These instructions apply to the Land Rover Range Rover Sport Mk2 (L494) 2013-2022.
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.
The Land Rover Range Rover Sport (L494, 2013–2022) is a keyless-start vehicle: the smart key communicates with the car over a short-range radio link, and a flat coin cell inside the fob breaks that link. When the dashboard reads “Smart Key Not Found” or the START/STOP button does nothing, the fob battery is the usual cause — and the L494 has a backup that lets you get in and drive without waiting for a replacement cell.
Start the Engine With a Dead Fob Battery
The car still reads the key’s transponder chip by induction once the fob is held physically close to the ignition.
- Sit in the driver’s seat and close the door.
- Hold the smart key flat against the underside of the steering column, button face toward the column. If the message centre instead pictures the fob against the START/STOP button, follow the display and hold it there.
- Press and hold the brake pedal.
- With the fob still in place, press the START/STOP button. The engine starts and you can drive away normally.
If it doesn’t catch first time, shift the fob a little and try again — the inductive pickup has a small sweet spot.
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 driver’s door lock cylinder sits under a small cap at the rear of the 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 afterwards.
Expect the Alarm
Opening the door with the blade can set off the alarm, because the car hasn’t seen a valid radio handshake. Climb in and complete the dead-fob start — starting the engine with the recognised transponder disarms the immobiliser and stops the siren.
Replace the CR2032 Coin Cell
The L494 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 way as the original and click the case shut. Full keyless and remote-locking range returns immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I hold the key to start the Range Rover Sport L494? Against the underside of the steering column, button-side toward the column. If the dash specifically shows the START/STOP button, hold it there instead.
Where is the door keyhole? Under a removable cap at the rear of the driver’s door handle. Pop the cap with the blade to reach the cylinder.
The alarm sounded when I opened the door — is that a fault? No. The blade unlocks the door but doesn’t tell the alarm a valid key is present. Starting the engine clears it.
Will the low fob battery harm the car? No — you only lose remote and keyless range. Replace the CR2032 and everything works again.
How often should the battery be replaced? Every two to three years, or sooner if keyless range has been shrinking.
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.