Tag: hidden key hole

Start a Porsche with a Dead Key Fob

How to Start a Porsche with a Dead Key Fob

Starting Your Porsche

The Porsche Entry & Drive System may or may not feature a dummy key that needs to be turned to start the vehicle. If your vehicle does not have this key, the car’s key fob, even if its internal battery is dead and won’t let you in, will start the car. It will be recognized once placed into the ignition switch.

Porsche dummy keyIf there is a dummy key, it will need to be removed in order to use the key fob in the ignition. The owner’s manual holds a somewhat complicated set of removal instructions that will leave you exposed and vulnerable for far too long. Ignore the instructions and do the following.

Porsche fob insertedMake two attempts to start the car normally. The car’s instrument panel will then note that the dummy key can now be pulled away. Once this is done, the vehicle’s key fob can be inserted into the ignition switch and the car started normally. The fob will be recognized even if the fob’s internal battery is dead.

Click here for videos of both the open and start processes.

Porsche Hybrid

The Panamera Hybrid continues the use of a dummy key in the ignition. However, if the fob’s battery is dead, a new process is needed, which includes the use of a back up location for the fob.

Porsche back up slotLay the key fob, buttons up, in the compartment in the front of the center console to the left of the cup holders. Turn the ignition dummy key to the start position (position 2) and back to off. Turn the dummy key back to the start position a second time and the vehicle will start. The instrument panel will also acknowledge that the key fob has been recognized.

… Back 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/2018/11/porsche-dead-key-fob-help-part-i-getting-started/

Start a GMC with a Dead Key Fob

How to Start a GMC with a Dead Key Fob

Starting Your GMC

Hummer start slotTo 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.

Tahoe Escalade Suburban back-upThe 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.

Sierra LD buckets start locationSierra b-u with bucket seatsIn an all to common inability to leave well enough alone, this is changed in the Yukon with 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.

Sierra back-u no bucket seatsIn 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.

Terrain back up spotThe 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 Yukon with 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.

Acadis SlotIn 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.

Acadia back-up pocketThe 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.

Canyon b-u spotIn 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.

Use Brake 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.

… 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/2018/11/gmc-dead-key-fob-help-part-ii-getting-started/

Open a GMC with a Dead Key Fob

How to Open a GMC with a Dead Key Fob

Getting into Your GMC

Retrieving the Mechanical Key

GM Style 3Yukon key fobKeyless or push button start GMC models use the third of three GM key styles. A mechanical key is held inside the fob and is needed to get into the vehicle.

There are two slightly different shapes, but each operates in the same basic way. There is a button on the side of the key fob or transmitter near the key ring, as shown above. To remove the mechanical key, press the button and pull the key away.

Getting Inside

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.

Unfortunately, many GM models hide the key holes under a cap at the back of the driver’s door, and this includes the GMC GM Lock Cover RemoveAcadia and Terrain. To remove the 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.

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 …

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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/gmc-dead-key-fob-help/

Start a Buick with a Dead Key Fob

How to Start a Buick with a Dead Key Fob

Starting Your  Buick

GM vehicles use three different style keys, of which Buick uses the last two. There are several starting options, and we have videos here.

So, find your model, and if the main start battery is still good, we’ll get you underway…

Lacrosse key fob pocketWith the flip key key fob, the mechanical key remains attached to the fob, but several back-up locations are used. In the Buick Verano, Regal (through 2017) and pre-2014 Lacrosse, remove the cup holder from the center console in front of the storage area. This may be the entire cup holder assembly (above right), or simply a cup holder insert (below right).

Verano Lacrosse Reagal back-upLook for a notch at the top rear of the cup holders to insert a finger or tool to aide removal. Then place the transmitter in the transmitter pocket with the buttons facing up. The pocket will be shaped somewhat like the key fob.

Note that, as can be seen, the console areas look different from model to model, but the pocket is indeed beneath the cup holders. With the key fob in place and with the vehicle in Park or Neutral, press the brake pedal and the Start / Stop ignition button as normal.

2018 Regal back upThe back up location is changed in the Regal beginning with the 2018 model year, and the car uses a newer key fob. The spot is in a narrow compartment at the front of the center console, as can be seen in the image at right. And for the first time in any GM vehicle, the spot is marked. There is an image of a padlock with lines radiating from it, meant to invoke radio waves.

Place the key fob in the compartment and step on the brake and start the vehicle as normal using the Start / Stop button.

2014 Lacrosse back-upFor the LaCrosse in 2014, the transmitter pocket is moved into the storage area inside the armrest near the auxiliary power, USB and audio ports (right). Place the transmitter in the pocket.

Once again, with the vehicle in Park or Neutral, press the brake pedal and the Start / Stop ignition button as normal. Look for video help here.

Cruze back up spot 2The newest key style was introduced in 2014. It features a removable key. Note that there are still some flip keys in use. The Buick Encore, with  exception, and Envision, until 2021, crossovers will use this spot. Simply drop the key fob into the front cup holder with the buttons up, and start the car as normal. Check out videos for these models here.

