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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Stress Can, Will, and Does Put Drivers in Danger

Stress Dangers

In our last post, we discussed the gap in the knowledge of automotive technology in first responders, as represented by a video from truthaboutcars.com and YouTube. It featured a man pulled over in his Tesla for having a computer mounted on his dashboard. The item is linked here.

But as we thought more about this, the video painted a very clear picture of how people tend to react to stressful situations.

Model 3 screenThe driver pulled over describes the computer as “his only center console” when he clearly meant something else and stated that it handles his air conditioning.

In truth, it is the car’s entire instrument panel! The screen offers control of everything, as well as a view to the functioning of the car, and mapping, etc. The center console is simply not in play.

A Thank You

Thank youSome weeks earlier, we had received this thank you (right) for one of our videos, covering a Mini in this case.  We’ve transcribed it here, ‘as is’.

“Thank you 73 year old lady, 2013 mini nervous and panicked in parking lot with dead FOB yesterday. Your video heloed get everything up and running. Hard to read a manual with out reading glasses in stress situation. Thank you again.”

She describes perfectly the difficulty people face solving a problem and reading a manual while under stress. And stress is the central theme.

She identifies herself as 73, and the stress is due to the all too common key fob problem that we put a great deal of emphasis on here at DashboardSymbols.com. The video we discussed earlier puts the stress of being pulled over on full display.

Is Age the Issue?

But first we also get to once again dispel the ageism myth. The driver in the video is clearly quite young and still stutters and stammers his way through his interactions with the police officer.

This reaction to stress happens to us all irrespective of age, and returns us to our primary thesis. The relentless increase in automotive technology continues to outpace driver knowledge. And for those of you tempted to blame the driver for lack of effort, we will repeat that all of us learn by use and repetition, and if a new problem crops up, it will make little difference whether or not the driver has read about it in the manual months earlier.

And it is all too often the little things — and things that could easily be removed from the equation, taking us back to key fobs. If the battery in the fob dies, there is a back up plan, but there is no standardization. We know of and have documented exposing hidden keys holes from 15 manufacturers, a dozen variations for retrieving the standard ‘hard’ key from the fob, and over 50 distinct starting variations.

The hidden key holes are a particularly pointless exercise intended only to make a square inch of the car prettier. What it does in truth is leave drivers with dead key fobs vulnerable outside of their cars, fumbling for a mechanical key and trying to expose a lock cylinder. Will it happen on a warm summer day at home? Most likely it will be dark, rainy, cold, snowy, or in a parking garage with cell service blocked.

Make no mistake, these are safety issues and the responsibility lies with the manufacturer to make getting in to the relative safety of the car as easy as possible, and the majority of manufacturers are failing.

At the very least, once inside a manual can be consulted to get help to get the car started, but remember that stress is still in play.

FOB messageOnly a few manufacturers give a useful message if starting the car fails as shown to the right. And while we had at one time hoped that the industry would move to make this clear in every vehicle, most still simply refer the driver to the manual.

Unfortunately, it will take someone getting hurt or worse, or a manufacturer getting sued before this will change, and even if it does, there will be millions of vehicles already on the road holding tight to the old ways.

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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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2018/11/stress-can-will-and-does-put-drivers-in-danger/

Why Are All My Windows Down??

Who Opened the Windows?

Here, we discuss a feature found in cars from a number of manufacturers that catches people with their pants down. Or rather with their windows down. So, this is not about a fault or a system failure or a warning light, but about something working exactly as it is supposed to, but doing so seemingly at random on its own.

Windows openIf you’ve ever walked out to your car and found all the windows open, this is the subject. Keyless start vehicles made by BMW and Mini, Honda and Acura, Ford and Lincoln, Maserati, Mercedes, Toyota and Lexus and Volkswagen Group, include what is called a convenience feature, which opens all the windows for ventilation when the unlock button is pressed and held. The sunroof will be open as well if there is one and the car unlocked.

Can it be Shut Down?

From what we’ve discovered only Mercedes and some vehicles made by the Volkswagen Group offer the option to close everything again using the lock button. The Honda we had for demonstration (below) did not.

So, what is causing the surprise window openings can be explained by accidental button presses. Whether carried in a bag or in a pocket, something pressing on the unlock button for an extended period can and will activate the feature, if the key fob is within 50 feet or so. Remember that while the fob’s keyless access can only operate within 18 to 24 inches of the vehicle’s door handle, the buttons on the key fob will work from a much greater distance.

For a fob carried in a pocket, preventing this may be a simple as turning the fob over on the key ring. The buttons will face the other way if your keys tend to rest in the pocket the same way each time.

