How to Open a Lincoln with a Dead Key Fob
Getting into Your Lincoln
- But first, if you’re already inside, click here for help getting started!
- Second, Ford models are here.
- Third, you can find video help here!
- Finally, if you need or want another manufacturer, click here.
Retrieving the mechanical key
Lincoln vehicles use a number of different Intelligent Access 
(IA) (remote control or ‘clicker’) key styles. Two of the key fobs use a sliding release on the back side to release the key. Two new key fobs use a push button to release the mechanical key, and one is much easier than the other to use. Another holds the key inside the fob itself and is really difficult to remove.
To release the mechanical key blade in your IA key fob, slide the release on the back of the transmitter and pull the blade out. You can now use the mechanical key to unlock the driver’s door.
An exception is the third key fob style shown (left). In this case, the removable mechanical key blade is inside the fob. Slide the release on the back of the remote control (top arrow) and pivot the cover off 
(pull is straight up and off) to access the key blade. Its awkward and may need a little practice. That mechanical key can now be used to unlock the driver’s door.
This fourth and unusual Intelligent Access key fob is found with only a handful of Ford models. The mechanical key blade is found on the back of the fob. To remove it, push the buttons on either side of the key fob.
We have not seen one of these, so it is not immediately obvious if the mechanical key stays attached to the fob, as it would appear to from the image, or if it can actually be removed.
Finally, this last key fob was introduced in most Lincolns in 2017, and it is the simplest 
to use. It has a push button on the front of the mechanical key itself near the key ring space. Simply push the button and pull the mechanical key away from the IA key.
Getting Inside
Most Lincoln vehicles have a key hole visible at the back of the driver’s door handle. So, simply insert the key and turn, and you’re in!
However, the 2017 Continental and then the 2020 Aviator and the 2024 Nautilus bring a very new wrinkle into the mix. The key hole is hidden by a spring-loaded cover and is in a very different location. The key hole has been placed in the chrome molding beneath the driver’s door mirror and behind the imprinted words ‘Continental’, ‘Aviator’ or ‘Nautilus’. Simply insert the key and turn to unlock the car. The door will spring open. We still in 2024 have no word on how well the key hole cover will behave in icy weather.
In addition, the Navigator, updated in 2018, hides the keyhole in plain sight. The door handle is a single piece. The key hole is exposed by simply pulling the driver’s door handle away from the body of the car. It is seen angled outward at the back end of the handle. Insert the mechanical key and turn clockwise. Remove the key and release the handle. The door will open on the next pull. Note that the alarm will sound in a minute or so if the car is not started in time.
Finally, the new Nautilus model hides the key hole under a cap at the back of the driver’s door handle, which must be removed. To do this, insert the key blade into the slot on the bottom of the handle (right image, bottom arrow) and press up. While holding that upward pressure, move the cap rearward to release it. Gently remove the key while doing so. Yes, the effect is that of prying off a piece of your car but its OK and necessary!
To reinstall the cap, place it just forward of the key cylinder. While applying pressure to the cap, move it forward until it is in place. It snaps into place. Make sure the cap is properly installed by trying to move it rearward.
Remember, getting IN the car is most important. If you have difficulty replacing the cap, don’t bother. Let your dealer do it when you get a new battery for your Key Fob!
Look for video help here. Watch the Mustang video for help with the last hidden key hole.
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.
The author has 25 years of automotive experience and has assembled the most extensive collection of symbols and warning lights anywhere (over 1,000!) and can help you open and start any keyless start car with a dead key fob battery. BA, St. Joseph’s College, ME: MS, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, NY
In the earliest versions of the Model S, the back of key fob is to be placed against the passenger side front fender, somewhat below and to the right of the emblem, as shown in the image. When the fob is recognized, the door handles will extend as they do normally.
The concept is the same in the newer Model S, but the location is changed. However, it remains on the passenger side. Place the key fob near the base of the passenger side windshield wiper. The image to the right shows the exact spot that worked in the model we tested, and we tried several. Then press the driver’s door handle. The handles will extend if it is recognized, but it took a full 20 seconds in the car we tested. Try repositioning the fob if this fails. If it continues not to be recognized, try removing the battery and go back through the process.
Tesla’s Model X uses an entirely different back up location. There again is no hard key or key cylinder. In addition, the door handles do not extend in normal operation as with the Model S. The mirrors will extend when the key fob is recognized.
