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
How to Open a Mazda with a Dead Key Fob
Retrieving the mechanical keyFor early Mazda models, slide the release lever on the back of the advanced key (remote control or ‘clicker’) to release the auxiliary (mechanical) key. Pull out the auxiliary key from the advanced key. Use the key to unlock the driver’s door.
In 2020, Mazda introduced a new key fob style. It is distinguished by the lock, unlock etc. buttons being found on one side of the fob. The mechanical or auxiliary key is found inside.
To access it, slide the lever found on the top of the fob towards the side, as the arrow indicates. The back cover can then be slid 
away in the opposite direction and removed. The mechanical key can be seen inside and is simply lifted away, as shown.
If a key hole is visible, simply insert the mechanical key and turn and you’re in.
However, also in 2020, Mazda introduced a new door handle in the the Mazda3 and CX-30 models. This change has moved to the CX-50 and CX-90 by 2025. In these 
models, the key hole can be seen only when the door handle is pulled to the open position. It may be awkward to reach and drivers with large hands may have difficulty, but the mechanical key must be inserted into the key hole while the door handle is pulled open. See the image to the right.
Once inserted, turn the key to the right. Return the key to the original position and remove it. Release the handle and pull it open again and you’ll be inside the car.
For pre-2020 models, there is video help here.
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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/mazda-dead-fob-help/
Jaguar and Land Rover use four versions of Smart Keys fobs. For the first one, press 
and hold the release button while pulling the key blade from the Smart Key (remote control or ‘clicker’) body. The release button must be pressed as well to return the key blade.
For the second, press and hold the release button on the side of the fob, while lifting the emergency (mechanical) key blade cover from the Smart Key body. Extract the emergency key blade and unfold. 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.
The third version, used by both Jaguar and Land Rover, hides the mechanical or emergency key beneath a chrome cover on one side of the fob. Slide the side cover towards the top of the fob as shown to release and remove it. The mechanical key can then be slipped out the same way and unfolded.
Note that we have seen fobs from Land Rover that are missing their fold out keys! If you run into this, you will, unfortunately, need to get in touch with your dealer as soon as possible.
The newest version of the fob is thankfully a simple side button press (arrow, right) and a pull. The mechanical key is the key ring end of the fob. We have seen two instances of mechanical keys missing from key fobs in the previous styles. This will not be an issue with the newest fob.
Vehicles using the versions 3 and 4 key fob all have hidden key holes, so move to the next steps, below.
If the keyhole is not visible, insert the key blade 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. The key blade will need to be twisted slightly as well. If you are in the dark, you may need to feel for the slot. Yes, you must pry off a piece of the car. It is uncomfortable but necessary and will uncover the hidden keyhole.
For the Land Rover and some Jaguars built after 2015 and using 
the Style 3 key fob, the process is just slightly different. There is still an access hole or slot beneath the key hole cover. Insert the key blade into the slot and press down on the cover slightly. Gently lever the key blade upwards and rotate the lock cover upwards to release it. And again, yes, you are prying off a piece of the car.
Once you have exposed the lock cylinder, use the mechanical key to unlock the driver’s door. The alarm sounds until the Smart Key is positioned correctly. To disarm the alarm continue to Starting Instructions in Part II.
The Range Rover Velar, first offered in 2018, takes a page from the Tesla play book. Its door handles reach out when the driver touches it while an active key fob is present. They will remain fixed if 
the key fob’s battery is dead or there is interference. The Land Rover Evoque and Jaguar I-Pace now feature the new handle as well. Other models will likely follow.
The lock cylinder is hidden behind the flush handle. To get at it, press the front of the handle. The rear of the handle will be pushed out. Pull the entire handle out to the fully deployed position.
Once you have exposed the lock cylinder at the rear of the handle, use the mechanical key, which is the same in this model as others built since 2015, to unlock the driver’s door. Again, the alarm sounds until the Smart Key is positioned correctly. To disarm the alarm continue to Starting Instructions in Part II.
Also, check out our videos for additional Land Rover help.
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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/jaguar-dead-fob-help/
Retrieving the mechanical keyHyundai has used a flip key key fob since 2015 and they remain in use today (2025) in some models. The mechanical key is found by pressing the chrome button on the end opposite the key ring. The mechanical key is released and remains attached to the fob.
