Tag: dead remote control

Start a Cadillac with a Dead Key Fob

How to Start a Cadillac with a Dead Key Fob

Starting Your Cadillac

Cadillac vehicles use two of GM‘s three different style keys and many different start procedures or locations. They are all here, and you can find a whole lot of videos here.

Inside door releaseHere’s the deal: Buckle up, find your model, and if the main start battery is still good, we’ll get you underway.

The Cadillac Coupes show up early in this list: the CTS, XLR, and ELR. So, please note immediately that the latches are electronic and if the main 12-volt battery is dead and you’ve closed the door, the lever to the right is your only escape. You will find it below the door on the floor where you would expect to find a trunk release (right). Pull it up and the door will open. There’s another on the passenger side for that door.

GM back up start 11With Style 1 (square) key fob, used in most GM vehicles prior to 2014, and in some Cadillac CTS Coupes and Sedans ongoing, place the transmitter in the transmitter pocket at the top and rear of the center console storage area with the buttons facing towards the front of the vehicle (right).

With the vehicle in Park or Neutral, press the brake pedal and the Start / Stop button to start the vehicle as you would normally.

GM start 3The XLR Coupe use either a small key fob that does not hold a mechanical key or the Style 1 fob. Regardless of the key fob type, the pocket for the transmitter (or fob) is on the left of the inside of the glove box. Place the transmitter in the pocket with the buttons facing the glove box storage area (right).

Again, with the vehicle in P (Park) or N (Neutral), press the brake pedal and the Start / Stop ignition button as normal.

GM start 2In the Cadillac SRX, the transmitter pocket is located at the bottom of the console storage area (right). The new CT5 crossover uses this location as well, but using the Style 3 key fob. The spot may be beneath a storage tray, which must be lifted out, or at least beneath all the stuff that has gathered inside. Then insert the transmitter with the buttons facing up and with the vehicle in Park or Neutral, press the brake pedal and the Start / Stop ignition button as normal.

CTS SRX back-upThe new key style, Style 3, was introduced in 2014. In the ELR Coupe and some CTS Sedans and Wagons (later models all use this location), locate the transmitter pocket on the shelf in the front of the console, as shown to the right. It is beneath a rubber that will need to be removed, and is the shape of the transmitter. Place the transmitter in the pocket, buttons facing up, and with the vehicle in Park or Neutral, press the brake pedal and the Start / Stop ignition button as normal.

XTS PocketIn the XTS sedan, the transmitter pocket is found in the front of the center console storage area. A storage tray may have to be lifted out. Place the transmitter in the pocket with the key ring up and the buttons facing out. See the image below. With the vehicle in Park or Neutral, press the brake pedal and the Start / Stop ignition button as normal. Check out the video here.

ATS STS back-upIn ATS sedan, the transmitter pocket is located in the face of the front of the inside of the center console, similar to or as shown to the right. Slide the transmitter into the pocket with the key ring facing out and buttons up. With the vehicle in Park or Neutral, press the brake pedal and the Start / Stop ignition button as normal.

CT6 back up slotIn the CT6 sedan, the transmitter pocket is located in the center console as well, but  in the face of the back of the console, as shown to the right. Slide the transmitter into the pocket with the key ring up and buttons facing the front of the car. With the vehicle in Park or Neutral, press the brake pedal and the Start / Stop ignition button as normal.

Cadillac now has new models and as has become all too common with General Motors, the back up locations are new and not reflective of any used XT4 back-uppreviously in a Cadillac model. And the Escalade went along for the ride.

In the XT4 and the 2020 Escalade and Escalade ESV, the key fob is dropped into the front cup holder, as shown to the right. Make sure the cup holder is empty and that the fob’s buttons are facing up. With the vehicle in Park or Neutral, press the brake pedal and the Start / Stop ignition button as normal.

Caddy rear cup holderMeanwhile, the new CT4, CT5 and Lyriq EV models, for no apparently good reason, use the rear cup holder as the back up start location. Again, make sure the cup holder is empty and that the key fob’s buttons are facing up. With the vehicle in Park or Neutral, press the brake pedal and the Start / Stop ignition button as normal to start the vehicle.

XT5 back-upIn the XT5 and XT6 SUVs, clear away anything being stored in the center console. At the bottom near the back, there is a depression shaped like the Cadillac key fob. Set the fob down in the depression with the buttons facing up. With the vehicle in Park or Neutral, step on the brake pedal and press the Start / Stop ignition button as normal.

