Category: Dead Key FOBS

Open a Kia with a Dead Key Fob

How to Open a Kia with a Dead Key Fob

Hyundai flip key fobRetrieving the mechanical key

Kia 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.

hyundai Mechanical KeyTo use the most common Kia 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).

Kia key fobKia added a new fob in 2022 that features all the the buttons on the side (right). The button at the very top — that is, the one closest to the key ring end — is the one to push in order to release the mechanical key.

If a key hole is visible, use the key to unlock the driver’s door.

Hidden Keyholes

Two Piece Door Handles

Kia Keyhole CoverStarting with the 2014 Cadenza and K900, the manufacturer adopted the hidden keyhole trick. The Optima and Sportage were added in 2016. These models all feature a two-piece door handle. As shown in the image to the right, 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!

Hyundai hybrid door unlockA “hybrid” of this was introduced in 2024 in the Sorento and Telluride. 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 right, 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.

And yes, with the two-piece handle one way or another you must pull a piece of your car off, but its ok! The cover will come off exposing the keyhole.

One Piece Door Handles

Hyundai flush handleKia EV6 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. The key hole is immediately visible (right). The mechanical key can be inserted and turned to unlock the vehicle.

Check our videos for additional help.

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/2024/09/open-a-kia-with-a-dead-key-fob/

We added a new video to our YouTube channel: Replace the battery in a 2019 and later Kia key fob

Kia LogoReplace the battery in a Kia key fob

We have added a video to our YouTube channel demonstrating how to replace the battery in a 2019 and later Kia key fob with a fresh one.

The mechanical key comes in handy to remove the back of the key fob, and we also CR2032 batteryuse a very small screwdriver to help with removing the battery.

Like so many fobs, this one uses a CR 2032 battery (right).

You can see the new video on our YouTube channel here, or on our Kia page, which now has 18 videos, including those for Hyundai and Genesis, which are begging to be separated out, here.

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.

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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/2024/09/we-added-a-new-video-to-our-youtube-channel-replace-the-battery-in-a-2019-and-later-kia-key-fob/

Hyundai, Kia, Genesis back up entry page overhaul first step is done

Genesis LogoBack up entry page overhaul

We just completed the first step of a Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis back up entry page overhaul. The intent is to separate the three manufacturers who now have way too many back up entry processes.

As that first step, we separated Genesis, admittedly the simplest of the three. Overall, the page used to have only a handful of entry processes, made necessary when the battery in the key fob dies. But Hyundai in particular seems to add a new one each year!

Next up is to separate the two remaining manufacturers, parent company Hyundai and the little brother, Kia.

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.

The new Genesis page 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/2024/09/hyundai-kia-genesis-back-up-entry-page-overhaul-first-step-is-done/

Open a Genesis with a Dead Key Fob

How to Open a Genesis with a Dead Key Fob

  • First, if you are already inside, click here for help getting started!
  • Second, you can find video help here!
  • Finally, if you need or want another manufacturer, click here.

Retrieving the mechanical key

hyundai Mechanical KeyTo use the most common Genesis key fob, 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 remain in limited use today (2025).

Newer version key fobs are available from the car maker. They look very similar and operate in the same way.

Genesis key fob openIf a key hole is visible, use the key to unlock the driver’s door.

Genesis has added a new key fob, which has the mechanical key inside the fob. To remove the mechanical key first place a soft cloth over the groove on the side of the fob (narrow arrow). The cloth is for protection of the plastic. Then use a small screwdriver to pry open the cover. Do this carefully! The press the mechanical key (large blue arrow) on the bottom end and remove it from fob.

Genesis mechanical keyGenesis has also introduced new digital access options, which has resulted in a mechanical key being supplied separately from yet another new fob! It is removed by putting a little pressure on the long end and pushing it out.

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!

Hidden Keyholes

Two Piece Door Handles

Kia Keyhole CoverThe newly-independent Genesis line, who’s models debuted in 2017, adopted the hidden keyhole trick. Changes were made to the G80 and GV80 in 2021 and newly introduced models use other methods found below. 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 (2). Note that the moment the once the key is in the slot, the cover is free to move with your hands! There is a black button in the slot that is being pushed up with the key in this move.

