signals messing with your key.

If it happens only this time. Don't worry. If it happens again, maybe there is an issue with the transmitter in the key fob.

This system functions similarly to other brands but has slightly higher verification standards.

What typically happens is the sensor in the center console has to see the key, in order to proceed through a stage of the start process. Given that the car started the most likely suspect would be the key first, obviously the sensors and system are working. I would remove the key from your pocket, and press the unlock button. Sometimes this will correct an intermittent ID issue. The next thing would be to put the fob in one hand, hold it over the start button and press the Start button while the key almost contacting the switch.

I have suspected that all types of interference can complicate the key verification process. When my wife was new to the G she called me one day after work and was loosing her mind that the car wouldn't let her in. Once I told her how to open the door it would not start. Just like the OPs story a few tries later it fired up and she was good to go and it has not happened since.

Within the next few days at work I saw several similar complaints on many of the cars that came through my shop. When asked everyone who remembered when it happened said it was on the same afternoon and within a certain area of my region. That day there were reports in the news about an increased in solar storm interference in the atmosphere, I do not know that that was the cause of the issues that day but it is something to consider.

Another quick story about this. My old Integra met its end driving down a highway in Va that parallels the largest office building in the country. With absolutely no warning my engine stopped running. Not stalled but lost fuel injection and ignition control. I was going downhill and was able to coast to a stop but there was no restarting the engine, it never ran again. Some testing the following day shows the engine computer was fried and there was another module the appeared to have been smoked. We took my wife's new RSX the same way (now several hours late for our reservations) and all of her lights dimmed and the the engine struggled for a second.

I agree with Foxwiz, once it is a fluke, any more than that and you might want to have it looked at, it is a simple system with excellent fault detection logic.

 

[SnowItch]

That day there were reports in the news about an increased in solar storm interference in the atmosphere, I do not know that that was the cause of the issues that day but it is something to consider.

parallels the largest office building in the country

I run a large Wide Area Network. Solar Storms are one of the things we track in our Network Operations Center because they seriously mess up our network devices.

I'm not surprised something like that would happen driving by the Pentagon. Question is was the signal that fried coming from or attacking? Haven't had that experience myself driving by the ol' puzzle palace, but I did experience something similar in the late 90's traveling on a road that borders Quantico (where the secret service have a training center).

Bottom line is that radio interference is a reality and can strike anywhere at anytime.

 

[vbx]

Sure radios waves can effect things. But isn't it funny that it only happened with his Q50? And I'm pretty sure he just got it. While his other cars he had for years with no issues.

 

[StevetheTech]

Snowitch- I don't ask many questions about things that happen around certain installations of our area. With the one that killed my old clunker, it must have only effected a certain range that didn't effect all the electronic devices just the oldest one. I've heard similar stories when I worked at a dealership right up the road many years ago.

vbx- I have had the exact issue described here happen on my personal 2012 G37x. I have also worked with many owners concerned about starting troubles in many models over the years in many models. In researching experiences with other brands and intelligent key systems I stumbed upon an article I find disturbing, and I think everyone in the IT security field will not be surprised about.
Gone in 3 Minutes: Keyless BMWs a Boon to Hacker Thieves | Threat Level | Wired.com
I will not talk about specifics of the security programming procedure on these cars but there is a several step process requiring the vin number to be logged into an Interpol secure server and a unit specific code is generated.
I would still suspect that if there is an issue with the OPs car, it is something to do with 1 sensors or 1 key. This is basically the same system they have been using since 2006 in everything.

 

[SnowItch]

Sure radios waves can effect things. But isn't it funny that it only happened with his Q50? And I'm pretty sure he just got it. While his other cars he had for years with no issues.

OK, I get it, you don't like the car. You are also aggravated that everyone on this forum doesn't agree with you.

Sorry, I LOVE THE Q50! Is it perfect, no. Am I willing to put up with some minor conveniences due to new technology. Absolutely. In this case, I experienced the issue he was talking about. I've been around electronics long enough, and I read the manual, to know that there was an easy work around. Yes, I'm approaching the "issue" from a standpoint of expecting things not to be perfect.

Let's agree to disagree. Just ignore my posts and stop feeling you have to prove that the car is horrible.

 

[vbx]

OK, I get it, you don't like the car. You are also aggravated that everyone on this forum doesn't agree with you.

Sorry, I LOVE THE Q50! Is it perfect, no. Am I willing to put up with some minor conveniences due to new technology. Absolutely. In this case, I experienced the issue he was talking about. I've been around electronics long enough, and I read the manual, to know that there was an easy work around. Yes, I'm approaching the "issue" from a standpoint of expecting things not to be perfect.

Let's agree to disagree. Just ignore my posts and stop feeling you have to prove that the car is horrible.

LOL, when did I say I didn't like the car? Just because you have no issues with the car doesn't mean no one else can't have issues.

Sure there are "some" issues with MY car but nothing major that makes me "hate it".

 

[yardie876]

Look at this story. It happened last year here in South Florida. http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/2372306


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[SnowItch]

Look at this story. It happened last year here in South Florida. Keyless Car Entry Blocked By Pirate Radio Station Broadcasted From Hollywood Bank Roof


Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App

You obviously haven't been paying attention. This is a problem that only has happened to the Q50...

/snark

 

[yardie876]

You obviously haven't been paying attention. This is a problem that only has happened to the Q50...

/snark

Just showing how radio frequencies have unusual effects on these keyless systems.

 

[Jackie]

Q50 won't start

Hello everyone, my Q50 won't start at all . My front lights kept going on then off then nothing. Not even the lights on the dash . Is there something I am doing wrong?

 

[toinfiniti]

There are several things can affect this:
1. Low battery
2. interference
I experienced this myself at my garage after I install Foscam camera (wireless). It turned out that the cause is the camera where its frequency seems not fall under FCC regulation. I had my garage door remove not working, XM radio stopped working, and my key sometimes do not work. After removing the camera, everything went back to normal. Also, I notice if you are in the parking lots, sometimes there is electric box that create magnetic fields.
3. Keyfob broken

solution:
When this happens, just use your keyfob to push the start button. All those issues are resolved.
I never had a problem starting the car with this method.

Hello everyone, my Q50 won't start at all . My front lights kept going on then off then nothing. Not even the lights on the dash . Is there something I am doing wrong?

Looking at your case, it seem there is electrical problem with your car. You better bring it to dealership and have it checked it. Electrical is the weakest part of any luxury cars. Too many electronic parts there and lots can go wrong.