The large SUV’s from GM, including the Escalade (prior to 2020), feature a transmitter Tahoe Escalade Suburban back-uppocket also located in the face of the front of the inside of the center console. However, the pocket points down, as shown to the right. The pocket in the Escalade is placed to the center and a bit lower. Slide the transmitter into the pocket with the key ring facing out, buttons forward (in a Suburban we had on hand, the engine started with the buttons facing either way). It is a loose fit, so 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.

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 Engine Start Operation Indicatormessage 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.

… Return to Part I

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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/2018/09/cadillac-dead-key-fob-help-part-ii-getting-started/

Open a Cadillac with a Dead Key Fob

How to Open a Cadillac with a Dead Key Fob

Getting into Your Cadillac

Retrieving the mechanical key

Cadillac vehicles use three key GM Key Style 1fob (remote control or ‘clicker’) styles, and two (GM Styles 1 and 3) have mechanical keys embedded inside. That key will be used to unlock the driver’s door or the trunk (yes, the trunk) and in some cases to remove a piece of the car!

If your vehicle is the XLR Coupe, a mechanical key is provided separately. Be sure to keep it around!

For Style 1 (above right), press the thin button near the bottom of the transmitter (remote control or ‘clicker’) used to remove the mechanical key. Do not pull the mechanical key out without pressing the button.

GM Style 3The Style 3 key fob is similar to Style 1, in that the mechanical key is removed from the fob for use getting into the vehicle. To remove the mechanical key, press the button on the side of the transmitter near the key ring, as shown, and pull out the key.

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

Getting Inside

GM Lock Cover RemoveMany GM models hide the key holes under a cap at the back of the driver’s door. They include the Cadillac CT4, CT6, CTS, XT4, XT5, XT6, XTS and ATS.

*Note the additional Escalade instructions below and that 2020 brings a  completely new cap, also below.

To remove the first cap, pull the door handle out to the open position. Insert the key into the slot on the bottom of the cap (3, right). Push it as far upwards as possible and hold 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. Look for a video here to help.

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 Escalade, until 2017, features a new wrinkle in the hidden Escalade Cylinder Capkey hole. The cylinder is hidden in the same place and manner, but the cap is the top, 1/8 of an inch portion. To remove it, the door handle must be pulled fully open. Then, push the cap towards the handle to release it. It may take a bit of force to accomplish this. See two videos here.

IMPORTANT! The Cadillac XTS uses both types of caps to hide the key holes shown above. Look or feel for a slot as described with the first cap. If its there, follow the first instructions. If there is no slot, follow the instructions for the early Escalade.

Replacing it is a simple matter of reversing the removal process and simpler than the process needed for the old style.

GM Lock Cover RemoveIn the middle of the 2017 model year, the Escalade, while retaining the hidden key hole, was shifted to the method shown previously. So, starting in 2017, look for a slot beneath the cap. If its there, use the key as described above. Push it into the slot as far upwards as possible, then pry outward. Move the cap rearward revealing the key cylinder.

New Caddy lock cylinder capThen in 2020, Cadillac came up with a whole new cap. As with the first style, there is a slot beneath the cap (right). The handle is first identified by its more curved appearance front to back and a separation near the top. Only the bottom can be removed. It is found on the Escalade and CT5.

Insert the mechanical key into the slot at the bottom of the handle and push upward all the way until the New Caddy cap swinging upcover frees. It will pop out about 1/8 of an inch. Remove the key – do not pry or pull with it. Once free, the cap simply swings up and can be pulled away (right).

With all these options the mechanical key can be used in the now-exposed lock cylinder. We have a video here as well to help.

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!

Coupe_flush_handleThe CTS, XLR and ELR Coupes have flush door handles (left image) with no key holesCTS ELR open handle at all. They have a very different trick up their sleeves.

You must use the mechanical key to open the trunk. The key hole is under the lip of the trunk lid facing the ground.

Once open, you will find a release handle. It is below the forward lip of the trunk (right). Pulling the door release lever will unlock as well as unlatch the driver’s door.

Lyriq trunkWe have two videos for coupes here.

Similarly but more simply, the new Lyriq EV also requires the trunk or liftgate be unlocked using the mechanical key (right image). The front door will unlock at the same time.

Note that if the key simply spins in the cylinder, make sure that the key is fully inserted.

Related: Getting Out!