To get in, the key card is placed on the door frame between the front and rear doors on the driver’s side and just above the bottom of the windows, as shown. As with other models, the mirrors will extend inviting you inside. The vehicles can be locked this way as well.
The latest models from all three manufacturers — with two exceptions — have a much simplified process. Staring with vehicle updates in the 2013 model year, simply press the Start / Stop ignition button with the Smart Key while depressing the brake to start the vehicle. We originally named this the back up start Method 6. If this does not work in your model, continue on below for a method that will.
The exceptions noted are first, an EV button (far left) in Kia EVs. It is pushed just like the Start / Stop button. The second exception is the 2021 Genesis G80, which is now a Seventh Method. This method has moved to the 2022 GV60 EV as well, and may yet be placed in other models. If the vehicle does not recognize the key fob or Smart Key, slip the Smart Key into the space behind the shifter dial and cup holders and in front of the leather of the console. See the second image to the left. Then, step on the brake and push the Start / Stop ignition button to start the vehicle as normal.
We must also add an Eighth Method, which is digital. In the new GV60, G70, GV70, G80 and G90, a registered smart phone or a pre-registered card key can be placed on the vehicle’s wireless charging pad. It is found in front of the center console storage area (left). Once in place, the vehicle can be started as normal.
The Kia Forte, Sportage, and Sorento and Hyundai Sonata (prior to 2014) use Method 1. Insert the Smart Key in the Smart Key holder, which is a slot inside the center console, then press the Start / Stop ignition button while depressing the brake. To remove the Key, press it, then pull. Check out the video below.
The Kia Magentis also uses a slot in the center console in Method 2. Insert the Key and then press the Start / Stop ignition button while depressing the brake. To remove, press the Smart Key inward past the detent and then pull it outward.
The Hyundai Genesis, built before 2014, uses Method 3, which is a slot located behind a door above the shifter. Insert the Key and then press the Start / Stop ignition button while depressing the brake. To remove the Key, press it and then pull it out.
The Kia Optima (prior to 2014) and Soul and Hyundai Equus use Method 4, which is a slot in the glove box. The slot is a little higher in the Equus. Insert the Key and then press the Start / Stop ignition button while depressing the brake. To remove the Key, press it and then pull it out.
The Kia Borrego uses the Method 5 slot, which is in the dash just below the Start /Stop ignition button. It should be readily visible. Insert the Smart Key and then press the Start / Stop button while depressing the brake. To remove the Key, release it by pressing and then pull it out.
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.
To retrieve the mechanical key from either key fob style, slide the release lever located on the reverse side of the FAST key fob, as shown, and pull out the mechanical key. It can then be inserted into the lock cylinder at the back of the driver’s door handle and turned to unlock the car. So far so good…
Retrieving the mechanical key
To use the most common Hyundai key fobs, press and hold the release button at the key ring end of the remote control or ‘clicker’ and pull the key ring to remove mechanical key. Use the key to unlock the driver’s door. They too remain in limited use today (2025).
The exception come in the form of key fobs with the mechanical release on the back, which. Hyundai began using in 2019 (right). Push the button in order to release the mechanical key.
supplying a new key fob and separate mechanical key shown to the right. This fob has spread to other models as well. To use the mechanical key, a protective cover must be removed and its handle rotated down.
trick. Several other Hyundai models have been added since, namely the Santa Fe, in 2024, and Venue. These models all feature a two-piece door handle. As shown in the image to the left, press the mechanical key into the slot found under the cover at the back of the driver’s door handle (1) and pull forward and up by hand (2).
A “hybrid” of this was introduced in 2020 in the Sonata. By 2024, it is found in the Elantra, Santa Cruz, and Tucson. The mechanical key is again slipped into a slot beneath the back of the door handle and pushed upwards. Now however, a small cover, seen in blue to the left, is slid to the side and out of the way. This should be done when the mechanical key is still inserted and pushed upward. The keyhole is then revealed.
The redesign of the Kona brings with it a new and odd door two-piece handle, as seen to the left. It still features a cap that hides the key hole, which must be removed. It looks like the others, but to get at the key hole, lift the door handle and hold it in the open position. Slip the mechanical key into the open slot in the cap from behind it and rotate the cap upwards. It will come free, exposing the key hole.
In 2019, a very different hidden key hole style was introduced in the Hyundai Santa Fe (removed in 2024), the new Palisade model a year later and the Elantra in 2021. The handle for all intents and purposes is one piece, but a small piece of horizontal trim located just behind the black entry button (arrow) is removable. Pull the handle outward. This exposes another small black button just behind the handle (2, below). Look at the handle from behind to find it.
