Category: Dead Key FOBS

Lincoln back up entry and start update adds three changes

Lincoln LogoLincoln back up entry and start

A full review of 2024 and 2025 models results in several important changes to the Lincoln back up entry and start pages. The Nautilus now uses an entry option first used in the Continental and gets a new back up start slot. The Aviator gets a new look center console option with its own back up start slot.

Back entry and start processes are made necessary by the batteries in key fobs dying.

Continental key holeThe Continental back up open process, now used by Nautilus, uses a key hole hidden by a spring-loaded cover in a very surprising location. The key hole is in the chrome molding beneath the driver’s door mirror and behind the imprinted word ‘Nautilus’. Insert the key and turn to unlock the car and the driver’s door will spring open.

We still in 2024 have no word on how well the key hole cover will behave in icy weather.

Nautilus 2024 back up slotAviator 2025 back up slotIn the meantime, the back up slot for used to start the Nautilus is moved from the bottom of the center console to the front of the console (far right). And the Aviator gets a new console option, which, if chosen, finds a back up slot beneath the rear cup holder (right). The bottom liner must be removed to reveal it.

Smart Keys or Intelligent Keys, or Access Keys — or whatever the manufacturer of your chooses to call them — that let you into your car and start it with just a touch use up their internal batteries at alarming rates, catching busy drivers unawares — even though the car had tried to warn you. These back up options are there to overcome a dead key fob battery.

Our goal is to help you feel safe — and keep you moving or get you moving if at all possible — rather than leave you fretting whenever your key fob stops working. The instructions for getting into and starting most keyless start cars can be found on our pages — without roadside assistance.

You can see the Lincoln back up entry page here and the back up start page 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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2024/11/lincoln-back-up-entry-and-start-update-adds-three-changes/

Subaru back up entry and start review finds no changes

Subaru LogoSubaru back up

A full review of 2025 models results in no changes to the Subaru back up entry and start page. All Subaru models use the tried and true “push the start/stop button with the back of the key fob to start the vehicles. In fact all the company’s models have used this simple and sane method since they first began using the keyless start option.

Further, the company has never succumbed to the temptation to hide the key hole at the back of the driver’s door handle. While methods for getting at the device has improved tremendously over time, nearly every manufacturer now hides the key hole.

This is fine until the battery in the key fob weakens, and it will at some point. At this point the vehicle needs a back-up option to get and start the vehicle. Hopefully Subaru owners will notice the warning of a weakened battery that will appear on the instrument panel. However, everyone’s busy lives often result in replacing the battery in the fob until “tomorrow” or, because we are all inundated with information from everywhere, the notice may simply be missed.

This is where back-up methods are necessary. And welcome!

Smart Keys or Intelligent Keys, or Access Keys – or whatever the manufacturer of your chooses to call them – that let you into your car and start it with just a touch use up their internal batteries at alarming rates, catching busy drivers unawares – even though the car had tried to warn you.

Our goal is to help you feel safe – and keep you moving or get you moving if at all possible – rather than leave you fretting whenever your key fob stops working. The instructions for getting into and starting most keyless start cars can be found on our pages – without roadside assistance.

You can see the Subaru back up open and start page 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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2024/10/subaru-back-up-entry-and-start-review-finds-no-changes/

Why the alarm sounds when using the mechanical key belonging to the proper vehicle!

Dead fob iconUsing the mechanical key

We just dropped a video on YouTube discussing why using the mechanical key sets off the alarm in the vehicle the key belongs to! We discussed it in a post earlier here, but thought we should inform our subscribers.

We note in the middle of our videos that the alarm may sound, but are embarrassed that we didn’t warn viewers from the start! We do now…

We are considered re-doing every video in our collection, but won’t. It would actually hurt the channel, as each video’s views would be lost. What we will do is offer a warning in each write-up and hopefully help avoid scaring the living daylights out of everyone…

Smart Keys or Intelligent Keys, or Access Keys – or whatever the manufacturer of your chooses to call them – that let you into your car and start it with just a touch use up their internal batteries at alarming rates, catching busy drivers unawares – even though the car had tried to warn you.

Our goal is to help you feel safe – and keep you moving or get you moving if at all possible – rather than leave you fretting whenever your key fob stops working. The instructions for getting into and starting most keyless start cars can be found on our pages – without roadside assistance.

We added the video to our video page here and the YouTube link is 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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2024/10/why-the-alarm-sounds-when-using-the-mechanical-key-belonging-to-the-proper-vehicle/

Mazda back up start review finds no changes

Mazda logoMazda back up start

A full review of 2025 models results in no changes to the Mazda back up start page. All Mazda models use the tried and true “push the start/stop button with the back of the key fob to start the vehicles. In fact all the company’s models have used this simple and sane method since 2016.

