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
There are three general styles of key fobs in use with Volkswagen and Audi models. With the older style shown to the right, press the chrome button on the back of the key fob (remote control or ‘clicker’) to release the spring-loaded mechanical key, which remains attached to the key fob.
Newer Volkswagen and Audi models use what they called an Advanced Key, shown to the left. The mechanical key is separated 
from the fob (or remote control or ‘clicker’) by pressing the button on the back side of the fob, shown with the arrow, while pulling on the same key ring end.
Audi introduced a third Advanced Key fob style in 2016 that for some reason requires pushing two buttons at the same time. They are on either side of the key ring end, as shown. Push them both while pulling the key ring out to retrieve the mechanical key.
And yet a fourth key fob from Audi has a chrome button on the back, similar to the unit above, but below the chrome end. push the button and pull on the key ring end to remove the mechanical key. We saw it first in the new 2019 Q8.
On some models, the lock cylinder (keyhole) at the back of the door handle will be visible. If so, simply use the key blade to unlock the door.
If the keyhole at the back of the driver’s door handle is hidden, press the key blade about a half inch straight up in the hole on the underside of the keyhole cover (a). If you are in the dark, you may need to feel for the hole. This action will loosen the cover and pulling on the door handle will allow you to remove it. Yes, you must remove a piece of the car. Use the mechanical key in the now-exposed lock to unlock the driver’s door.
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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
Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2012/04/volkswagen-and-audi-dead-key-fob-help/
Fisker introduced the range-extended electric Karma in 2011. The company went broke but has since returned with the all electric Ocean. They’re on the fiscal ropes again.
There aren’t too many on the road, but if you have one and need to get in and get started when its key fob dies, this is the place to be.
For the Karma model, press the button on the reverse of the key fob (remote control or ‘clicker’) and slide the emergency key blade or mechanical key free (right image).
Insert the key into the lock located beneath the passenger side door handle. This will set off the vehicle’s alarm. We do not know if this will unlock the driver’s door as well, 
which could make getting to the next step very difficult while an alarm is blaring.
See the emergency start procedure on the next page. The alarm will will be turned off when the vehicle is started.
The Ocean’s key fob does not have a mechanical key, but there is still a back up opening procedure.
Place the Fisker logo on the back of the fob against the light colored strip in the center of the driver’s door handle roughly where the arrow is pointing (right). It may need to be moved a half inch one way or the other. The handle will detect the key fob and will extend to the open position.
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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
Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2012/04/fisker-dead-key-fob-help/
Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2012/04/distracted-driving-from-outside-the-lines/
Three key fob or remote key or remote control styles are in play for Volvo. With new ownership and a redesign of the XC-90 in 2016 and spreading into other models as they are updated, including the first new Polestar models, comes a new key fob style.
It should be noted that in 2021, a smart phone app became available for both Volvo and Polestar models and can be used to open and start these vehicles. A key card is added beginning in 2024.
As we noted, beginning with the 2016 Volvo XC-90 redesign as well as all Polestar models, a new style key fob is used (right). To retrieve the mechanical key or key blade, look for a slide lever on the top of the key ring end of the fob. This will free the front cover, which needs to be removed.
To do this, push the cover slightly down and away from the key ring end. It can then be pulled up and out, exposing the mechanical key. The key blade can then be lifted out.
The key holes on most models may not be immediately visible, but help with that can be found below.
With the previous generation key fobs, the is pulled away from the fob rather easily. Slide the spring loaded catch on the back of Remote Key (remote control or ‘clicker’) to the side. Pull the key blade straight out of the remote key. On some models, the lock cylinder (keyhole) at the back of the door handle will be visible. If so, use the key blade to unlock the door. See below if the key hole is hidden.
With the first generation Remote Key, a similar spring loaded catch will be found on the top of the fob, on the key ring end. As with the fob above, slide the catch to the side and pull the mechanical key away. Again, the lock cylinder (keyhole) at the back of the door handle may or may not be visible. See below if the key hole is hidden.
Note: Unlocking the vehicle with the mechanical key will set off the alarm. Following the start procedure will also turn off the alarm.
In the Volvo XC-90 and other redesigns going forward since 2016, as well as the Polestar 2, the key hole is also hidden, but easily found and nothing needs to be removed. Simply pull the door handle out as far as possible and the key hole is exposed, as shown in the image.
Insert the mechanical key (it may be awkward to get at) and turn it clockwise to unlock. Remove the key blade and release the handle. Pull the handle once again and you are in the car.
The Polestar 1 features a door handle that is flush to the car’s body. Push the front of the handle inward and pull away the back, as seen to the right. The key hole is now exposed. As above, insert the mechanical key and turn it clockwise to unlock. Remove the key blade and release the handle. Pull the handle once again and you are in the car.
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).
The app simply uses a tap on the screen.
For older Volvo models, if the keyhole at the back of the driver’s door handle is hidden, follow the next set of instructions.