Encore GX back up spotThe exception is the Encore GX, beginning with the 2020 model. There is a small depression at the rear of a tray on the center console that is just in front of the center console storage area. This is the back up spot. The new Envista model introduced in 2024 uses this spot as well. Drop the key fob onto this spot with the buttons up and start the car as normal, again pressing the Start / Stop button while stepping on the brake.

2021 Envision slotAnd the 2021 Envision finds the back up spot moved to the front of the center console storage area, See the image to the right. Inside and at the front of the console there is a small, flat depression. Drop the key fob onto this spot with the buttons facing up and start the vehicle as normal, stepping on the brake while pushing the Start / Stop button. See a helpful video here.

Enclave back up spotFinally, the Buick Enclave gets keyless start for the first time in 2018. The back up spot is beneath the rubber mat at the bottom of the center console. Remove the mat and place the transmitter on the fob-shaped depression that is now  visible. As always, with the vehicle in Park or Neutral, press the brake pedal and the Start / Stop ignition button as normal. We’ll post more information as it comes available.

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, 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/buick-dead-key-fob-help-part-ii-getting-started/

Open a Buick with a Dead Key Fob

How to Open a Buick with a Dead Key Fob

Getting into Your Buick

Retrieving the mechanical key

GM Key Style 2Buick uses the last two of GM’s three key fob (remote control or ‘clicker’) styles. Style 2 is a flip key, shown to the right. Simply press the unmarked chrome button to extend the mechanical key. It remains attached to the key fob.

If a key hole is visible at the back of the driver’s door handle, use the mechanical key to unlock the driver’s door. If a key hole is not visible, see below.

GM Style 3With the Style 3 key fob the mechanical key must 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 the key out.

Once again, if a key hole is visible at the back of the driver’s door handle, use the mechanical key to unlock the driver’s door. If a key hole is not visible, see below.

Getting Inside

In the majority of Buick models, a key hole is visible at the back of the driver’s door handle. So, simply insert the mechanical key and turn and you’re inside.

However,  in the 2016 model year, Buick joined other GM models, hiding the key hole behind a cap at the back of the handle. The first models affected include the Envision and Lacrosse. The remaining models have followed suit.

GM Lock Cover RemoveIn these cases, the cap must be removed to reveal the key hole. To remove the 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, 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.

Envista door handleThen came the new Envista in 2024. The key hole or lock cylinder is hiding behind an oval cap seen towards the rear of the driver’s door handle (right). It will need to be removed to expose the cylinder.

To remove the cap, pull the door handle to the open position. Look for a spot behind Envista handle removethe oval cap that can accept the key (right). Insert the key into the spot and press the key inward. This will allow the cap to move. Move it towards the rear and remove it. The key hole is now visible and the door can be unlocked.

To replace the first 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.

To replace the oval cap, insert the tab found at the back of the cap into the edge of door handle. Press the cap into place.

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/buick-dead-key-fob-help-part-i-getting-in/

Cadillac Videos: Handling Dead Key Fob Batteries

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

We have fourteen helpful videos for Cadillac owners.

Battery replacement videos are at the end of the list.

This first video will get you into and starting the latest Escalade models, 2021 and newer.

This video combines all we know about getting into and starting a Cadillac model – all of them!

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This video covers the new XT4 model.

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This video is exclusive for CTS sedan owners.

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This is an update for the Cadillac XTS. There are two ways to get in, and the manual may be wrong!

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Cadillac Escalade update. The key hole reveal is changed in the middle of the 2017 model year.

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Here is the new Cadillac XT5 crossover, hiding its keyhole.

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The updated video will help with getting into and starting the Cadillac CTS Coupe, XLR and ELR Coups. It also covers the Chevrolet Corvette (C6 and C7). And getting out, if you need to!

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Video help with the Cadillac XTS. If you tried the XTS owner’s manual, you may have found the wrong entry procedure!

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This video will help with getting in and starting the Cadillac Escalade as well as the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban and GMC Yukon.

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Video help unique to the Cadillac SRX.

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Replacing the battery in a Cadillac fob in use since 2021.

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This video will help replace the battery in a Cadillac key fob.

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This one covers key fobs used in 2021 and newer models.

Models covered include the Celestiq, CTS, CT4, CT5, CT6, CTS, ELR, Escalade, Lyriq, SRX, XLR, XT4, XT5, XT6, and XTS.

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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-video-help-with-dead-key-fobs/

Buick Videos: Handling Dead Key Fob Batteries

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

We now have nine videos offering help to Buick drivers who’s key fob or remote control batteries have gone dead.

Battery replacement videos are at the end of the list.

This video updates Envision models, which were changed in 2021.

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This video consolidates getting into and starting all models.

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The video below is for owners of newer Buick Regals.

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This video features the Buick Envision and its hidden key hole.

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Video help with a 2014 and later Buick LaCrosse.

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Video help with the Buick Encore.

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Replacing the battery in a Buick fob in use since 2021.

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This is a video replacing the battery in a Buick flip key.

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And a second Buick key fob style battery replacement.

Models covered include the LaCrosse, Envision, Encore, Regal, Enclave, and Verano.

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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/buick-video-help-with-dead-key-fobs/