As the battery in the key fob weakens, and it will at some point, the vehicle produces Back up starta notice on the instrument panel pointing this out. However, everyone’s busy lives often result in putting replacing the battery in the fob until “tomorrow” or, because we are inundated with information from everywhere, the notice may simply be missed.

This is where a back-up start method is necessary. And welcome!

Smart Keys or Intelligent Keys, or Access Keys – or whatever the manufacturer of your chooses to call them – that let you into your car and start it with just a touch use up their internal batteries at alarming rates, catching busy drivers unawares – even though the car had tried to warn you.

Our goal is to help you feel safe – and keep you moving or get you moving if at all possible – rather than leave you fretting whenever your key fob stops working. The instructions for getting into and starting most keyless start cars can be found on our pages – without roadside assistance.

You can see the Mazda back up start page here, which includes information on pre-2016 models.

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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/2024/10/mazda-back-up-start-review-finds-no-changes/

Mazda back up entry update results in only minor changes

Mazda logoMazda back up entry

A full review of 2025 models results in only minor changes to the Mazda back up entry page. The CX-50 and CX-90 models now feature the same updated door handle as the CX-30 and Mazda3 have had since 2020.

With this door handle, the key hole is revealed when the driver’s door handle is pulled to the open position. So, if the battery in the key fob is weak or dead, a Mazda driver will need to use the mechanical key in the exposed key hole (right).Mazda door handle

The CX-5 key hole remains visible at the back of the driver’s door handle. Time will tell if the model gets the updated and sleeker handle.

Smart Keys or Intelligent Keys, or Access Keys – or whatever the manufacturer of your chooses to call them – that let you into your car and start it with just a touch use up their internal batteries at alarming rates, catching busy drivers unawares – even though the car had tried to warn you.

Our goal is to help you feel safe – and keep you moving or get you moving if at all possible – rather than leave you fretting whenever your key fob stops working. The instructions for getting into and starting most keyless start cars can be found on our pages – without roadside assistance.

You can see the Mazda back up entry page 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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2024/10/mazda-back-up-entry-update-results-in-only-minor-changes/

Infiniti back up start page sees no changes

Infiniti LogoInfiniti back up start page

A 2025 review of our Infiniti back up start page sees no changes whatsoever. In fact, what we learned is that the company has abandoned all back up start options that are not “push the button with the back of the key fob.”

All keyless or push button start vehicles offer a back up start option in the event that Nissan Key Port 2the battery in the key fob dies. Which they do all tooo quickly and at what is likely the worst possible time.

For years, Infiniti offered two options: push the start/stop button with the back of the fob; or slip the fob into a slot on the left side of the dash (right). This last option has been abandoned.

Mercedes Start ButtonThen in 2018, the QX30 was introduced using a pull-out button akin to a version developed by the old Chrysler Corporation. The button can be removed and the key fob inserted into the space and used as a key.

The car was introduced in 2017 and both the method and the model were abandoned in 2019.

Smart Keys or Intelligent Keys, or Access Keys – or whatever the manufacturer of your chooses to call them – that let you into your car and start it with just a touch use up their internal batteries at alarming rates, catching busy drivers unawares – even though the car had tried to warn you.

Our goal is to help you feel safe – and keep you moving or get you moving if at all possible – rather than leave you fretting whenever your key fob stops working. The instructions for getting into and starting most keyless start cars can be found on our pages – without roadside assistance.

You can see the Infiniti back-up start page here.

——————————————————————-

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/2024/10/infiniti-back-up-start-page-sees-no-changes/

Infiniti back up entry update adds but one new entry

Infiniti LogoInfiniti back up entry update

A full review of 2025 Infiniti models results in a single addition. The 2025 GX80 now features a new flush door handle.

Much like others who have opted to add the same feature, the handles are intended to extend when the key fob approaches the vehicle. If the battery in the fob is weak or dead, this will not occur.

QX 80 handleGetting to the key hole is a process also similar to other models with flush door handles. Press the front of the door handle inward. This rotates the rear of the handle outward (right). The handle can then be pulled open.

Pulling the handle out as far as it will go exposes the key hole beneath the back of the handle (right, lower). You can now use the mechanical key to unlock the car.

Smart Keys or Intelligent Keys, or Access Keys – or whatever the manufacturer of your chooses to call them – that let you into your car and start it with just a touch use up their internal batteries at alarming rates, catching busy drivers unawares – even though the car had tried to warn you.

Our goal is to help you feel safe – and keep you moving or get you moving if at all possible – rather than leave you fretting whenever your key fob stops working. The instructions for getting into and starting most keyless start cars can be found on our pages – without roadside assistance.

You can see the Infiniti back up entry page here.

——————————————————————-

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/2024/10/infiniti-back-up-entry-update-adds-but-one-new-entry/