Tag: can’t get in

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/

Videos: Handling Dead Key Fob Batteries in Vauxhall and Opel Vehicles

How to Open and Start Vauxhall and Opel Vehicles

We have a single video thus far for Vauxhall and Opel owners.

This video will help drivers get in and start their Opel or Vauxhall if the key fob has died.

Models examined include Adam, Agila, Ampera, Antara, Astra, Astravan, Cascada, Combo, Corsa, Crossland X, Grandland X, GTC, Insignia, Meriva, Mokka, Movano, Signum, Tigra, Vectra, Viva, Vivaro, and Zafira.

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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/2021/01/vauxhall-and-opel-video-help-with-dead-key-fob-batteries/

Open a Vauxhall with a Dead Key Fob

How to Open a Vauxhall with a Dead Key Fob

Getting into Your Vauxhall or Opel

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

Retrieving the mechanical keyVauxhall flip key

If the key fob or electronic key is not working, getting into your vehicle will require a mechanical key. Most Vauxhall and Opel models use a simple flip or fold out key fob. Push the button in the corner of the front of the fob (arrow, right) and the mechanical key will unfold.

Electronic key oneVauxhall rectangular key fobVauxhall electronic key 2It gets a little more complicated from here. There are four electronic key styles that have a mechanical key hiding inside. In the first three (right), the arrow points to a button or slide lever. Push the button or slide the lever and pull the key ring end to remove the mechanical key.

Astra van key fobThis fourth style is used exclusively in some Astra models and the mechanical key is hiding behind a cover. Press locking mechanism on back side and remove cap by pushing it gently forward. Push the mechanical  key towards the outside over the detent and pull it away.

Getting Inside

In most cases, a key hole is visible at the back of the driver’s door handle. If this is the case, insert the mechanical key and turn, and you’re in.

Astra Insignia key holeIn some Astra and Insignia models, the key hole is hiding behind a cap at the back of the driver’s door handle. Look for a slot under the cap. Insert the mechanical key into the slot and again hold upward pressure. Then rotate the key upward until the cap comes away (right).

To replace the cap, insert it with the lower side in the recesses. The rotate it upwards and push it until the cap engages at the upper side.

Remember, getting in the car is most important. If you have difficulty replacing the cap, don’t. Let your dealer do it when you get a new battery for your Key FOB!

Other models covered here include the Ampera, Combo, Corsa, Crossland, Grandland, Mokka, Vivaro and Zafira.

Continue to Part II, Getting Started …

——————————————————————-

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/2020/12/vauxhall-dead-key-fob-help-part-i-getting-in/

Videos: Handling Dead Key Fob Batteries in Holden Vehicles

How to Open, Start and Replace Fob Batteries in Holden Vehicles

We have three videos for Holden owners

This video is a compilation of five models.

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Flip key key fob battery replace.

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Traditional key fob battery replacement.

Models covered include the Commodore, Acadia, Equinox, Spark and Trax.

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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/2020/11/holden-video-help-with-dead-key-fob-batteries/

Open a Holden with a Dead Key Fob

How to Open a Holden with a Dead Key Fob

Getting into Your Holden

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

Retrieving the mechanical key

Holden flip keyHolden uses three key fob or transmitter styles. To get in the vehicle when the key fob battery is dead, a mechanical key will have to retrieved from the fob and used to unlock the car.

The first is a simple flip key (above right). Press the unmarked button to extend the mechanical key. It remains attached to the key fob. Use the mechanical key to unlock the driver’s door.

Holden remote controlHolden transmitterThe next two (shown to the right) feature a removable mechanical key and are quite similar (one has more buttons than the other). Each has a button on the side of the transmitter (remote control or ‘clicker’) near the key ring end. Press the button, as shown, and pull the key out.

Getting Inside

If a key hole is visible at the back of the driver’s door handle, simply insert the mechanical and turn, and you’re in.

Holden door handle 1The CommodoreAcadia and and Equinox models are hiding their key holes behind a cover at the back of the driver’s door handle. To remove the cap on the Acadia and Equinox, pull the door handle out to the open position. Insert the key into the slot on the bottom of the cap (number 3, right).

Push it as far upwards as possible and hold some upward pressure. Then pry outward. And yes, you WILL feel like you are prying off a piece of your car! Move the cap rearward revealing the key cylinder. Now the mechanical key can be used in the cylinder.

To replace the cap, insert the two tabs at the back of the cap between the black seal and the metal base. Pull the door handle out to the door open position and move the cap forward and press to snap it into place. You can then release the door handle.

Holden door handle 2The cap on the Commodore is slightly different but there is still a slot under the cap. Insert the mechanical key into the slot and again hold upward pressure. Then rotate the key upward until the cap comes away.

To replace the cap, insert it with the lower side in the recesses. The rotate it upwards and push it until the cap engages at the upper side.

Remember, getting in the car is most important. If you have difficulty replacing the cap, don’t. Let your dealer do it when you get a new battery for your Key FOB!

Continue to Part II, Getting Started …

——————————————————————-

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/2020/10/holden-dead-key-fob-help-part-i-getting-in/

Start an Alfa Romeo with a Dead Key Fob

How to Start an Alfa Romeo with a Dead Key Fob

Alpha back upTo start your Alfa Romeo Giulia, Stelvio or Tonale with a dead key fob battery, you will need a back up location to place the fob. For the first two models, it can be found in the center console.

Clear away anything cluttering the bottom of the console. You should then see the outline of the key fob on the floor (right) with lines radiating from the top.  These are meant to indicate radio waves.

Tonale back up startIn the Tonale, the spot is in the front cup holder, as shown to the right. There is no marking we are aware of.

Place the fob on the spot. The car will recognize the fob even though the fob’s internal battery is dead and will start normally. The key fob can be removed once the car is started.

Note that Alfa Romeo says that to shut down the engine when the fob’s battery is dead, you will need to press and hold the Start / Stop button for several seconds. We’ve not seen this in any other vehicle…

Click here for video help!

… Return to Part I, Getting In

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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/2018/12/alfa-romeo-dead-key-fob-help-part-ii-getting-started/

Open an Alfa Romeo with a Dead Key Fob

How to Open an Alfa Romeo with a Dead Key Fob

Alfa Romeo introduced push button start in the new Giulia model in 2017, followed by the Stelvio in 2018. Alpha fob pushThey use the same key fob.

Getting Inside

A mechanical key will be needed to unlock the driver’s door. The fob will need to be removed from any key ring its attached to first. The mechanical is hiding in  the fob and the cover on the back must be removed to find it. Squeeze the sides of fob at the wide end marked by raised ribs, as shown in the image (right).

Alpha keyThe back cover can now be pulled away moving, it towards where the key ring was attached. The mechanical key is seen inside and can then be pulled out.

Insert the key into the lock cylinder at the back of the driver’s door and turn, and you’ll be in the car.

Click here for video help!

Continue to Part II, Getting Started …

——————————————————————-

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/2018/12/alfa-romeo-dead-key-fob-help-part-i-getting-in/