These instructions apply to the Land Rover Discovery Sport Mk1 (L550) 2015-Present.
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.
The Land Rover Discovery Sport (L550, 2015–Present) is a push-button keyless vehicle: the smart key communicates with the car over radio, and a flat coin cell inside the fob cuts that link. When the START/STOP button shows “Smart Key Not Found” or the doors stop responding, the fob battery is the usual culprit — and the Discovery Sport has a backup that gets you moving without waiting for a new cell.
Start the Engine With a Dead Fob Battery
The car can still read the key’s transponder chip by induction once the fob is held right against the ignition.
- Sit in the driver’s seat and close the door.
- The message centre prompts “Position As Shown And Press Start Button” with the fob pictured against the START/STOP button.
- Hold the smart key flat against the START/STOP button as shown.
- Press and hold the brake pedal.
- With the fob still in position, press the START/STOP button. The engine starts and you can drive away normally.
Unlock the Door With the Hidden Emergency Key
If central locking won’t respond, use the steel emergency blade inside the smart key.
- Press and hold the release catch on the side of the fob, then slide out the emergency key blade.
- The lock cylinder sits under a small cap at the rear of the driver’s door handle.
- Insert the blade into the slot at the base of the cap and lever it off to expose the keyhole.
- Insert the blade and turn to unlock the door.
- Refit the cap once you’re in.
Expect the Alarm
Opening the door with the blade can set off the alarm, because the car hasn’t seen a valid radio handshake. Get in and complete the dead-fob start — starting the engine with the recognised transponder disarms the immobiliser and silences the siren.
Replace the CR2032 Coin Cell
The Discovery Sport smart key uses one CR2032 3-volt lithium coin cell. Slide out the emergency blade, then use the blade slot to pry the two fob halves apart. Fit a fresh CR2032 with the + side facing the same direction as the original and click the case shut. Full keyless range returns immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I hold the key to start a Discovery Sport? Flat against the START/STOP button, exactly as the dashboard image shows.
Where is the keyhole on the door? Under a removable cap at the rear of the driver’s door handle. Pop it off with the blade.
The alarm sounded when I used the blade — is that a fault? No. The blade opens the lock but doesn’t tell the alarm a valid key is present. Starting the engine clears it.
Will the low fob battery damage the car? No — you only lose remote and keyless range. Replace the CR2032 and everything works again.
How long does the fob battery last? Usually two to three years. Shrinking keyless range is the early warning to replace it.
If a warning lamp stayed on after the flat-battery episode, look up the meaning of any stored fault code at autodtcs.com.
Independent guide — not affiliated with Land Rover. Always follow your official service manual and safety precautions. Read our full disclaimer.