Press the key blade about a half inch straight up in the hole on the underside of the keyhole cover (right), found at the back of the driver’s door handle. This action will force off the cover. If you are in the dark, you may need to feel for the hole. Yes, you must remove a piece of the car, but it is ok and necessary. Use the mechanical key in the now-exposed lock to unlock the driver’s door.
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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
Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2012/04/volvo-dead-key-fob-help/
Four key fob (remote control or ‘clicker’) versions may be seen in Toyota, Lexus and Scion models. The earliest version (left), used only in the Lexus LS for a few years, the mechanical key remains attached to the key fob. Pull the latch found on top of the fob. At the same time, slide the lever on the side upward until the key blade is fully exposed.
The mechanical key is removed from the remaining fob styles. Slide the catch on the top of most Lexus key fobs, or on the side of Toyota and Scion models. Some later 
Lexus models use this key as well. Pull the key ring from the fob while the catch is slid to one side to remove the emergency or mechanical key blade.
A slight variation in even later Lexus models has the slide lever on the top of the key ring end, but not on the mechanical key itself. Slide the lever and pull the key ring away to retrieve the mechanical key.
On some models, the lock cylinder or keyhole at the back of the door handle will be visible. If so, use the key blade to unlock the door.
If the keyhole is not visible, insert the mechanical key into the slot at the base of the door lock cover located near the back of the driver’s door handle and lift slightly to pry away the lock cover and expose the lock cylinder. If you are in the dark, you may need to feel for the slot. Yes, you must pry off a piece of the car. Insert the key blade into the now-exposed lock cylinder to operate. The key can only be inserted in one direction, so turn the key over and try again if it does not go in the first time.
If you do not see a seam or a keyhole, you have the latest Lexus models, the NX, UX and RC as well as RX models built after 2016. This door handle style has since been incorporated into ES and LS models. Pull the driver’s door handle out as shown in the image to expose the keyhole. Insert the mechanical key and turn and you’re in. There is only a small amount of space, so actually turning the key can be a chore.
If you are fortunate enough to own the Lexus LC models, the door handles are flush to the body. Press the front of the driver’s door handle inwards, then pull the rear of the handle out. The key hole is then exposed behind the rear portion of the handle. As above, insert the key and turn and you’re in.
Finally, with the re-introduced Toyota Supra in 2020 come open and start features clearly taken from BMW! The key hole is hiding behind an oval shaped cover at the back of the driver’s door handle. Pull the door handle out and feel for a metal clip is behind the cap and give it a push outward.
The cap will practically fly off revealing the key cylinder. You are still removing a piece of your car and its still ok! Let go of the handle and use the mechanical key to unlock the door using the key cylinder that is now visible through the handle and you’ll be inside.
New in 2023, Lexus NX, RX, RZ and TX feature a rectangular pry off cover (right) at the back of the driver’s door handle. Slip a credit card or some equivalent into a gap at the front of the cover and pry the cover outward. When the cover clears the handle, push it from the rear to remove it fully. The key hole will then be exposed.
Click here for video help with these models and key fobs.
Models covered include the Lexus CT, ES, GS, GX, IS, LS, LX, NX, RC, RX, RZ, TX, UX, and Toyota FR-S, iA, iM, tC, 4Runner, Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Highlander, Land Cruiser, Mirai, RAV4, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma, Tundra, Yaris, 86, C-HR, Supra, and Prius.
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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
Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2012/04/toyota-scion-or-lexus-dead-key-fob-help/
For a Nissan– and Infiniti-made vehicle, to remove the mechanical key, release 
the lock knob at the back of the Intelligent Key (remote control or ‘clicker’). Use the mechanical key in the driver’s door key cylinder to unlock the door.
And then in 2017, Infiniti introduced the QX30 AND a brand new key fob. At least to them. So, here’s the deal…
The second key fob is the spitting image of the fob used by the Mercedes-Benz folks for years. A few old Chrysler Corp. (now FCA) vehicles use it too.
The fob (right) has a tapered tip at one end and a slide lever at the top of the key ring end (1). Slide the lever over and pull the key ring to retrieve the mechanical key.
As noted, the key hole on nearly all Nissan and Infiniti models is visible at the back of the driver’s door handle, and the mechanical key can be used to unlock it. Two exceptions to this are the Nissan GT-R and the Infiniti QX80. The key hole is a bit hidden, behind the front of the driver’s door handle and a cap that must be removed.
To access the key hole, press the rear end of the driver’s door handle to lift up the front end, just as you would normally to get inside. Note the cap shown in the image (above right, A). While holding the door handle out, use the mechanical key and turn the cap counterclockwise to remove it. Once removed, the key hole is exposed and the mechanical key can at last be used to unlock the driver’s door (above right).
In the 2025, the QX80 offered a new feature — flush door handles that extend when the key fob approaches the vehicle. If the battery in the fob is weak or dead, this will not occur. Getting to the key hole is a process similar to that for the GT-R. Press the front of the door handle inward. This rotates the rear of the handle outward (right, upper). The handle can then be pulled open. Do so as far as it will go exposing the key hole beneath the back of the handle (right, lower). You can now use the mechanical key to unlock the car.