To use the most common Hyundai key fobs, press and hold the release button at the key ring end of the remote control or ‘clicker’ and pull the key ring to remove mechanical key. Use the key to unlock the driver’s door. They too remain in limited use today (2025).
Newer version key fobs are available that look very similar and operate in the same way, with one primary exceptions, found next.
The exception come in the form of key fobs with the mechanical release on the back, which. Hyundai began using in 2019 (right). Push the button in order to release the mechanical key.
If a key hole is visible, use the key to unlock the driver’s door.
With the introduction of the Ionic 6 in 2022, Hyundai began 
supplying a new key fob and separate mechanical key shown to the right. This fob has spread to other models as well. To use the mechanical key, a protective cover must be removed and its handle rotated down.
In our opinion, this development is a prescription for disaster, as the mechanical keys can easily be lost or simply left behind, so by all means activate the additional unlock features described below!
Starting with the 2014 Hyundai Genesis, (prior to the new independent Genesis line, which debuted in 2017), the manufacturer adopted the hidden keyhole 
trick. Several other Hyundai models have been added since, namely the Santa Fe, in 2024, and Venue. These models all feature a two-piece door handle. As shown in the image to the left, press the mechanical key into the slot found under the cover at the back of the driver’s door handle (1) and pull forward and up by hand (2).
Pulling the cap while holding some upward pressure will work best. There is a black button in the slot that is being pushed up with the key in this move and the cap is immediately to move!
A “hybrid” of this was introduced in 2020 in the Sonata. By 2024, it is found in the Elantra, Santa Cruz, and Tucson. The mechanical key is again slipped into a slot beneath the back of the door handle and pushed upwards. Now however, a small cover, seen in blue to the left, is slid to the side and out of the way. This should be done when the mechanical key is still inserted and pushed upward. The keyhole is then revealed.
The redesign of the Kona brings with it a new and odd door two-piece handle, as seen to the left. It still features a cap that hides the key hole, which must be removed. It looks like the others, but to get at the key hole, lift the door handle and hold it in the open position. Slip the mechanical key into the open slot in the cap from behind it and rotate the cap upwards. It will come free, exposing the key hole.
And yes one way or another you must pull a piece of your car off, but its ok! The cover will come off exposing the keyhole.
In 2019, a very different hidden key hole style was introduced in the Hyundai Santa Fe (removed in 2024), the new Palisade model a year later and the Elantra in 2021. The handle for all intents and purposes is one piece, but a small piece of horizontal trim located just behind the black entry button (arrow) is removable. Pull the handle outward. This exposes another small black button just behind the handle (2, below). Look at the handle from behind to find it.
Push the button inwards using the mechanical key. This releases the trim piece that can be swung away exposing the keyhole. The key can then be turned to unlock the car. Pull the key out before opening the door to avoid damaging the door handle.
We have a video of the process on this page.
Afterwards, the cover can be pressed back on, but your immediate concern is getting into your car.
Ionic, Ionic 5 and Ionic 6 vehicles feature a flush door handle. A push on the front of the handle will rotate the rear part outward. Then pull the handle out as far as it will go. In all vehicles except the Nexo, the key hole is immediately visible (left). The mechanical key can be inserted and turned to unlock the vehicle.
In the Nexo, a plug protects the key hole, likely from water and debris. Use the mechanical key to pry the plug away (first image left) and then insert the key to unlock the car.
Hyundai vehicles that include a separate mechanical key include two digital options and a facial recognition option. Digital options include a pre-registered card key and a smart phone app on a registered smart phone. The card key and app can also start the car. However, facial recognition will only open the vehicle, so the key fob, card key or smart phone app will be needed to start the car.
Place the registered smart phone or card key against the pad for two seconds to unlock the driver’s door and for four seconds to unlock all the doors.
Facial recognition is accomplished using a camera mounted in the pillar behind the driver’s door. Again, this will only allow entry and other means will be needed to start the car, so this is of limited value.
However, given that the mechanical key is supplied separately and can be far too easily misplaced, we highly recommend following the instructions in the owner’s manual to activate both the smart phone and facial recognition features as back up entry options and to keep the card key with you at all times.
Also, check our videos for additional help.
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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/hyundai-and-kia-dead-fob-help/
On This Page
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.
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 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 Impala, Tahoe, Suburban, Malibu, Cruze, Camaro and Volt as well as new Bolt and Blazer models. 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.
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!
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.