Continue to Starting Instructions …

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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/2018/09/cadillac-dead-key-fob-help-part-i-getting-in/

Start a Lincoln with a Dead Key Fob

How to Start a Lincoln with a Dead Key Fob

Starting Your Lincoln

  • But first, if you’re still locked out, click here for help getting inside!
  • Second, Ford models are here.
  • Third, you can find video help here!
  • Finally, if you need or want another manufacturer, click here.

Lincoln vehicles employ far too many backup methods, with new variations added seemingly each year. For full- and mid-size vehicles, insert the Intelligent Access key in the backup slot, located in the glove box, the center console, or in or under the cup holders, depending on the model. On this page you will find what you need to start the Aviator, Continental, Corsair, MKC, MKS, MKT, MKX, MKZ, Nautilus, and Navigator models

We have video help for most of the options here.

The backup slot for full- and mid-size vehicles is the same as that used for key programming. In all cases, the slots do not look at all obvious, except that they are the proper size for the Intelligent Access key.

After inserting the key into the backup slot, use the Start / Stop ignition button and brake pedal to start your vehicle as usual. The vehicle should respond normally as long as the Intelligent Access key is in the slot.

Once the vehicle is started, the key fob can be removed from the backup slot, if you wish. But first, you will need to locate that slot.

Locating the Back-up Slot

Lincoln MKS backupThe MKS is unique in using the glove box as the location for the backup slot. It is to the far right side under the glove box door, and may be difficult to reach. Slip the Intelligent Access key down into the slot with buttons facing out and with key ring up or out. See the image.

After inserting the key, use the Start / Stop ignition button and brake pedal to start your vehicle as usual. Once the vehicle is started, the key can be removed from the backup slot, if you wish.

The backup slot is located in the center console in the Aviator, Corsair, MKC, MKT, MKX and Navigator models. The exact location will vary somewhat. Most consoles are filled with stuff, so you may need to dig a Ford Lincoln Console backupbit.

In the Navigator, until 2018, the Intelligent Access key slot is to the rear or the side of the console and points up. The key fob is slipped in vertically or horizontally depending on the slot’s shape, with the buttons facing out, as in the image shown.

Aviator back up slotIn 2018, the Navigator location is moved to the back wall inside the center console (right). It should look like a pocket anchored to the back wall. Slip the key fob in vertically with the buttons facing forward.

Aviator models use a similar pocket, but it is anchored to the front of the center console. Slip the Intelligent Access key fob in vertically with the buttons facing the back of the console.

In 2025, a new console arrangement is available in the Aviator and the back up slot is Aviator 2025 back up slotbeneath the rear cup holder. Remove the bottom liner from the cup holder by pulling it up by the tab (see image to the right). The slot is then revealed. Drop the fob into the slot with the buttons facing the rear of the rear of the car.

Note that the older console style is still available in the 2025.

The Corsair also uses a location at the front of the center console, but it is built into Corsair back up slotthe front wall structure ( lower right). For this model, the key fob should be placed on its side with the buttons facing the back of the console.

After inserting the key, use the Start / Stop ignition button and brake pedal to start your vehicle as usual. If it fails to start, turn the fob so that the buttons face back and try again. Once the vehicle is started, the key fob can be removed from the backup slot, if you wish.

You will find a video of the process here that will help.

Ford Lincoln Front Console backupIn MKT, MKZ Hybrid (2013) and new (2017) Continental models, the slot is found near the Auxiliary, USB and power ports in the center console, like the one shown. The Intelligent Access key is slipped in with the buttons facing out and the key ring up (in one vehicle we tested, the vehicle started with the buttons facing either direction).

After inserting the key, use the Start / Stop ignition button and brake pedal to start your vehicle as usual. Once the vehicle is started, the key can be removed from the backup slot, if you wish.

Lincoln Front Console backupIn the MKC and MKX (through 2015), the backup slot is to the front of center console, also found near the Auxiliary, USB and power ports, as shown. The Intelligent Access key is slipped in with the buttons facing out and the key ring up. The slot is impossible to see and you may want to feel for the ribbing at the bottom of the slot.

New MKX slotIn 2016, the back up slot in the MKX is moved to the bottom of the center console. The Nautilus, new in 2019, uses this location as well. There is a visible depression in the console’s floor the shape of the key fob. Place the fob in the depression with the buttons up and key ring end facing forward.