Click here for video help with Nissan and Infiniti models and key fobs.
Models examined include 370Z, Altima, Armada, Cube, Frontier, GT-R, Juke, Kicks, Maxima, Murano, NV, Pathfinder, Quest, Rogue, Sentra, Titan, Versa, Xterra, Z, EX, FX, G, JX-35, M, Q40, Q50, Q60, Q70, QX30, QX50, QX55, QX56, QX60, QX70, and QX80.
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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
Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2012/04/nissan-infiniti-dead-key-fob-help/
Mercedes-Benz now features two SmartKey styles. The original and most common style is tapered, like the one shown to the right. To retrieve the mechanical key, slide the release catch found near the top of the fob in the direction of the arrow and pull the mechanical key away from the SmartKey (remote control or ‘clicker’).
In 2017, a second, rounded SmartKey style was introduced in the E-Class sedan, and is shown to the right. It migrated to S-Class sedans in 2018 and is found in all 2018 E-Class models.
Look for a button on the back of the newer key fob. Push the button and pull on the key ring end to remove the mechanical key, as shown in the image to the right.
In 2021, another key fob was added to the S-Class Maybach that looks similar and operates very similarly. It is a little more tapered at the key ring end. Again, push the button on the back and remove the mechanical key.
If the keyhole is visible, use the mechanical key to unlock the driver’s door. This will set off the car’s alarm. Successfully completing the start process below will turn it off.
G-series wagons have an exposed key hole, so simply insert the mechanical key and turn, and you’re in.
However, beginning in 2015 with the S- and C-Class vehicles and extended over time to nearly all models, the keyhole is hidden beneath a cap at the end of the driver’s door handle (below right). The mechanical key will be used a lever to remove the cap to expose the key hole.
Make sure the handle of the mechanical key is pointed away from the paint. Insert the key into the opening (black arrow) underneath the cap as far as it will go. Hold the door handle out. Pull the cap that is now on the mechanical key as straight as possible away from the vehicle until it releases.
Once removed, the key hole is visible and available to insert the key and unlock. As above, this will set off the car’s alarm, which will be taken care of when you successfully complete the start process below.
The 2021 Maybach adds flush door handles. This has now been added to AMG and EQS models in 2023, EQE, E-Class, S-Class and C-Class models in 2024.
The key hole is revealed in the center of the space when the door handle is pulled open. To do this, push the front of the door handle (top image, right). The rear of the handle will pop out. Take hold of the handle and pull. Use the mechanical key in the exposed key cylinder (bottom image, right). Once again, the alarm may sound, but it will go off when the car is started.
Finally, the 2023 CLE Cabriolet and 2024 GLC models employ yet another method to hide the key hole. Pulling the driver’s door handle to the open position reveal the key hole underneath the back of the handle. Simply insert the key and turn and you’ll be inside. And yet again, the alarm will likely sound, but it will go off when the car is started.
Click here for video help specific to many Mercedes models and key fobs.
Important
After using the mechanical key, return it to the electronic key fob. The key fob itself may require the mechanical key to be present to operate.
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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
Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2012/04/mercedes-dead-key-fob-help/
Distracted Driving from Outside the Lines
DOT Guidelines
The recent U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) release of its guidelines on the topic of distracted driving has spurred a good deal of discussion in the media. The guidelines call for automakers to disable applications in the vehicles center stack or infotainment system that allow drivers to manually access social media, surf the Web or send text messages while on the road.
All well and good. Very, very good in fact. Really, do we want drivers web surfing or reading text messages while driving?
More Distractions
Warning lights and indicators have long been the province of a vehicle’s instrument panel and the preferred means of communication between the vehicle and its driver. An entire collection of automotive hieroglyphics has been developed and continues to be developed.
Now, vehicles with multifunction displays offer multiple screens to peer at while driving: text on navigation information, tire pressures, fuel consumption, telephone use, and more may be available. And each segment likely offers additional information through menu manipulation. These items are generally very easily accessed with controls mounted on the steering wheel, but the information displayed ultimately requires the driver’s eyes to absorb.
And now, message screens are being employed to add instruction, explanation or general information on a vehicle’s status. The idea is sound, but the implementation lies squarely at the center of the DOT’s current concern.
Our perspective is that the driver distraction debate is an opportunity to step back and reconsider the entire landscape. Vehicles are in constant communication with their drivers, and are becoming communication hubs, bringing information and entertainment from without.
Voice commands are in play and offer a path to follow. Perhaps it is time for vehicles themselves to be given a voice. And not just for reading text messages aloud. In theory, it could speak aloud the meaning of a given tell-tale so a lay person can understand, or the status of tires pressures on request, and so on. Certainly there are challenges in implementation – variations in definitions, requests to repeat or no longer repeat information, etc – but it is time to consider allowing a vehicle to communicate its status through 2-way voice interaction. The iPhone’s Siri points the way.
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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