How to Start a Jeep with a Dead Key Fob
Starting Your Jeep
- But first, if you are still locked out, click here for help getting inside!
- Second, for video help, click here!
- Finally, if you need another manufacturer, click here.
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.
Insert the rectangular tip of the key fob into the exposed ignition switch slot and turn the key to start and operate.
For models built after 2010 using the rounded key fob, place the “nose” side (side opposite of the mechanical key – its very sensitive to this) of the Key Fob against the Start / Stop ignition button (right) and push to operate the ignition switch.
Do NOT try to remove this button! We have actually seen an owners manual citing the older key and button. Do NOT remove the flush button. Simply press the button with the nose of the key fob!
We have several videos here that will help.
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. Check out this page for more!
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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.
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.
To remove the emergency (mechanical) key from the key fob in new Wagoneer models look for a chrome button on the side, as denoted by the bottom arrow. Push it and pull on the key ring end, and the mechanical key is removed.
New Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models have their key holes hiding behind the driver’s door handle, as can be seen in the image to the right. It is exposed when the door handle is pulled to the open position. So, simply pull the door handle out as far as possible. Insert the mechanical key (it may be awkward to get at) and turn it to unlock. Remove the key blade and release the handle. Pull the handle once again and you are in the car.
It 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.
This 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.
In 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).