Nautilus 2024 back up slotIn 2024, the back up slot in the Nautilus is moved to the front of the center console (image right). Slip the fob in with the buttons facing the rear.

After inserting the key, use the Start / Stop ignition button and brake pedal to start your vehicle as usual. Once the vehicle is started, the key can be removed from the backup slot, if you wish.

Mustang MKZ backupNew in the 2014 MKZ and MKZ Hybrid the backup slot is hidden under one of the cup holders.

A rubber mat at the bottom of the cup holders may need to be removed (A) to expose the slot (B), as shown. Of course any cups will have to come out too! Look for a tab towards the front or the side of the mat to grab and pull (gently!)*.

*Important: If you do not find a pull tab, do try removing the mat. Simply place the key fob in the rear cup holder and start the car as normal.

After inserting the key fob, buttons facing the back of the car, in the exposed slot, use the Start / Stop ignition button and brake pedal to start your vehicle as usual. Once the car is started, the Intelligent Access key can be removed and the mat, and any cups, replaced.

Note: If you have made an attempt to start any of these vehicles without success, there may be residual pressure in the brake system and a new warning light may appear (left) or text Engine Start Operation Indicatormessage 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.

… Return the Part 1, 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/2018/09/lincoln-dead-key-fob-help-part-ii-getting-started/

Lincoln Videos: Handling Dead Key Fob Batteries

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

We now have ten videos offering help to Lincoln drivers who’s key fobs or remote controls have gone dead

There is some crossover to some Ford models, but they have their own page here!

Just added a video covering all Lincoln models.

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Here is an update for MKX drivers.

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Here’s a 2017 Lincoln MKZ — watch for the quirks!

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This video stars the updated (2017) Lincoln Continental.

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This video is for Ford Mustang, Fusion and Edge, including the hidden key hole, but also covers 2014 and newer Lincoln MKZ and MKZ Hybrid.

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This video will help with Lincoln Navigator as well as the Ford Taurus, Flex and Expedition.

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Video help for the Lincoln MKT and 2013 MKZ Hybrid as well as the Ford Explorer, Edge and Fusion.

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A video exclusive to the Lincoln MKC.

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A video of us replacing the batteries in an early style Ford or Lincoln dead key fob or remote control, updated.

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And another video of us replacing the battery in a different Ford/Lincoln key fob or remote control.

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This one has us replacing the battery in the newest Ford and Lincoln key fob.

Models covered include the Aviator, Corsair, MKC, MKX, MKT, Nautilus, Hybrid, Navigator, MKZ, and Continental.

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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/2018/09/lincoln-video-help-with-dead-key-fob-batteries/

Open and Start a Suzuki with a Dead Key Fob

How to Open and Start a Suzuki with a Dead Key Fob

  • Note that if you need or want another manufacturer, click here.

Getting into Your Suzuki

Retrieving the Mechanical Key

Suzuki withdrew from the new car market in the U.S. and Canada after the 2013 model year. Despite this, we Suzuki Key Fobsaw a brand new model in a parking lot. They are coming from somewhere – Suzuki still sells cars worldwide – and it turned out to be a push button start model. Keyless start versions exist in models sold in North America in the past, so the brand deserves coverage.

Suzuki Fob BackThere are at least two key fob styles. The fob for older models looks like the one shown above to the right. Turning it over, slide the button found on the back down relative to the image to the right and pull the mechanical key away.

The newer Suzuki models the key fob shown to the right looks very much like Mazda and Nissan fobs. New Suzuki FobThey also have a button on the back. Slide it to the side and pull the mechanical key away.

In all Suzuki models, the key hole should be visible at the back of the driver’s door handle. Insert the key and turn and you’re in.

If however, a key hole is not visible behind the driver’s door handle, check out our Toyota, Lexus, and Scion page here. You will find the help you need. We did not find definitive evidence of hidden key holes in Suzuki models.

Starting Your Suzuki

Suzuki startEarly keyless start Suzuki models still use an ignition switch that needs to be turned to operate. A slot for the mechanical key is hidden by the cap shown.

Squeeze both ends of the cap to pull it away. Then insert the mechanical key and start the car the old fashioned way.

Subaru Emergency StartNewer, push button start models work like other models from Japanese manufacturers. Push the start stop button with the key fob while stepping on the brake. The car will recognize the fob, even though the fob’s internal battery is dead and start.

We have a Video here that will be helpful.

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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/2018/08/suzuki-dead-key-fob-help/