Bad Key Error

[Raknid]

This morning, my wifes 2012 RT would not turn over. Display booted fine and it sits on a battery tender. After turning the key back off the display showed a 'Bad Key' error. I tried the other key and all is well.

• What would cause a bad key error (I know a bad key LOL). More so, what would cause a key to go bad?
• I assume it may need a new key? If so, what are the costs? Or just a re-programming? I know a new key for my Buick is about $185 USD....assume the Spyder key would not be cheap either.

Thank you!

[Snowbelt Spyder]

Have you retried the key to see if the error was temporary or permanent. If it now works, some RF interference from your cell phone or another car key or key fob very close by can interrupt the reading of the chip. If it looks like the failure is permanant, some physical damage may have occurred, or the chip just failed. Was there any physical trauma...did it go through the laundry, ie the dryer. Costs are all over the place to have a dealer replace the key. Do a forum search for stories on that. It would be the cost of a blank, the cost of cutting, then the cost of programming, but under 100 bucks should be reasonable. You could try seeing a locksmith to see if he can test the chip to see if it responds to an interrogation. He might then, be able to just clone the key to your existing one. Another option is to have a locksmith cut and clone a new blank.

[Bfromla]

Have you retried the key to see if the error was temporary or permanent. If it now works, some RF interference from your cell phone or another car key or key fob very close by can interrupt the reading of the chip. If it looks like the failure is permanant, some physical damage may have occurred, or the chip just failed. Was there any physical trauma...did it go through the laundry, ie the dryer. Costs are all over the place to have a dealer replace the key. Do a forum search for stories on that. It would be the cost of a blank, the cost of cutting, then the cost of programming, but under 100 bucks should be reasonable. You could try seeing a locksmith to see if he can test the chip to see if it responds to an interrogation. He might then, be able to just clone the key to your existing one. Another option is to have a locksmith cut and clone a new blank.

One additional culprit has been reported: COLD a key was left outside overnight in freezing conditions, would not work till the key was at more reasonable operating temperature. Little early yet for that so hopefully it is just a interruption problem from too many similar chips.

[Raknid]

Have you retried the key to see if the error was temporary or permanent. If it now works, some RF interference from your cell phone or another car key or key fob very close by can interrupt the reading of the chip. If it looks like the failure is permanant, some physical damage may have occurred, or the chip just failed. Was there any physical trauma...did it go through the laundry, ie the dryer. Costs are all over the place to have a dealer replace the key. Do a forum search for stories on that. It would be the cost of a blank, the cost of cutting, then the cost of programming, but under 100 bucks should be reasonable. You could try seeing a locksmith to see if he can test the chip to see if it responds to an interrogation. He might then, be able to just clone the key to your existing one. Another option is to have a locksmith cut and clone a new blank.

Thank you for the information and ideas. I did retry and still toast. Not sure what may have done it in. It may have gotten wet in rainy rides more than a few times, but would hope it is designed to tolerate that...or heat and cold. Will call the dealer tomorrow to see if I can have checked out.

[canamjhb]

Paid $56.99 for a new blank key. I hope your dealer is better-informed than mine. The Parts guy said all keys are blank and only need to be coded by the computer. WRONG..... They need to be cut just like any other key and then coded to the bike.

[billybovine]

Thank you for the information and ideas. I did retry and still toast. Not sure what may have done it in. It may have gotten wet in rainy rides more than a few times, but would hope it is designed to tolerate that...or heat and cold. Will call the dealer tomorrow to see if I can have checked out.

Sometimes they can just go bad. Rarely but sometimes. Even if you got a leak in the key covering the chip inside is still sealed. You likely did nothing wrong to cause this.

BRP key. Make sure you make it clear to the parts guy that your Spyder is a 2012. There are 2 types of keys. The chips inside are not compatible. They look the same on the outside. Buy the blank and take it to a locksmith or hardware store to have it cut. Then back to dealer to have your Spyder programmed to accept the new key.

[Deanna777]

This morning, my wifes 2012 RT would not turn over. Display booted fine and it sits on a battery tender. After turning the key back off the display showed a 'Bad Key' error. I tried the other key and all is well.

• What would cause a bad key error (I know a bad key LOL). More so, what would cause a key to go bad?
• I assume it may need a new key? If so, what are the costs? Or just a re-programming? I know a new key for my Buick is about $185 USD....assume the Spyder key would not be cheap either.

Thank you!

Hi, Did you see/and read the "D.E.S.S KEY CODE AGIAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!". I started that thread. There are some good ideas on that thread.

Deanna