One Piece Door Handles

Hyundai flush handleGenesis GV60 and G90 (beginning with the 2023 model year) 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 the GV60, the key hole is immediately visible (left). The mechanical key can be inserted and turned to unlock the vehicle.

G90 key hole coverThe G90 adds a cover that is revealed when the handle is pulled out, likely protection from the elements. Swing it out towards the rear of the car (right). The key hole is revealed and the key can be used to unlock the car.

Volvo Style 2 LockBeginning in 2021, in G80, GV70 and GV80 models, the key hole or lock cylinder is revealed immediately behind the driver’s door handle when it is pulled to the open position, as seen to the left.  The mechanical or emergency key can then be simply inserted into the key hole and turned to unlock and open the vehicle.

Digital Unlock Options

Genesis digital keyGenesis 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.

Genesis face recognitionFacial 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.

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/2024/09/open-a-genesis-with-a-dead-key-fob/

Kia back up entry update adds three new key fobs

Kia LogoKia back up entry update

As we got into a Kia back up entry update, we found that we had ignored several key fobs from both Kia and Hyundai going back 10 years! The result is three new key fobs on the page, and the knowledge that there are several more we will continue to ignore. We do this because the differences are too minor to acknowledge and Hyundai flip key fobbecause the page has swollen to be nearly out of control.

We added a flip key key fob (right) that we had left out for simply no reason we can recall. Both Hyundai and Kia use nearly identical models.

Hyundai key fobKia key fobKia only recently (2019)added a fob with all its buttons on one side, including the button that releases the mechanical key (left). Hyundai had added a fob that had the mechanical key release on the back (right). In hindsight, this happened at a time that access to their owner’s manuals was so bad, we had to search a Canadian sight to find any at all.

Probably a lousy excuse…

In the meantime, while some fobs remain in use, Kia, Hyundai and Genesis all are making radical changes in their key fobs, primarily the result of digital, or smart phone, access.

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 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/2024/09/kia-back-up-entry-update-adds-three-new-key-fobs/

Kia back up entry update includes a new entry method

Kia LogoKia back up entry update

We have a new Kia back up entry update and, very much like we stated for Hyundai, the new processes make us wish they’d make up their minds. Back up entry processes are necessary for those moments when the key fob’s battery dies, which happens all too often. There is a brand new way to expose the key hole on the new EV9 and, again like parent Hyundai, the company has a new mechanical key that is separate from the key fob. Kia also has new digital — smart phone — access options.

G90 key hole coverThe EV9 uses a one-piece handle, but a piece still needs to be removed to get a shot at the key hole. To do so, the door handle needs to be held open. Then the small somewhat flimsy cover needs to be removed (right). We used a finger nail in the video we did of the process, but the mechanical key may work better. Check out the video here.

We’ll say again, and keep saying it, that we really dislike the idea of mechanical keys not being integrated into the fob. The mechanical keys can easily be lost or simply left behind, and digital options on the smart phone have proven to be less than 100% effective and requires the start battery to be charged. A mechanical key is always 100% effective!

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 back entry page here. BTW, the page has become so unwieldy we intend to separate the three manufacturers. Soon.

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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/2024/09/kia-back-up-entry-update-includes-a-new-entry-method/

Video page overhaul nearly complete

Video ThumbnailVideo page overhaul

We just completed a major video pages overhaul that results in the removal of one page and an attempt at a table of contents (TOC) that made a mess of the whole remaining page.

We did find a TOC generator plug-in that we will attempt to use on another day.

The move is the first step intended at simplifying the site. With so many videos from so many manufacturers and over 1,000 symbols and indicators, the site has become quite unwieldy and likely difficult to navigate for the average user. We hope over time to make the site far more user friendly.

The video page consists of links to some 200+ videos intended to help drivers overcome issues created by dead key fob batteries, including getting into and starting the car and replacing the battery in the fob.

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 overhauled video page here. Watch for a TOC in the near future!

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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/2024/09/video-page-overhaul-nearly-complete/