Open Chevrolet Models with a Dead Key Fob

How to Open Chevrolet Models with a Dead Key Fob

This page holds all of the emergency open or back-up open procedures needed for Chevrolet vehicles if the battery in the key fob dies or if there are electrical signals interfering with the fob.

• First, if you are already inside, click here for help getting started!
• Second, you can find video help here!
• Finally, if you need another manufacturer, click here.

Retrieving the mechanical key

GM makes three key fob (remote control or ‘clicker’) styles, and Chevrolet uses them all. To get in the vehicle when the key fob battery is dead, a mechanical key will have to retrieved from the fob and used to unlock the car.

For the rectangular style fob or transmitter press the thin button near the bottom of the transmitter (remote control or ‘clicker’) used to remove the mechanical key. Do not pull the mechanical key out without pressing the button.

In next style is a flip key, shown to the left, press the unmarked chrome button to extend the mechanical key. It remains attached to the key fob. Use the mechanical key to unlock the driver’s door.

The final rounded style key fob is similar to the rectangular fob, in that the mechanical key is removed from the fob for use getting into the vehicle. However, it is similar in appearance to Style 2. To remove the mechanical key, press the button on the side of the transmitter near the key ring, as shown, and pull the key out.

Getting Inside

If a key hole is visible at the back of the driver’s door handle, simply insert the mechanical and turn, and you’re in.

Beginning with the 6th generation Corvette introduced in 2005 and adding the Cadillac CTS and ELR Coupes, no external door handle is obvious, and thus no backup entrance option. See below.

Then in the 2013, the Chevrolet Impala and followed by eight additional models the by 2017, the key hole was hidden. Sadly, more and more General Motors products will likely feature this unnecessary change going forward.

Chevrolet models hiding the key hole

Chevrolet models with traditional door handles but no obvious key holes or lock cylinders, hide the key holes under a cap at the back of the driver’s door. They include the new Bolt models and Camaro, Cruze, Impala, Malibu, Tahoe, Trailblazer, Suburban, and Volt models. The handles may be shaped differently than the image, but the process is the same.

To remove the cap, pull the door handle out to the open position. Insert the key into the slot on the bottom of the cap (“3”, right).

Push it as far upwards as possible and hold that upward pressure. Then pry outward. And yes, you WILL feel like you are prying off a piece of your car! Move the cap rearward revealing the key cylinder. Now the mechanical key can be used in the cylinder. Look for a video here to help.

To replace the cap, insert the two tabs at the back of the cap between the black seal and the metal base. Pull the door handle out to the door open position and move the cap forward and press to snap it into place. You can then release the door handle.

Blazer EV, later Equinox, Traverse

The new Blazer EV and 2024 and later Traverse and 2025 and later Equinox models offer a “twist” on a very similar cap. There is still a slot on the underside of the handle (right). Note that the cap is only about a 1/4 inch thick.

Insert the mechanical key into the slot and turn it counterclockwise to release the cap. It can then be pulled away.

To replace the cap, insert it back into the grooves on the door handle. Push down on the cap until it clicks into place.

Remember, getting in the car is most important. If you have difficulty replacing the cap, don’t. Let your dealer do it when you get a new battery for your Key FOB!

Equinox EV

The Equinox EV introduced in 2024 model is an outlier. It features a flush door handle that extends outward to meet the driver when the key fob is in range. If the handle does not extend, press the front on the handle inward. The rear of the handle can then be pulled to access the key hole.

TRAX

In 2024 the TRAX was given a new hidden key hole cover. It has a very BMW-like look cover that is removed using the mechanical key from behind like a Hyundai Santa Fe! We spotted it at the 2025 New York Auto Show and were able to remove it but weren’t able to get footage of the very awkward process.

But we have a good stand in. To the right is a pic of the TRAX door handle we saw at the show. Note the oval cover. Below right is an image from a Santa Fe video we did. The arrow points to a very important spot.

To remove the cap and access the key hole, the door handle needs to be pulled to the open position. Then the mechanical key is used to push what is a silver button behind the door handle. The arrow points to the right spot, which is black in the Hyundai. This pushes the front of the oval cap outward which allows it to be pulled away.

In order to record the process in the Santa Fe we had to open the door! The angles are not possible otherwise, and it was very helpful to have an assistant!

Corvette

Corvette models are a very different animals. The C6 through C8 models have  non-traditional, all electronic  locks, latches and door handles, if they can be called handles at all. The C8 does have a key cylinder, but it is found in the air inlet located on the body, behind and above the left door handle. See the image to the right. Insert the mechanical key and turn to open the car.

Older C6 and C7 Corvette models, also have flush door handles (right image) with no key holes at all. They have a very different trick up their sleeves. You must use the mechanical key to open the trunk. The key hole is under the lip of the trunk lid facing the ground.

Once the trunk is open, you will find a release handle. It is along the left wall of the trunk in the  Corvette (right).

Pull this release lever and the driver’s door will unlock, unlatch and open slightly and you’ll be in!

We have videos for the coupes here.

Models examined include Blazer, Bolt, Bolt EUV, Camaro, Colorado, Corvette, Cruze, Equinox, Impala, Malibu, Silverado 1500, Sonic, Spark, Suburban, Tahoe, Trailblazer, Traverse, Trax, and Volt. Model years 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026.

Related: Getting Out!

Continue to Part II, Getting Started …

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The information on this website is provided for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.

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