Tag: Dead key fob

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!

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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Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow.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/2024/08/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.

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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/2024/08/hornet-back-up-start-spot-is-new-with-the-model/

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.

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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/2024/08/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/

Buick opening instructions updated

Buick logoBuick opening instructions

We 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.

Envista door handleRemoving 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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2024/08/buick-opening-instructions-updated/

Fisker Customers Get the Pages They Need

Fisker logoHelp for Fisker Customers

A good 10 years ago, we put up a dead key fob page for Fisker Karma buyers. The Karma not so famously featured a key hole on the passenger door!

The car and the company went nowhere, so we took the page down a few years later.

Well, the company resurrected itself and released the Ocean, a full electric SUV. Problems with the car and problems with sales led to a shocking sell-off of the cars Fisker Oceanat bargain basement prices and a company close to dissolution. From here it sure looks like its customers are soon to be abandoned, if they haven’t already been.

Well, we decided to give them at least a little help, returning the dead fob page while adding the back up process to the Ocean, and a symbols page.

Since the Karma is an electric like the Chevrolet Volt is an electric — that is with a gas engine to charge the battery on long trips — the page includes warning lights like a check engine light, an oil pressure light and engine overheat light. They don’t seem to fit, but actually do.

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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/2024/08/fisker-customers-get-the-pages-they-need/

Start a Fisker with a Dead Key Fob

How to Start a Fisker with a Dead Key Fob

Starting the Karma

  • But first, if you are still locked out, click here for help getting inside!
  • Finally, if you need another manufacturer, click here.

Fisker Karma startTo 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

Ocean back up startStarting 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.

Engine Start Operation IndicatorNote: 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.

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/2024/07/start-a-fisker-with-a-dead-key-fob/