iX back-up entry
iX back-up entryWe got our first look at a BMW iX EV in 2023, and thus our first look at the iX back-up entry process as well. This is needed if and when the battery in the key fob dies.
We wrote it up, but got an important bit wrong!
Below the iX door handle is a small door on the far right that hides the key hole (right). The door is pushed to release and pulled open to reveal the key hole, as you can see. This handle has since spread to the ICE-powered 7-Series and will likely find its way to other models.
We wrongly assumed that, once the key hole was exposed, all a driver would need to do is insert and turn the key to unlock the car. This much is actually true, but in fact, the door handle does not work! The small door itself needs to be pulled to actually open the car! See the gif running below.
We of course had to modify our BMW page, which you can see here. You’ll also find a link to our BMW video page with an updated iX video.
Smart Keys or Intelligent Keys, or Access Keys – or whatever the manufacturer of your chooses to call them – that let you into your car and start it with just a touch use up their internal batteries at alarming rates, catching busy drivers unawares – even though the car had tried to warn you.
Our goal is to help you feel safe – and keep you moving or get you moving if at all possible – rather than leave you fretting whenever your key fob stops working. The instructions for getting into and starting most keyless start cars can be found on our pages – without roadside assistance.
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Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.
These posts are 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.
Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.
The author has 25 years of automotive experience and has assembled the most extensive collection of symbols and warning lights anywhere (over 1,000!) and can help you open and start any keyless start car with a dead key fob battery. BA, St. Joseph’s College, ME: MS, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, NY
Open and Start Audi A3 and Q3
Volvo dashboard symbols update
We did add two new symbols related to hybrid batteries. They are one that indicates the hybrid battery is charging (far right). The other (near right) indicates that the battery is holding its charge. We surmise that this means that everything is functioning as expected.
The only symbol added related to the high voltage battery is one indicating that it is cold (right) and thus will not offer the power expected until it has warmed. On the far right is an example of a malfunction indicator that Volvo does not offer.
mark found inside the center console on the bottom and to the front (right).
Tonale back up start
Push button or keyless start cars and trucks need a location to touch or drop the key fob in the event the battery in the fob becomes depleted. This can happen as quickly as eight months, depending on use.
Since the introduction of the Giulia and Stelvio models, the only thing a driver of a keyless start Alfa Romeo had to do if their key fob died was to drop the fob in the bottom of the center console (right), a spot clearly marked by the outline of the fob itself. Time will tell if the new method in the Tonale will spread to additional models, old or new.
Polestar back up entry and start update
A mechanical key is not available to unlock the Polestar 3 or Polestar 4. The smart phone app or the vehicle’s key card will be needed. With the Polestar 3, the card is touched to the front of the driver’s door handle (right). With the Polestar 4, the card is touched to the middle of the door pillar just behind the driver’s door (far right).
Both models use a card reader at the front of the center console to start the car when the key fob’s battery has died. The reader doubles as a phone charger as well as a key fob charger for the Polestar 3!
Marc Favreau
The author has 25 years of automotive experience and has assembled the most extensive collection of symbols and warning lights anywhere (over 1,000!) and can help you open and start any keyless start car with a dead key fob battery. BA, St. Joseph's College, ME: MS, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, NY
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