Category: Dead Key FOBS

Polestar back up entry and start update points to manufacturer schizophrenia

Polestar-logoPolestar back up entry and start update

Our latest Polestar back up entry and start update really points to a manufacturer trying to figure it out. The schizophrenia leads to each new model having a different back up entry process and, while both the Polestar 3 and Polestar 4 use essentially the same back up start process, one model holds an interesting surprise.

Polestar 4 back up entryPolestar-3 door handleA 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).

Polestar 3 card readerBoth models use a card reader at the front of the center console to start the car when the key fob’s battery has died. The reader doubles as a phone charger as well as a key fob charger for the Polestar 3!

Only BMW has tried this and it never left the one vehicle it was assigned to.

You can see the Polestar back up open processes here and the back up start processes 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.

——————————————————————-

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/2024/08/polestar-back-up-entry-and-start-update-points-to-manufacturer-schizophrenia/

New BMW open and start video for 2021-2024 models with a dead key fob battery, EVs included

BMW logoNew BMW open and start video

We recently dropped a new BMW open and start video to our YouTube channel to help drivers when the battery in their key fob dies. The video covers 2021 and newer BMW 4-Series, 5-Series, and 7-Series electric and gas powered sedans as well the larger X-Series SUVs

The video helps with new flush door handles and key fob styles, and while a mechanical key can be used, BMW also offers a key card or phone app as back up.

We’ve added the video to our BMW video, which now holds now 11 videos. You can see the page here. You can also see the video on YouTube 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.

——————————————————————-

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/2024/08/new-bmw-open-and-start-video-for-2021-2024-models-with-a-dead-key-fob-battery-evs-included/

We dropped a new Chevrolet video covering Equinox, Cruze, Sonic and Blazer models

Chevrolet logoNew Chevrolet Video

We recently added a new Chevrolet video to our YouTube channel. It is specifically for 2019 through 2024 Equinox keyless start models with a dead key fob battery. And yes there is a way to get in and get going. The process will also work with 2017 and later Cruze models, as well as all Sonic and Blazer models.

These models all use a back up location that is the front cup holder. They also feature a hidden key hole, which we show how to uncover.

We’ve added the video to our Chevrolet video page, which now features 19 videos. You can find them all here at this link. The new video can be seen 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.

Remember to replace the batteries in your key fobs at the first moment you see a warning on your instrument panel!

——————————————————————-

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/2024/08/we-dropped-a-new-chevrolet-video-covering-equinox-cruze-sonic-and-blazer-models/

Hornet back up start spot is new with the model

Dodge logoHornet back up start spot

Dodge introduced a new model in 2023 and with it came a new back up start spot. The Hornet back up start startHornet back up start spot is inside the front cup holder (right).

Push button or keyless start cars and trucks need a location to touch or drop the key fob in the event the battery in the fob becomes depleted. This can happen as quickly as eight months, depending on use.

Chrysler Emergency Start TwoFor 15 years, the only thing a driver of a keyless start Dodge or Chrysler had to do if their key fob died was touch the tip of the fob to the Start / Stop ignition button (right), and the vehicle would recognize it and start. Time will tell if the new method in the Hornet will spread to additional models.

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 Dodge dead key fob 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/2024/08/hornet-back-up-start-spot-is-new-with-the-model/

Replacing a Nissan key fob battery

Nissan logoNissan key fob battery

We recently added a new video replacing a Nissan key fob battery, the three-button fob version. That video is here.

The process is nearly identical to the four-button fob version, but deserves its own treatment.

The video has been added to our Nissan and Infiniti page here. Overall, we now have a seven videos that help Nissan and Infiniti drivers in the event that the battery in the key fob dies. These videos will help you get in and start the vehicle even if it is not responding to the key 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.

——————————————————————-

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/2024/08/replacing-a-nissan-key-fob-battery/

Mercedes-Benz adds a 4th door handle style

Mercedes_logoA 4th Door Handle

In 2023, Mercedes-Benz added a 4th door handle that hides the key hole to its model line up. Thus far they are seen only on the CLE Cabriolet and 2024 GLC models.

Effectively, it continues a trend is to move away from the need to remove a piece of GLC key holethe door handle to use the mechanical key if the battery in the key fob dies.

Pulling the driver’s door handle to the open position reveal the key hole underneath the back of the handle (right). Its a simple process to then insert the key and turn to get inside. This will 2021 Mercedes door handlelikely set off the alarm. It will shut off when the car is started.

This compliments the flush door handles first seen in 2021 Maybach models. 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 (right).

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’ve updated the 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/2024/08/mercedes-benz-adds-a-4th-door-handle-style/

Mercedes back-up start page update needed for G-Class SUVs

Mercedes_logoMercedes Back-up Start Page Update

Changes in the 2024 G-Class SUV required a Mercedes back-up start page update. The models joined the GLE and GLS SUVS which use a slot found inside the center console storage area at the front as a back-up start location, and have done so since 2019.

GLE 350 slotAs is true with most Mercedes-Benz models, the back-up spot is marked with the image of a key with lines radiating from it (left).

We say most, because a handful of models, like the C-Class, use a cup holder as the back up start spot and, while the cup holders are marked, the image used is that of the key fob or SmartKey itself!

Note: For reasons unknown, all the Mercedes models we’ve tested have s light delay built in after the start/stop button is pushed and the key fob being recognized. Not to worry…

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.

——————————————————————-

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/2024/08/mercedes-back-up-start-page-update-needed-for-g-class-suvs/