Honda open and start review finds new uses for updated door handle

Honda open and start

Once we completed an Acura review a week ago it became necessary to do the same for Honda models. And that review of Honda open and start back-up processes added three new models to the updated door handle.

Back-up open and start processes are necessary in keyless start vehicles when the battery in the key fob dies. Those batteries last about two years at best.

For 2026, Honda added the new — in 2022 — door handle design to the CR-V, HR-V and Passport. The design, right, effectively hides the key hole, but it is easily exposed by simply pulling the handle into the open position. The mechanical key can then be inserted into the cylinder from beneath.

The door handle style will likely find its way through the entire line in time.

Also, in the Acura update we noticed a slight change to the back-up start process that was actually added in 2024. This turns out to be true of Honda as well.

The manuals state to press the Start/Stop button first. This sets off a beep sound that lasts about 30 seconds and the Start/Stop button will begin to flash, also for about 30 seconds.

This 30 second period is when the Start/Stop button can be touched with the back of the fob. The driver then has 10 seconds to start the vehicle as normal.

Previously, if the vehicle wouldn’t start, the instructions called for the fob to be touched to the button resulting in a 30 second period to start the vehicle.

We intend to test this the next time we have a newer Honda or Acura available.

The back-up open and start processes for Honda can be seen here.

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