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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/general-motors-dead-fob-help/
On This Page
Ford vehicles use a number of different Intelligent Access 
(IA) (remote control or ‘clicker’) key styles. Two of the key fobs use a sliding release on the back side to release the key. Two new key fobs use a push button to release the mechanical key, and one is much easier than the other to use. Another holds the key inside the fob itself and is really difficult to remove.
To release the mechanical key blade in your IA key fob, slide the release on the back of the transmitter and pull the blade out. You can now use the mechanical key to unlock the driver’s door.
An exception is the third key fob style shown. In this case, the removable mechanical key blade is held inside the fob. Slide the release on the back of the remote control (top arrow) and pivot the cover off 
(pull is straight up and off) to access the key blade. Its awkward and may take some practice. That mechanical key can now be used to unlock the driver’s door.
This fourth and unusual Intelligent Access key fob is found with only a handful of Ford models. The mechanical key blade is found on the back of the fob. 
To remove it, push the buttons on either side of the key fob.
We have not seen one of these, so it is not immediately obvious if the mechanical key stays attached to the fob, as it would appear from the image, or if it can actually be removed.
Finally, this last key fob was introduced in some Fords in 2017, and it is the simplest to use. 
It has a push button on the front of the mechanical key itself near the key ring space. Simply push the button and pull the mechanical key away from the IA key.
In 2013, the Ford Fusion became yet another car that has the key hole hidden under a cap at the back of the driver’s door handle. The 2015 Mustang and 
the 2016 Edge have since been added to this list.
To remove the cap, insert the key blade into the slot on the bottom of the handle (right image, bottom arrow) and press up. While holding that upward pressure, move the cap rearward to release it. Gently remove the key while doing so. Yes, the effect is that of prying off a piece of your car but its OK and necessary!
To reinstall the cap, place it just forward of the key cylinder. While applying pressure to the cap, move it forward until it is in place. It snaps into place. Make sure the cap is properly installed by trying to move it rearward.
Remember, getting IN the car is most important. If you have difficulty replacing the cap, don’t bother. Let your dealer do it when you get a new battery for your IA Key Fob!
Look for video help here.
The Ford Expedition is updated for 2018, and features another way to hide the key hole. The door handles are a single piece. The key hole is easily exposed by simply pulling the driver’s door handle. It is seen angled outward at the back end of the handle. Insert the mechanical key and turn clockwise. Remove the key and release the handle. The door will open on the next pull. Note that the alarm will sound in a minute or so if the car is not started in time.
GTThe Ford GT uses all electronic locks and latches. The end result is that there is no key hole to unlock a door. So, to get in, you’ll need to open the rear hatch!
Use the mechanical key to open it. A key hole is located just above and to the right of the license plate, as depicted in the image to the right. Note that if you have the rare 
Competition Series GT, the key hole is on the top of the hatch.
Once the hatch is open, look for a release cable and handle located at the upper left of the storage area beneath the hatch, as seen in the image. Pull the handle to release the driver’s door.
The new all electric Mustang Mach E uses electronic latches. A button above the door handle (right) is pressed and the door pops open. If the key fob is dead, the vehicle offers is no opportunity to use the mechanical key to get inside. However, the car can be accessed with an app on your smart phone or using the keyless entry code panel on the door post.
——————————————————————-
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/ford-lincoln-dead-fob-help/
Retrieving the mechanical keyTo remove the emergency (mechanical) key from a key fob belonging to early Chrysler or Dodge vehicle, slide the mechanical latch at the top of the back of the Key Fob (remote control or ‘clicker’) to the side and then pull the mechanical key out with your free hand.
The Key Fobs used in models built after 2010 are sleeker and rounded (see the image to the right) but work the same way. Slide the mechanical latch at the top of the back of the Fob to the side and pull the emergency key out with your free hand.
Even newer models, including Ram trucks, use an updated, flatter version of the key fob. The button is on the side, as denoted by the bottom arrow. The mechanical key is removed by once again pulling on the key ring end with your free hand.
In all these models, a key hole is visible at the back of the driver’s door. Simply insert the mechanical key and turn and you’re in.
——————————————————————-
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/chrysler-dodge-dead-fob-help/
While a mechanical key can be used if you have the new iX or i4 all electric models, you’ll have two additional options as well .
For your BMW or Mini, press the button on the back of the remote control (or ‘clicker’) and pull the key ring end to remove the integrated key. The integrated or mechanical key can be used to unlock the driver’s door.
