How to Open and Start a Suzuki with a Dead Key Fob
- Note that if you need or want another manufacturer, click here.
Getting into Your Suzuki
Retrieving the Mechanical Key
Suzuki withdrew from the new car market in the U.S. and Canada after the 2013 model year. Despite this, we 
saw a brand new model in a parking lot. They are coming from somewhere – Suzuki still sells cars worldwide – and it turned out to be a push button start model. Keyless start versions exist in models sold in North America in the past, so the brand deserves coverage.
There are at least two key fob styles. The fob for older models looks like the one shown above to the right. Turning it over, slide the button found on the back down relative to the image to the right and pull the mechanical key away.
The newer Suzuki models the key fob shown to the right looks very much like Mazda and Nissan fobs. 
They also have a button on the back. Slide it to the side and pull the mechanical key away.
In all Suzuki models, the key hole should be visible at the back of the driver’s door handle. Insert the key and turn and you’re in.
If however, a key hole is not visible behind the driver’s door handle, check out our Toyota, Lexus, and Scion page here. You will find the help you need. We did not find definitive evidence of hidden key holes in Suzuki models.
Starting Your Suzuki
Early keyless start Suzuki models still use an ignition switch that needs to be turned to operate. A slot for the mechanical key is hidden by the cap shown.
Squeeze both ends of the cap to pull it away. Then insert the mechanical key and start the car the old fashioned way.
Newer, push button start models work like other models from Japanese manufacturers. Push the start stop button with the key fob while stepping on the brake. The car will recognize the fob, even though the fob’s internal battery is dead and start.
We have a Video here that will be helpful.
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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
There are three basic locations to try, as shown in the image, but experience tells us you might just as well skip to the last one. The first, top to bottom, is to simply drop the key fob into the cup holder. If this fails, hold the key fob against the front of the console, as we are doing in the image (second). There are several places that can be tried in this case alone.
If all these fail, the next recommendation is to remove the battery from the fob and run through the options again. As it happens, this is exactly what we had to do with the Model X we had and we landed at the base of the console before the car recognized the fob. That location, with the key fob resting in place, is shown in the second image. The fob was recognized at last and we were able to operate the car.
If you were given a key card, place it against the left side of the of the space at the front of the center console just below the screen, as shown to the right. The vehicle will recognize the card, the instrument panel will come to life and the car will be ready for action. Don’t lose the card!
If your mobile phone has gone dead or is missing, place the key card on the center console behind and between the two cup holders. The car will recognize the card and will allow it to be driven.
In the earliest versions of the Model S, the back of key fob is to be placed against the passenger side front fender, somewhat below and to the right of the emblem, as shown in the image. When the fob is recognized, the door handles will extend as they do normally.
The concept is the same in the newer Model S, but the location is changed. However, it remains on the passenger side. Place the key fob near the base of the passenger side windshield wiper. The image to the right shows the exact spot that worked in the model we tested, and we tried several. Then press the driver’s door handle. The handles will extend if it is recognized, but it took a full 20 seconds in the car we tested. Try repositioning the fob if this fails. If it continues not to be recognized, try removing the battery and go back through the process.
Tesla’s Model X uses an entirely different back up location. There again is no hard key or key cylinder. In addition, the door handles do not extend in normal operation as with the Model S. The mirrors will extend when the key fob is recognized.
To get in, the key card is placed on the door frame between the front and rear doors on the driver’s side and just above the bottom of the windows, as shown. As with other models, the mirrors will extend inviting you inside. The vehicles can be locked this way as well.