If it is carried in a bag, the nature of keyless open and start can easily lead to the fob migrating to the bottom of the bag. Anything and everything sitting on top of the fob can and will activate the feature.

CaribinerIn this case, you might try using a device like a carabiner or snap hook. It can be hooked to a strap and still actually be closed into the bag. But it won’t work its way to the bottom. The devices come in many different sizes and colors so you can be a stylish as you’d like and they can be found online or at most hardware stores.

To finish the discussion of the functions of the actual convenience feature, the windows will stop short if the button is released, and will continue down if it is pressed and held again. Some vehicles require the unlock button to be pressed and released once before the convenience feature will work.

In Honda and Acura vehicles, the feature can also be activated by holding the mechanical key turned to the right in the key cylinder, but this will not happen accidently. Also, turning and holding the key back to the left will close the windows and sunroof.

The feature can be disabled in Ford, Lincoln, Toyota and Lexus vehicles, but you’ll need your dealer. In fact, the feature in a Toyota and Lexus must have first been activated in this way.

So, if ever you find your windows wide open one day, don’t panic — find a new way to carry your key fob.

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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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2018/10/why-are-all-my-windows-down/

Recall GM Coupes Before Someone Else Dies!

Trapped in an XLRAn Actual Death Trap

Yet another cringe worthy headline showed up on Twitter recently (September 2018). A man trapped in his car because the battery was dead. And for 14 hours. He was very, very lucky that the car wasn’t outside in the sun, or the outcome would have been very, very different.

This one hits home for us because of another incident several years ago that prompted this article on this site, but in this case, a man lost his life. So, all this needs a more thorough examination.

The problem is finding oneself locked in a car that has lost its power. It is a direct result of the move to all Cadillac XLRelectronic everything, right down to the door latches. It is also the result of very, very poor design.

Both of the incidents involve GM Coupes: a Chevrolet Corvette and a Cadillac XLR. They feature these flush door handles with a electronic button inside this opening that unlocks and opens the door if the key fob is present. If the power is lost when inside the car, the electronic button on the armrest no longer works, and while there is a back Corvetteup option, it is not remotely obvious and effectively not intuitive.

Where’s the Release?

The back up option is a mechanical release handle on the floor below the door, not on the door where any typical human would think to look. In the most recent episode, the owners manual was missing from the 12 year old XLR, which is all too common in older vehicles. And he didn’t have a cell phone with him, or he surely would have been out of his car much sooner.

In the previous incident, the gentleman had gone to the car to check on his dog, leaving his cell phone behind. Relatives reported that there was evidence that the man was looking through the manual for help when he succumbed to the heat. He and dog passed away.

It is far too easy to blame the victim here. It is true that they were not familiar with the feature. Both cars were bought used, so expecting the seller to go over more obscure features is wishful thinking.

Age Again?

It is also way too easy to blame age — the men were 75 and 72, respectively. This is when I point to an incident relayed by 20 year olds. Their friend had bought a new BMW. He then let them in the car to check it out and locked the car from the outside.

The joke was that there was no way to unlock the doors from the BMW Inside Lock Switchinside. I immediately pointed out that there IS a way out — just not where you would expect to look. The unlock button is placed in the middle of the dashboard, and the entire group was clearly unfamiliar with this quirk in a BMW. And it belongs exclusively to BMW.

Age is NOT the issue. Expectation and intuition is. Where did these 20-somethings look for an unlock button?

Tesla Door ReleaseBack to technology and design, Tesla’s vehicles all feature electronic latches. As to getting out, the rear doors in the Model S require pulling a cable located under each rear seat. The front doors are released mechanically from the inside.

The Model X front doors are all mechanically released from the inside. Perfect.

The Model 3 has a mechanical handle exactly where you would hope. On the armrest pretty much where a hand would actually be while using the armrest. It was tempting to simply open the door with it each time. A superior design.

Continental Inside ReleaseThe latest Lincoln Continental also has electronic door latches. A back up release is just below the armrest but still on the door, and only the driver’s door. However, Lincoln says that the doors will not remain latched if the power goes out.

The last two examples are far better thought out. And before anyone else finds themselves trapped in a GM Coupe, irrespective of age, we think a new way to open the doors from the inside must be devised and the cars recalled.

In our last show, we talked about changing the behavior of the one vs the behavior of the millions. And this is yet another example.

Changing the one, the manufacturer, eliminates the need for millions drivers to read, and frankly memorize, crucial new features or the entire owner’s manual. It also eliminates the need for millions of salespeople to somehow suddenly become effective teachers. Someone else’s dad, mom, brother, sister, son, daughter, husband or wife should not have to die or nearly die over poorly thought out designs.

