Tag: missing key hole

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/

Audi and Volkswagen Videos: Handling Dead Key Fob Batteries

How to Open, Start and Replace Fob Batteries in Audi and Volkswagen Vehicles

We now have 21 videos offering help to Audi and VW drivers who’s key fobs or remote controls have gone dead

This video covers A3 and Q3 models, 2020 and newer, hiding the key hole.

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This demonstrates replacing the battery in a late model VW flip key key fob.

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This is a 2022 update of Volkswagen with new start procedures in new model, including the ID.4.

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This one updates (in 2020) Volkswagen using a new Atlas model. The start procedure is changed somewhat and we cover difficulties encountered when trying to get at the key hole in an Atlas and a Golf.

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This video covers replacing the battery in a Volkswagen key fob. This one features an embedded mechanical key.

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Here we have a 2020 update for the Audi Q7.

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This video consolidates all we have on Audi models — through 2018.

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So, we did the compilation above and Audi creates a new key fob and new back up locations. Q8 up first.

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This video covers the new Audi A5, which features a new back up start location.

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Fixing an Audi flip key remote that won’t work after replacing the battery.

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This one covers the battery replacement in flip key key fobs.

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Here is the latest (2018) Q5 and A5 procedures. New back-up spot.

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This video handles Audi A3 and Q3 through 2019 models introduced to North America in the 2015 model year.

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This video covers the 2017 Audi Q5, which stays old school. It holds our first view of an Audi emergency key.

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Video help for Volkswagens, including help with a hidden key hole.

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This one covers most pre-2016 Audi models.

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A video exclusive to the new Audi Q7.

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A video of us replacing the battery in an Audi dead key fob or remote control.

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Replacing the battery in an updated Audi key fob or remote control.

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This one covers replacing the battery in a new generation (2019) key fob from Audi.

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Replacing the battery in a VW flip key dead key fob or remote control.

Models covered include the Beetle, CC, e-Golf, Eos, Golf, Jetta, Passat, Toureg, GTI, Routan, Tiguan, Arteon, Atlas, A3, A4,A5, A6, A7, A8, Allroad, Q3, Q5, Q7, R8, RS, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8, SQ5, SQ7, SQ8, TT, TTS,e-tron, and Q8.

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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/2016/05/audi-and-volkswagen-video-help-with-dead-key-fobs/

Volvo and Polestar Videos: Handling Dead Key Fob Batteries

How to Open, Start and Replace Fob Batteries in Volvo and Polestar Vehicles

Five videos offering help to Volvo and Polestar drivers who’s key fobs or remote controls have gone dead.

Video help for Polestar drivers including what we know about the Polestar 3.

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Video help for Volvos, including models with hidden key holes, updated.

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A video with updated turn-knob start Volvos here.

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And a video replacing the battery in the fob, updated.

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This one covers the new generation key fob battery replacement, including Polestar. Bring your patience…

Models covered include the Polestar 1, Polestar 2 and Polestar 3, and the Volvo C30, C70, S60, S80, S90, V60, V90, XC60, XC90, and XC40.

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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/2016/05/volvo-video-help-with-dead-key-fobs/

Lexus, Toyota and Scion Videos: Handling Dead Key Fob Batteries

How to Open, Start and Replace Fob Batteries in Lexus, Toyota and Scion Vehicles

Nine videos offering help to Lexus, Toyota and Scion drivers who’s key fobs or remote controls have gone dead.

Table of Contents

This video is an update of NX and RC models and now covers the 2016 and newer RX as well as new UX models.

https://youtu.be/BkLlfg-ytEY

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General Lexus video help, including models featuring a hidden key hole.

https://youtu.be/mlIPapj_pdg

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Another video for the new Lexus NX and RC F models.

https://youtu.be/r-OwvVkn0Os

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Video help specific for Prius models.

https://youtu.be/iUEith0b058

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A recent (post-2019) Lexus key fob battery replacement.

https://youtu.be/83UyQqzSwM4

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A video of us replacing the battery in an early Lexus dead key fob or remote control.

