Amber
The colour helps indicate urgency, but exact behaviour can vary by manufacturer.
Dashboard Warning Light
Key Not Detected
Smart key is not detected, is out of range, or has a weak battery. The usual first step is: Bring key inside/closer and try spare or replace key battery.
Varies by state
Use this as a quick triage label before confirming in your owner manual.
Bring key inside/closer and try spare or replace key battery
Check the matching manual page for your exact brand, model and year when possible.
What it usually means
Smart key is not detected, is out of range, or has a weak battery.
What to do next
Bring key inside/closer and try spare or replace key battery. If the vehicle feels unsafe, stop in a safe place and arrange professional inspection.
Can I drive with the Key Not Detected light on?
You may usually drive carefully if the car feels normal, but avoid hard driving and arrange diagnosis soon. Stop if the light flashes or the car overheats, loses braking, steering, or power.
First step: Bring key inside/closer and try spare or replace key battery. If the warning appears with noise, smoke, overheating, poor braking, heavy steering, or reduced power, stop safely and get professional help.
Quick answers
What does the Key Not Detected dashboard light mean?
Smart key is not detected, is out of range, or has a weak battery.
Can I drive with the Key Not Detected light on?
You may usually drive carefully if the car feels normal, but avoid hard driving and arrange diagnosis soon. Stop if the light flashes or the car overheats, loses braking, steering, or power.
What should I check first when the Key Not Detected light appears?
Start with this step: Bring key inside/closer and try spare or replace key battery. Then confirm the exact symbol behaviour in the owner manual for your car brand, model and year.