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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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2018/09/recall-gm-coupes-before-someone-else-dies/

Start a Cadillac with a Dead Key Fob

How to Start a Cadillac with a Dead Key Fob

Starting Your Cadillac

Cadillac vehicles use two of GM‘s three different style keys and many different start procedures or locations. They are all here, and you can find a whole lot of videos here.

Inside door releaseHere’s the deal: Buckle up, find your model, and if the main start battery is still good, we’ll get you underway.

CTS, XLR, ELR

The Cadillac Coupes show up early in this list: the CTS, XLR, and ELR. So, please note immediately that the latches are electronic and if the main 12-volt battery is dead and you’ve closed the door, the lever to the right is your only escape. You will find it below the door on the floor where you would expect to find a trunk release (right). Pull it up and the door will open. There’s another on the passenger side for that door.

GM back up start 11With Style 1 (square) key fob, used in most GM vehicles prior to 2014, and in some Cadillac CTS Coupes and Sedans ongoing, place the transmitter in the transmitter pocket at the top and rear of the center console storage area with the buttons facing towards the front of the vehicle (right).

With the vehicle in Park or Neutral, press the brake pedal and the Start / Stop button to start the vehicle as you would normally.

GM start 3The XLR Coupe use either a small key fob that does not hold a mechanical key or the Style 1 fob. Regardless of the key fob type, the pocket for the transmitter (or fob) is on the left of the inside of the glove box. Place the transmitter in the pocket with the buttons facing the glove box storage area (right).

Again, with the vehicle in P (Park) or N (Neutral), press the brake pedal and the Start / Stop ignition button as normal.

SRX, CT5

GM start 2In the Cadillac SRX, the transmitter pocket is located at the bottom of the console storage area (right). The new CT5 crossover uses this location as well, but using the Style 3 key fob. The spot may be beneath a storage tray, which must be lifted out, or at least beneath all the stuff that has gathered inside. Then insert the transmitter with the buttons facing up and with the vehicle in Park or Neutral, press the brake pedal and the Start / Stop ignition button as normal.

ELR, CTS

CTS SRX back-upThe new key style, Style 3, was introduced in 2014. In the ELR Coupe and some CTS Sedans and Wagons (later models all use this location), locate the transmitter pocket on the shelf in the front of the console, as shown to the right. It is beneath a rubber that will need to be removed, and is the shape of the transmitter. Place the transmitter in the pocket, buttons facing up, and with the vehicle in Park or Neutral, press the brake pedal and the Start / Stop ignition button as normal.

XTS

XTS PocketIn the XTS sedan, the transmitter pocket is found in the front of the center console storage area. A storage tray may have to be lifted out. Place the transmitter in the pocket with the key ring up and the buttons facing out. See the image below. With the vehicle in Park or Neutral, press the brake pedal and the Start / Stop ignition button as normal. Check out the video here.

ATS

ATS STS back-upIn ATS sedan, the transmitter pocket is located in the face of the front of the inside of the center console, similar to or as shown to the right. Slide the transmitter into the pocket with the key ring facing out and buttons up. With the vehicle in Park or Neutral, press the brake pedal and the Start / Stop ignition button as normal.

CT6 back up slotCT6

In the CT6 sedan, the transmitter pocket is located in the center console as well, but  in the face of the back of the console, as shown to the right. Slide the transmitter into the pocket with the key ring up and buttons facing the front of the car. With the vehicle in Park or Neutral, press the brake pedal and the Start / Stop ignition button as normal.

XT4, Escalade

Cadillac now has new models and as has become all too common with General Motors, the back up locations are new and not reflective of any used XT4 back-uppreviously in a Cadillac model. And the Escalade went along for the ride.

In the XT4 and the 2020 Escalade and Escalade ESV, the key fob is dropped into the front cup holder, as shown to the right. Make sure the cup holder is empty and that the fob’s buttons are facing up. With the vehicle in Park or Neutral, press the brake pedal and the Start / Stop ignition button as normal.

CT4, CT5, Lyriq

Caddy rear cup holderMeanwhile, the new CT4, CT5 and Lyriq EV models, for no apparently good reason, use the rear cup holder as the back up start location. Again, make sure the cup holder is empty and that the key fob’s buttons are facing up. With the vehicle in Park or Neutral, press the brake pedal and the Start / Stop ignition button as normal to start the vehicle.

XT5, XT6

XT5 back-upIn the XT5 and XT6 SUVs, clear away anything being stored in the center console. At the bottom near the back, there is a depression shaped like the Cadillac key fob. Set the fob down in the depression with the buttons facing up. With the vehicle in Park or Neutral, step on the brake pedal and press the Start / Stop ignition button as normal.

