In my understanding, the key recharges itself everytime it is used to start the car. Is this true or false? If true the question is then will my backup key go flat if i do not use it?

This is true they recharge in the ignition. Best to alternate between keys. Both of my keys go for 3-4 months without going near the car and I haven't suffered from a flat keyfob battery yet.

The only problem you might have is if you have memory seats - you will have to programme both fobs to carry the setting over. 2020 Pangea Green 1st Edition D240 New Defender 110 is here and loving it
2018 Melting Silver Mini Countryman PHEV - soon to be replaced
2015MY Corris Grey SDv6 HSE Dynamic, the best car I have ever owned, totally reliable only a cou0le of rattles in 3 years, now no longer in my care
Also in my garage is a 1996 TDi300 Defender 90 County HT made into a fake CSW

Thanks Tim.

I've forgotten all about it & only remembered recently that maybe i should alternate keys to keep them charged. My spare has been in the safe since i purchased the car new in late Nov 07. Would the spare be still alright to use after 10 months idle?

There's one way to find out .................................... if it is totally flat then open the car with the other key and then use the key with the flattened battery for a few days to recharge it 2020 Pangea Green 1st Edition D240 New Defender 110 is here and loving it
2018 Melting Silver Mini Countryman PHEV - soon to be replaced
2015MY Corris Grey SDv6 HSE Dynamic, the best car I have ever owned, totally reliable only a cou0le of rattles in 3 years, now no longer in my care
Also in my garage is a 1996 TDi300 Defender 90 County HT made into a fake CSW

So even if the key is flat i can put it in the ignition and it will start the car and recharge itself? This is my first LandRover I'm not sure what to expect!

mr boombastic wrote:

So even if the key is flat i can put it in the ignition and it will start the car and recharge itself? This is my first LandRover I'm not sure what to expect!

Tim's suggestion is correct. Even if both keys were flat you could still open the vehicle manually (via the passenger door handle) and then start in the normal fashion.

James

IIRC the fob has a chip in it that the immobiliser recognises (if you have them on Aus spec cars) but it doesn't need any power for that. To use the emergency unlock on the passenger door you remove the small blanking plate/finisher that has the padlock moulded in it and underneath is a keyhole 2020 Pangea Green 1st Edition D240 New Defender 110 is here and loving it
2018 Melting Silver Mini Countryman PHEV - soon to be replaced
2015MY Corris Grey SDv6 HSE Dynamic, the best car I have ever owned, totally reliable only a cou0le of rattles in 3 years, now no longer in my care
Also in my garage is a 1996 TDi300 Defender 90 County HT made into a fake CSW

Thanks all!