Push the button inwards using the mechanical key. This releases the trim piece that can be swung away exposing the keyhole. The key can then be turned to unlock the car. Pull the key out before opening the door to avoid damaging the door handle.
Afterwards, the cover can be pressed back on, but your immediate concern is getting into your car.
In the Nexo, a plug protects the key hole, likely from water and debris. Use the mechanical key to pry the plug away (first image left) and then insert the key to unlock the car.
Hyundai vehicles that include a separate mechanical key include two digital options and a facial recognition option. Digital options include a pre-registered card key and a smart phone app on a registered smart phone. The card key and app can also start the car. However, facial recognition will only open the vehicle, so the key fob, card key or smart phone app will be needed to start the car.
Facial recognition is accomplished using a camera mounted in the pillar behind the driver’s door. Again, this will only allow entry and other means will be needed to start the car, so this is of limited value.
the 2016 Edge have since been added to this list.
The Ford Expedition is updated for 2018, and features another way to hide the key hole. The door handles are a single piece. The key hole is easily exposed by simply pulling the driver’s door handle. It is seen angled outward at the back end of the handle. Insert the mechanical key and turn clockwise. Remove the key and release the handle. The door will open on the next pull. Note that the alarm will sound in a minute or so if the car is not started in time.
The Ford GT uses all electronic locks and latches. The end result is that there is no key hole to unlock a door. So, to get in, you’ll need to open the rear hatch!
Competition Series GT, the key hole is on the top of the hatch.
The new all electric Mustang Mach E uses electronic latches. A button above the door handle (right) is pressed and the door pops open. If the key fob is dead, the vehicle offers is no opportunity to use the mechanical key to get inside. However, the car can be accessed with an app on your smart phone or using the keyless entry code panel on the door post.
For your BMW or Mini, press the button on the back of the remote control (or ‘clicker’) and pull the key ring end to remove the integrated key. The integrated or mechanical key can be used to unlock the driver’s door.
lock cylinder, and introduced a new, slightly redesigned key fob. The button in this case, is on the side, as shown. Press it and pull the key ring end to remove the mechanical key.
shown, has a button on the neck. Push it while pulling the key ring with your free hand to retrieve the mechanical key. On all other Mini key fobs, the button is simply on the back.
With the latest EV line, the iX, i4 and i5 so far, come new key fobs. The i4 and i5 have a traditional looking fob, very much like the second one above. Push the button on the side and pull the key away. However, it will need to be used in a very tight space and so needs to be “undressed”. Slide the frame down the key and remove (right).
The iX mechanical key is behind the chrome cover on the key fob. Look for the button shown (first image). Press it and pull away the cover in the direction of the larger arrow. Then rotate the mechanical key out from the fob starting with the key’s tip (second image).
The electric models we noted above use a mechanical key for entry, as well. Lift the handle (right) of the i4 or i5 to expose the keyhole (black arrow).
the ICE powered 7-Series and will likely find its way to other models.
Both handle styles also feature a proximity detection pad. It is located somewhat in the middle of the driver’s door handle on the i4 (first image) and at the front of the driver’s door handle on the iX and 7-Series (right image). It is the knurled spot seen in the image. Touch an activated key card or the back of a smart phone with the BMW app to the spot and the door will unlock.
Starting 2015 in the 7-Series only, a new style hidden key hole a new cover removal process is featured. The directions from BMW are a little confusing, so do this carefully. It turns out to actually be quite simple.
It starts as a one-piece door handle (above) that must be pulled outward. With the handle pulled outward with your left hand, slip a finger from your right hand behind handle. Feel for a metallic release and push it outward. This will release the cap, which can be pulled away with the thumb and fingers of your right hand, exposing the key hole (right).
A modified version of this was introduced in the 540i for the 2017 model year. It has since been introduced in the X5 and X7 SUVs. The same metal clip is behind what is a smaller cap. The cap is the last bit of chrome at the back of the driver’s door handle and is roughly the same size as the clip, making it easier to feel for.
Like the 7-Series, pull the handle out and slip a finger from your other hand behind handle. Feel for the metallic clip and give it a push. In this case, the cap will practically fly off. You are still removing a piece of your car and its still ok! Let go of the handle and use the mechanical key to unlock the door using the key cylinder that is now visible through the handle.
Opening Your Mini