Escalade, pre 2020

The large SUV’s from GM, including the Escalade (prior to 2020), feature a transmitter Tahoe Escalade Suburban back-uppocket also located in the face of the front of the inside of the center console. However, the pocket points down, as shown to the right. The pocket in the Escalade is placed to the center and a bit lower. Slide the transmitter into the pocket with the key ring facing out, buttons forward (in a Suburban we had on hand, the engine started with the buttons facing either way). It is a loose fit, so don’t be concerned. With the vehicle in Park or Neutral, press the brake pedal and the Start / Stop ignition button as normal. Check out the video here.

Note: If you have made an attempt to start the vehicle without success, there may be residual pressure in the brake system and a new warning light may appear (left) or text Engine Start Operation Indicatormessage to Step on the Brake. Press the brake pedal very, very hard when trying to start the vehicle again to be sure that the release switch behind the pedal is engaged. Or wait a few minutes and try again.

… Return to Part I

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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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2018/09/cadillac-dead-key-fob-help-part-ii-getting-started/

Open a Cadillac with a Dead Key Fob

How to Open a Cadillac with a Dead Key Fob

Getting into Your Cadillac

Retrieving the mechanical key

Cadillac vehicles use three key GM Key Style 1fob (remote control or ‘clicker’) styles, and two (GM Styles 1 and 3) have mechanical keys embedded inside. That key will be used to unlock the driver’s door or the trunk (yes, the trunk) and in some cases to remove a piece of the car!

If your vehicle is the XLR Coupe, a mechanical key is provided separately. Be sure to keep it around!

For Style 1 (above right), 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.

GM Style 3The Style 3 key fob is similar to Style 1, in that the mechanical key is removed from the fob for use getting into the vehicle. To remove the mechanical key, press the button on the side of the transmitter near the key ring, as shown, and pull out the key.

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

Getting Inside

GM Lock Cover RemoveCT4, CT6, CTS, XT4, XT5, XT6, XTS, ATS

Many GM models hide the key holes under a cap at the back of the driver’s door. They include the Cadillac CT4, CT6, CTS, XT4, XT5, XT6, XTS and ATS.

*Note the additional Escalade instructions below and that 2020 brings a  completely new cap, also below.

To remove the first 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 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.

Escalade

The Escalade, until 2017, features a new wrinkle in the hidden Escalade Cylinder Capkey hole. The cylinder is hidden in the same place and manner, but the cap is the top, 1/8 of an inch portion. To remove it, the door handle must be pulled fully open. Then, push the cap towards the handle to release it. It may take a bit of force to accomplish this. See two videos here.

XTS extra

IMPORTANT! The Cadillac XTS uses both types of caps to hide the key holes shown above. Look or feel for a slot as described with the first cap. If its there, follow the first instructions. If there is no slot, follow the instructions for the early Escalade.

Replacing it is a simple matter of reversing the removal process and simpler than the process needed for the old style.

Escalade, CT5

GM Lock Cover RemoveIn the middle of the 2017 model year, the Escalade, while retaining the hidden key hole, was shifted to the method shown previously. So, starting in 2017, look for a slot beneath the cap. If its there, use the key as described above. Push it into the slot as far upwards as possible, then pry outward. Move the cap rearward revealing the key cylinder.

New Caddy lock cylinder capThen in 2020, Cadillac came up with a whole new cap. As with the first style, there is a slot beneath the cap (right). The handle is first identified by its more curved appearance front to back and a separation near the top. Only the bottom can be removed. It is found on the Escalade and CT5.

Insert the mechanical key into the slot at the bottom of the handle and push upward all the way until the New Caddy cap swinging upcover frees. It will pop out about 1/8 of an inch. Remove the key – do not pry or pull with it. Once free, the cap simply swings up and can be pulled away (right).

With all these options the mechanical key can be used in the now-exposed lock cylinder. We have a video here as well to help.

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!

CTS, XLR, ELR

Coupe_flush_handleThe CTS, XLR and ELR Coupes have flush door handles (left image) with no key holesCTS ELR open handle 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 open, you will find a release handle. It is below the forward lip of the trunk (right). Pulling the door release lever will unlock as well as unlatch the driver’s door.

Lyriq trunkWe have two videos for coupes here.

Lyriq

Similarly but more simply, the new Lyriq EV also requires the trunk or liftgate be unlocked using the mechanical key (right image). The front door will unlock at the same time.

Note that if the key simply spins in the cylinder, make sure that the key is fully inserted.

