So, I've had my 2015 Lancer GT for just over a year now and the car has stopped detecting the fast key out of nowhere as of a couple weeks ago.



I've tried to find solutions on these forums but have not received any definitive solution thus far. I'll try to give some more info on things that might be related in case someone knows more.



* The fast key still works to lock/unlock the car, but a "key not detected sign" pops up on the dash when I try to turn the crank.



* I had been starting the car by inserting the emergency key inside of the FAST key into the car, with the FAST key attached to the back. After not being able to fix it myself, I took the car to a mechanic who fiddled with it and now even the emergency key is being unable to start it. My car, therefore, has been stranded outside this mechanic shop for a couple days now. The mechanic says that his OBD scanner is giving a code for the “immobilizer detecting the wrong key”, and when I called in an auto locksmith to possibly reprogram that key or a new blank one I ordered he said the same code was being given to him and that he couldn’t program the key. The auto locksmith said he’s not an expert on the mechanical side of things, but it’s a fair chance that the transponder or immobilizer is gone bad.



* I have a starter on the car which didn't initially work when I'd first bought the car, but I got it working by paying a local electrical mechanic shop. The starter also has an alarm system. The key still worked for a few months after I got the starter fixed, so I don't know if it's related, and the starter still works.



* The car is rebuilt status but does not and has not seemed to have any issues including electrical aside from this.



* Even when the Fast key worked to start the car it had to be extremely close or pretty much on the center console near the shifter for it to be detected. The key also has to be right up beside the door lock for keyless entry to work.



* I've already changed the batteries on the fast key and the remote starter key multiple times, and it does not appear to fix the problem.



* I only have the one Fast key, so I'm unable to check if another key would work properly.



* I've read up on some forums that the Fast key being near a phone can erase the programming, but I believe that was fixed on the newer year cars, and I do my best to keep them separated.



I realize going to the dealership would be my best option, but I'm a student and pretty tight on money. I was hoping someone had some expertise on the matter or had solved the problem if it happened to them in the past.



If nothing else, I would appreciate if someone could point me to the most cost-effective method to get this fixed.



I believe I read somewhere that an auto locksmith would be good for this, could someone confirm if this is the case.



I don’t understand how it could have been driving fine till the shop and all of a sudden, the immobilizer or transponder has given out.



Another person I contacted that specializes in auto locksmithing, and ignition services asked right away if I have an aftermarket remote starter installed, and I do, and he said that could be messing with the immobilizer. I said that I would pay him to remove the remote starter, but he’s a little flaky and randomly stops answering texts or calls.



I was hoping someone here could guide me to if the starter is in fact the problem, if the key has lost programming or something else.



I can insert the emergency key into the car and turn it on to where the electronics work but it just won’t crank to actually turn on.



I would take it to the dealership, but I’m a poor student and would have to pay for towing as well as the exorbitant prices at the dealer. They quoted me $500 just for a new key without even paying for the diagnosis and stuff.



I would really appreciate any and all help.

 

Have you tried locating the fuse in the engine compartment. When mine didn’t work all that was gone was the fuse