Buick opening instructions
Buick opening instructionsWe recently updated Buick opening instructions when the battery in the key fob dies. That’s on this page, the Buick dead key fob page.
This was necessitated by the new Envista introduced in 2024. Most Buick’s today hide their key holes, but the Envista is a whole new ball game. The key hole or lock cylinder is hiding behind an oval cap seen towards the rear of the driver’s door handle (right), which would need to be removed to expose the cylinder.
Removing the cap requires pulling the handle out and using the mechanical key to press on a difficult to see spot. See the page for full instructions.
Starting the car hasn’t changed, but it will assume that the start battery is good. And if not, we will can get you inside and ready for a jump start.
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Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow.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.
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
My was having some trouble with his Toyota remote and actually thought it would need to be replaced. So rather than leave him to spend what’s likely a lot of money, we went ahead and opened it up. We did a video as well that you can 
To activate the push button ignition in your Karma, place the key fob against the side panel near the driver’s left foot with the buttons facing the pedals. The panel is marked (right). The vehicle will recognize the key and display a message on the instrument panel. Hold the key fob against the panel until you have depressed the brake pedal and the Start / Stop button. This is an awkward move but it puts the vehicle in drive mode.
Starting the Ocean is a little easier, as the back up position is easier to reach. Look for what looks like an interlocked FJ on the panel to the left of the steering wheel (right). You might be able to feel the location as well. Place the back of the fob against the mark. The instrument panel will announce that the fob has been recognized, but you will need to continue to hold the fob against the mark while starting the vehicle.
Note: If you have made an attempt to start the vehicle without success, there may be residual pressure in the brake system and a new warning light may appear (left) or text message to Step on the Brake. Press the brake pedal very, very hard when trying to start the vehicle again to be sure that the release switch behind the pedal is engaged. Or wait a few minutes and try again.
In Jeep vehicles built prior to 2009 and using the rectangular-tipped key, the Engine Start / Stop button must be removed from the ignition switch for key fob use. With the ignition in the Lock position, insert the metal part of the emergency key (or a finger nail!) under the chrome button (above right) and gently pry the button loose. It comes away very easily. Note that the button itself appears to float 
just above the dash.
Do NOT try to remove this button!
Note: If you have made an attempt to start the vehicle without success, there may be residual pressure in the brake system and a new warning light may appear (left) or text message to Step on the Brake. Press the brake pedal very, very hard when trying to start the vehicle again to be sure that the release switch behind the pedal is engaged. Or wait a few minutes and try again.
Retrieving the mechanical key
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.
In 2023, the Fiat 500X will be hiding its keyhole behind a small cap in the handle recess (see image). The cap is easily removed with a fingernail, using the access hole shown to the right. Once removed the use the mechanical key in the keyhole to unlock the door, and you’ll be inside.