https://youtu.be/qbHwH8JVIvg

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This one is for Toyota key fobs exclusively.

https://youtu.be/eiiKJBHvNVI

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An updated look at a Lexus (and some Toyota) key fob battery replacement, newer fob.

https://youtu.be/40hXNBcQgV0

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This one is for newer (2018+) Toyota key fobs.

https://youtu.be/PghZJtlOu-A

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This one is a standard old school remote control.

https://youtu.be/3-HooaiMZFQ

Models covered include the Lexus CT, ES, GS, GX, IS, LS, LX, NX, RC, RX, RZ, TX, UX, and Toyota FR-S, iA, iM, tC, 4Runner, Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Highlander, Land Cruiser, Mirai, RAV4, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma, Tundra, Yaris, 86, C-HR, Supra, and Prius.

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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/2016/05/lexus-toyota-and-scion-video-help-with-dead-key-fobs/

Mercedes-Benz Videos: Handling Dead Key Fob Batteries

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

We have nine videos offering help to Mercedes drivers who’s key fobs or remote controls have gone dead.

This 2024 update of 2016 and newer models update adds two new door handles.

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This 2024 update of 2019 and newer models update adds a new back up start mark.

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This video covers 2019 and newer GLE and GLS SUVs as well as 2024 and newer G-Class SUVs.

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This one covers newer sedans with the latest key fob style and new back up start processes.

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General video help for Mercedes, updated.

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And a newer version covering the hidden key hole found in some models, now updated to  separate the key fob styles.

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This one covers the procedures for 2017 and later C-Class models that feature the new key fob style.

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This one is for the 2017 and later E-Class, also with the new key fob style.

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A video of us replacing the battery in a dead key fob or remote control, updated with better battery handling.

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And another replacing the battery in the newest key fob or remote control style.

Models covered include the GLA, GLB, GLC, GLE, GLS, A-Class, C-Class, S-Class, E-Class, CLA, CLS, AMG, SLC, SL, G63, B-Class, M-Class, and G550.

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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/2016/05/mercedes-benz-video-help-with-dead-key-fobs/

Chevrolet Videos: Handling Dead Key Fob Batteries

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

We now have nineteen videos offering help to Chevrolet drivers who’s key fobs or remote controls have gone dead.

Battery replacement videos are at the end of the list.

This video covers the latest Equinox models. It also will help with newer Cruze, Sonic and Blazer models.

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Here’s the new Blazer model.

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This updates opening and starting Chevrolet SUVs and Pick-ups adding changes to Suburban and Tahoe models starting in 2021.

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This combines all push button start Chevrolet SUVs and Pick-ups.

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This video is owners of the electric Bolt. We used the Volt as a stand in but the back up processes are nearly identical.

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This video updates the Impala.

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This is the Chevy Sonic. The Turbo model is the first to feature keyless start. 

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This video updates the Chevy Cruze, which has important back up changes in the 2017 model.

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This video features a 2017 Malibu. It is hiding its key hole.

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Updated video help for Coupes. The video will help with getting into and starting the Chevrolet Corvette (C6 and C7). It also will help with the Cadillac CTS or ELR Coupes. And getting out, if you need to!

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Video help exclusive for the Chevrolet Corvette (C6 and C7). Similar to the video above, but the start process is unique. We included help getting out if the start battery dies while you’re inside.

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Video help with a late model Camaro. Easy to start, but hiding its key hole.

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

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Video help for the Chevrolet Cruze. Getting in is easy, starting the car is another matter…

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Video help for both generation Chevy Volts.

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Chevrolet fob in use since 2021.

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Chevrolet key fob battery replacement, updated.

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A new, tweaked, fob style found in a Malibu, so far.

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This one is for a Chevrolet flip key. Still in use in some push button models.

Models covered include the Sonic, Tahoe, Silverado, Trax, Blazer, Equinox, Traverse, Camaro, Corvette, Volt, Coupe, XTS, Escalade, Bolt, Malibu, Impala, Suburban, and Cruze.

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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/2016/05/general-motors-video-help-with-dead-key-fobs/