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 because 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.
Kia 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.
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Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow.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
Videos: How to Open, Start and Replace Fob Batteries in Wagoneer Vehicles.
Thus far, we have two Videos for Wagoneer owners.
This first video will get you into and start a new Wagoneer or Grand Wagoneer model.
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This video will help you replace the battery in the Wagoneer key fob.
Models examined include Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer.
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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.
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
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.
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
Finally, if you need or want another manufacturer, click here.
Retrieving the mechanical key
Holden 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.
The 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.
The Commodore, Acadia 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.
The 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!
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
How to Open, Start and Replace Fob Batteries in Alfa Romeo Vehicles
We have two videos thus far for Alfa Romeo owners
The video will help Alfa Romeo owners get in and start keyless start their Giulia, Stelvio and Tonale models .
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Alfa Romeo key fob battery replacement.
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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.
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
Finally, if you need another manufacturer, click here.
To start a GMC model with a dead key fob, a pocket to place the transmitter will need to be identified. Once the fob is properly placed, the vehicle will recognize the fob and the vehicle can be started as normal. In the new Hummer EV, the pocket is the rear cup holder, as shown to the right. Place the key fob in the cup holder with the buttons facing up and start the car as normal, pressing the brake pedal and the POWER button while in park or neutral.
The large SUV’s from GM, including the GMC Yukon, feature a transmitter pocket located in the face of the front of the inside of the center console, as shown to the right. Slide the transmitter into the pocket with the key ring facing out, buttons forward (in a Chevrolet Suburban we had on hand, the engine started with the buttons facing either way). It is a loose fit, but don’t be concerned. With the vehicle in Park or Neutral, press the brake pedal and the Start / Stop ignition button as normal. Check out the video here.
In an all to common inability to leave well enough alone, this is changed in the Yukonwith bucket seats for the 2021 model year. Its changed again in 2023 (below). This will also cover the 2020 and newer GMC Sierra. There are now three back up locations for the transmitter. Again if the vehicle has bucket seats, the transmitter is dropped between the two cup holders (right). In the Sierra in 2022, the cup holders are one in front of the other (far right). In this case, drop the transmitter in the space between the cup holders and the shifter.
In both the Sierra and Yukon models in 2021 and beyond without bucket seats, the back up transmitter pocket is a slot at the back of the lowest storage bin (there are two of them) in the center area of, and beneath, the front seat. In all cases, once the transmitter is in place, press the brake pedal and the Start / Stop button together, starting the vehicle as normal.
The Terrain small crossover SUV got its first taste of keyless ignition in the 2018 model. It has bucket seats and the back up location is in a cup holder, nearly identical to the Yukon above, and exactly what the Yukonwith bucket seats uses beginning in 2023. The cup holders are side by side (right) and the left side cup holder is used. As always, face the buttons up and with the vehicle in Park or Neutral, press the brake pedal and the Start / Stop ignition button as normal.
In the Acadia crossover, the pocket for the transmitter is located in the face of the rear of the inside of the center console. Slide the transmitter into the pocket with the key ring facing out, and the buttons up (or however it will fit!). With the vehicle in Park or Neutral, press the brake pedal and the Start / Stop ignition button as normal. And we have a video of the process here.
The location is changed in the Acadia for the 2020 model year, though 2023. For those years, the back up slot is at the bottom of the center console, as shown to the right. The console liner must be lifted away to expose what is a fob-shaped depression. Once again, with the transmitter in place, press the Start / Stop button and the brake pedal together to start the vehicle.
In 2024 Acadia, the back up pocket pocket is moved to the driver’s side cup holder. See the Terrain, above.
In 2023, the Canyon gets its first look at keyless start. In this case however, the back up spot is in the right cup holder (right image). Evidently, just to be different. And again, with the transmitter or key fob in place, press the Start / Stop button and the brake pedal together to start the vehicle as normal.
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.
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
In our last post, we discussed the gap in the knowledge of automotive technology in first responders, as represented by a video from truthaboutcars.com and YouTube. It featured a man pulled over in his Tesla for having a computer mounted on his dashboard. The item is linked here.
But as we thought more about this, the video painted a very clear picture of how people tend to react to stressful situations.
The driver pulled over describes the computer as “his only center console” when he clearly meant something else and stated that it handles his air conditioning.
In truth, it is the car’s entire instrument panel! The screen offers control of everything, as well as a view to the functioning of the car, and mapping, etc. The center console is simply not in play.
A Thank You
Some weeks earlier, we had received this thank you (right) for one of our videos, covering a Mini in this case. We’ve transcribed it here, ‘as is’.
“Thank you 73 year old lady, 2013 mini nervous and panicked in parking lot with dead FOB yesterday. Your video heloed get everything up and running. Hard to read a manual with out reading glasses in stress situation. Thank you again.”
She describes perfectly the difficulty people face solving a problem and reading a manual while under stress. And stress is the central theme.
She identifies herself as 73, and the stress is due to the all too common key fob problem that we put a great deal of emphasis on here at DashboardSymbols.com. The video we discussed earlier puts the stress of being pulled over on full display.
Is Age the Issue?
But first we also get to once again dispel the ageism myth. The driver in the video is clearly quite young and still stutters and stammers his way through his interactions with the police officer.
This reaction to stress happens to us all irrespective of age, and returns us to our primary thesis. The relentless increase in automotive technology continues to outpace driver knowledge. And for those of you tempted to blame the driver for lack of effort, we will repeat that all of us learn by use and repetition, and if a new problem crops up, it will make little difference whether or not the driver has read about it in the manual months earlier.
And it is all too often the little things — and things that could easily be removed from the equation, taking us back to key fobs. If the battery in the fob dies, there is a back up plan, but there is no standardization. We know of and have documented exposing hidden keys holes from 15 manufacturers, a dozen variations for retrieving the standard ‘hard’ key from the fob, and over 50 distinct starting variations.
The hidden key holes are a particularly pointless exercise intended only to make a square inch of the car prettier. What it does in truth is leave drivers with dead key fobs vulnerable outside of their cars, fumbling for a mechanical key and trying to expose a lock cylinder. Will it happen on a warm summer day at home? Most likely it will be dark, rainy, cold, snowy, or in a parking garage with cell service blocked.
Make no mistake, these are safety issues and the responsibility lies with the manufacturer to make getting in to the relative safety of the car as easy as possible, and the majority of manufacturers are failing.
At the very least, once inside a manual can be consulted to get help to get the car started, but remember that stress is still in play.
Only a few manufacturers give a useful message if starting the car fails as shown to the right. And while we had at one time hoped that the industry would move to make this clear in every vehicle, most still simply refer the driver to the manual.
Unfortunately, it will take someone getting hurt or worse, or a manufacturer getting sued before this will change, and even if it does, there will be millions of vehicles already on the road holding tight to the old ways.
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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.
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
Kia back up entry update adds three new key fobs
Kia 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 because 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.
Kia 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.
You can see the page 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.
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