Related: Getting Out!

Continue to Starting Instructions …

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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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2018/09/cadillac-dead-key-fob-help-part-i-getting-in/

Open a GMC with a Dead Key Fob

How to Open a GMC with a Dead Key Fob

Getting into Your GMC

Retrieving the Mechanical Key

GM Style 3Yukon key fobKeyless or push button start GMC models use the third of three GM key styles. A mechanical key is held inside the fob and is needed to get into the vehicle.

There are two slightly different shapes, but each operates in the same basic way. There is a button on the side of the key fob or transmitter near the key ring, as shown above. To remove the mechanical key, press the button and pull the key away.

Getting Inside

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

Unfortunately, many GM models hide the key holes under a cap at the back of the driver’s door, and this includes the GMC GM Lock Cover RemoveAcadia and Terrain. 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 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.

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!

Continue to Part II, Getting Started …

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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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2018/09/gmc-dead-key-fob-help/

Start a Buick with a Dead Key Fob

How to Start a Buick with a Dead Key Fob

Starting Your  Buick

GM vehicles use three different style keys, of which Buick uses the last two. There are several starting options, and we have videos here.

So, find your model, and if the main start battery is still good, we’ll get you underway…

Verano, Regal, LaCrosse (pre 2014)

Lacrosse key fob pocketWith the flip key key fob, the mechanical key remains attached to the fob, but several back-up locations are used. In the Buick Verano, Regal (through 2017) and pre-2014 LaCrosse, remove the cup holder from the center console in front of the storage area. This may be the entire cup holder assembly (above right), or simply a cup holder insert (below right).

Verano Lacrosse Reagal back-upLook for a notch at the top rear of the cup holders to insert a finger or tool to aide removal. Then place the transmitter in the transmitter pocket with the buttons facing up. The pocket will be shaped somewhat like the key fob.

Note that, as can be seen, the console areas look different from model to model, but the pocket is indeed beneath the cup holders. With the key fob in place and with the vehicle in Park or Neutral, press the brake pedal and the Start / Stop ignition button as normal.

Regal

2018 Regal back upThe back up location is changed in the Regal beginning with the 2018 model year, and the car uses a newer key fob. The spot is in a narrow compartment at the front of the center console, as can be seen in the image at right. And for the first time in any GM vehicle, the spot is marked. There is an image of a padlock with lines radiating from it, meant to invoke radio waves.

Place the key fob in the compartment and step on the brake and start the vehicle as normal using the Start / Stop button.

LaCrosse, 2014

2014 Lacrosse back-upFor the LaCrosse in 2014 and later, the transmitter pocket is moved into the storage area inside the armrest near the auxiliary power, USB and audio ports (right). Place the transmitter in the pocket.

Once again, with the vehicle in Park or Neutral, press the brake pedal and the Start / Stop ignition button as normal. Look for video help here.

Encore, Envision early

Cruze back up spot 2The newest key style was introduced in 2014. It features a removable key. Note that there are still some flip keys in use. The Buick Encore, with  exception, and Envision, until 2021, crossovers will use this spot. Simply drop the key fob into the front cup holder with the buttons up, and start the car as normal. Check out videos for these models here.

Encore, Envista

Encore GX back up spotThe exception is the Encore GX, beginning with the 2020 model. There is a small depression at the rear of a tray on the center console that is just in front of the center console storage area. This is the back up spot. The new Envista model introduced in 2024 uses this spot as well. Drop the key fob onto this spot with the buttons up and start the car as normal, again pressing the Start / Stop button while stepping on the brake.

Envision, 2021 and later

2021 Envision slotAnd the 2021 Envision finds the back up spot moved to the front of the center console storage area, See the image to the right. Inside and at the front of the console there is a small, flat depression. Drop the key fob onto this spot with the buttons facing up and start the vehicle as normal, stepping on the brake while pushing the Start / Stop button. See a helpful video here.

Enclave

Enclave back up spotFinally, the Buick Enclave gets keyless start for the first time in 2018. The back up spot is beneath the rubber mat at the bottom of the center console. Remove the mat and place the transmitter on the fob-shaped depression that is now  visible. As always, with the vehicle in Park or Neutral, press the brake pedal and the Start / Stop ignition button as normal. We’ll post more information as it comes available.

Note: If you have made an attempt to start the vehicle without success, there may be residual pressure in the brake system and a new warning light may appear (left) or text Engine Start Operation Indicatormessage to Step on the Brake. Press the brake pedal very, very hard when trying to start the vehicle again to be sure that the release switch behind the pedal is engaged. Or wait a few minutes and try again.

… Return to Part I, Getting In

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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.

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