In 2014, BMW and Mini both added themselves to the list of manufacturers hiding the keyhole or 
lock cylinder, and introduced a new, slightly redesigned key fob. The button in this case, is on the side, as shown. Press it and pull the key ring end to remove the mechanical key.
The Mini key is rounder. The newest version, 
shown, has a button on the neck. Push it while pulling the key ring with your free hand to retrieve the mechanical key. On all other Mini key fobs, the button is simply on the back.
In 2015, in higher end models, BMW introduced a Display Key. The mechanical key is separate and should be carried in a wallet or purse! The Display Key itself can be recharged in the car (see the end of this page). If the Display Key goes dead and the mechanical key is not available, roadside assistance will be necessary.
With the latest EV line, the iX, i4 and i5 so far, come new key fobs. The i4 and i5 have a traditional looking fob, very much like the second one above. Push the button on the side and pull the key away. However, it will need to be used in a very tight space and so needs to be “undressed”. Slide the frame down the key and remove (right).
The iX mechanical key is behind the chrome cover on the key fob. Look for the button shown (first image). Press it and pull away the cover in the direction of the larger arrow. Then rotate the mechanical key out from the fob starting with the key’s tip (second image).
The electric models we noted above use a mechanical key for entry, as well. Lift the handle (right) of the i4 or i5 to expose the keyhole (black arrow).
In the iX, note a small door on the far right in the entry opening. Push to release it and pull it away to expose the key hole in the same spot (right). This handle has since spread 
the ICE powered 7-Series and will likely find its way to other models.
Note that once the key has been used in the lock, the door used to expose the key hole is now used to open the driver’s door itself. Pull it away to the left until the door unlatches. The actual door handle will not operate.
Both handle styles also feature a proximity detection pad. It is located somewhat in the middle of the driver’s door handle on the i4 (first image) and at the front of the driver’s door handle on the iX and 7-Series (right image). It is the knurled spot seen in the image. Touch an activated key card or the back of a smart phone with the BMW app to the spot and the door will unlock.
Hiding the key hole was first seen in the X5 model in 2014 and the X1, X6 and X7 SUVs have been added since. Insert the integrated key into the opening of the driver’s door handle indicated by the arrow in the image. Press upwards and remove the cover. The cover comes off onto the key itself, and quite easily. Unlock the door using the integrated key in the now exposed door lock.
Yes, the effect is that of pulling off a piece of your car, but it is necessary to get inside! The cover can be snapped back on, but the priority now is to simply get inside your car. Check out the video here for more help.
Starting 2015 in the 7-Series only, a new style hidden key hole a new cover removal process is featured. The directions from BMW are a little confusing, so do this carefully. It turns out to actually be quite simple.
It starts as a one-piece door handle (above) that must be pulled outward. With the handle pulled outward with your left hand, slip a finger from your right hand behind handle. Feel for a metallic release and push it outward. This will release the cap, which can be pulled away with the thumb and fingers of your right hand, exposing the key hole (right).
Again, you are removing a piece of your car. Its still ok!
Let go of the handle and use the mechanical key to unlock the door using the key cylinder now visible through the handle. Note that if you have a display key, the mechanical key is not integrated into the fob. It is supplied separately. Keep it with you at all times, or you will need roadside assistance.
A modified version of this was introduced in the 540i for the 2017 model year. It has since been introduced in the X5 and X7 SUVs. The same metal clip is behind what is a smaller cap. The cap is the last bit of chrome at the back of the driver’s door handle and is roughly the same size as the clip, making it easier to feel for.
Like the 7-Series, pull the handle out and slip a finger from your other hand behind handle. Feel for the metallic clip and give it a push. In this case, the cap will practically fly off. 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.
Opening Your MiniAnd finally, the Mini. Only the Cooper Hardtops are currently using this style, which is quite unique. A small oval-shaped cap at the rear of the handle must be removed to expose the key hole. Look for a small slot underneath the handle (arrow). Slip the mechanical key into the hole as far as it will go, which is about an inch. Nothing obvious happens, but the cap is now free to remove. Slip a fingernail anywhere in the groove and the cap will fall away. Yes, pulling off another piece of a car…
Now slip the key into the now exposed key hole and turn to unlock the car. Remove the key before pulling the handle. Pull the handle, and you’re in. There is a video here dedicated to this model.
——————————————————————-
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/bmw-dead-fob/