It always seems to happen at the most inconvenient time – you’re running late, it’s raining, or you’re in a dimly lit parking lot. You reach for your key fob to unlock your car, and nothing happens. The dreaded dead key fob battery has struck again. But don’t worry, being stranded by a dead key fob is not as common as you think. Most modern vehicles come equipped with a hidden mechanical key and a backup method to start your car even when your key fob is unresponsive. Understanding how to use these features can save you time and frustration. This guide will walk you through the steps on how to get into your car and start the engine when your key fob battery dies.
Accessing the Physical Key
Almost every key fob contains a physical key hidden inside. This key is your first line of defense against a dead fob battery.
Finding the Key
The physical key is usually concealed within the key fob itself and can be accessed via a small release mechanism. Look for a button or a latch on your key fob. Sometimes it’s a small button you need to press and hold, while other times it might be a sliding latch. Once you locate the release, activate it to slide out or detach the mechanical key from the fob. Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual if you are unsure about the exact location or mechanism for releasing the key on your specific key fob model.
Using the Physical Key to Unlock Your Car
Once you have the physical key, you can use it to manually unlock your car door. In most vehicles, the physical key lock cylinder is located on the driver’s side door handle. Insert the physical key into the lock cylinder and turn it as you would a traditional car key. Turning the key clockwise typically unlocks the door. In some cases, you might need to turn the key twice to disarm the alarm system if it’s activated by manually unlocking the door.
Starting Your Car with a Dead Fob
After gaining entry to your vehicle using the physical key, you might think you’re still stuck if the key fob is dead because the push-button start system seems reliant on the electronic signal from the fob. However, most cars have a backup system that allows you to start the engine even with a dead key fob.
The Emergency Start Method
The secret to starting your car with a dead key fob lies in using the fob itself to interact with the car’s ignition system. The car can detect the key fob when it’s in close proximity to a specific location, even if the fob battery is dead.
To start your car with a dead key fob, follow these steps:
- Get into the driver’s seat: Ensure you are in the driver’s seat and have closed the door.
- Press the brake pedal: Press and hold the brake pedal firmly, as you normally do when starting your car.
- Position the key fob: Take your key fob and hold it directly against the “Start/Stop” ignition button. The idea is to bring the fob as close as possible to the button.
- Press the Start/Stop button: While holding the key fob against the button and pressing the brake pedal, push the “Start/Stop” ignition button as you normally would to start your car.
It Works
Why This Works
This method works because of a technology called Near Field Communication (NFC) or a similar inductive coupling system. Even without battery power, the key fob contains a passive RFID chip that can be energized by the car’s ignition system when placed in very close proximity to the start button. This energizing allows for a brief communication between the fob and the car, enough to authenticate the key and allow the engine to start.
Preventative Measures
While knowing How To Start Your Car With A Dead Key Fob is helpful, preventing this situation is even better. Regularly changing your key fob battery can save you from the inconvenience of being caught off guard.
- Change batteries annually: Consider changing your key fob batteries every year or two. This is a simple and inexpensive maintenance task.
- Notice warning signs: Pay attention to warning signs like reduced range of your key fob or needing to press buttons multiple times. These can indicate a weakening battery.
- Keep spare batteries: Keep spare batteries of the correct type (usually CR2032 or CR2025) in your glove compartment or at home, so you’re prepared when the time comes to replace them.
- Regularly lubricate physical locks: Use a lubricant like WD-40 a couple of times a year on your car’s physical door locks to ensure they remain functional and easy to use, especially the driver’s side door lock. This is particularly important for cars where keyless entry is the primary method of access, as the physical locks can become stiff or corroded from infrequent use.
By taking these proactive steps and understanding the emergency starting procedure, you can minimize the chances of being inconvenienced by a dead key fob battery and maintain confidence in your vehicle’s reliability.
