By Gail Marsh
Modern technology is a marvel—until it isn’t. Recently, a woman in our campground discovered that the battery in her key fob had died.
As a traveling nurse, she was anxious to get to work. Not only did she need to get into her locked car, but she also needed the key fob to engage the vehicle’s push-button starter. She needed some tips for when a key fob battery dies.
Steps to take
If your car’s key fob has a dead battery, starting your vehicle is still possible with a few simple steps. Here’s what you need to know:
Locate the hidden key
Many modern key fobs contain a physical key hidden inside. To access it:
- Look for a small button or latch on the side or back of the fob.
- Press or slide it to release the mechanical key.
Unlock the car
Use the physical key to manually unlock your car. Most vehicles have a keyhole on the driver’s side door, which may be concealed by a small plastic cover. If there’s a cover, gently pry it off using the key or a small screwdriver.
Find the emergency ignition slot
Vehicles with push-start systems often have an emergency ignition slot or an alternate way to start the car when the key fob is dead. This slot is typically found:
- Near the steering column
- In the center console
- Under a cover near the cup holders
If no slot is visible, try holding the key fob close to the “START” button or pressing the button with the fob itself. This allows the car’s sensor to detect the fob even with a dead battery, thanks to a backup RFID chip (electronic bar tag).
Start the car
Once the car recognizes the key fob:
- Step on the brake (or clutch for manual vehicles) and press the “START” button.
- For cars with traditional ignition, insert the physical key into the ignition and turn it.
Replace the key fob battery
After starting the car, replace the dead battery in your key fob as soon as possible. Typically, the fob uses a small coin-style battery (e.g., CR2032). Check your car manual or fob for battery type and replacement instructions.
By following these steps, you can get your car running even when the key fob battery is depleted. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with your car’s specific key and emergency start features before a dead fob situation arises.
Have you ever been locked out of your car or RV? Tell me what happened in the comments below.
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RVDT2821
I like the days when we only had keys. With multiple vehicles, key fobs are too bulky to carry in your pocket. Many time I went down to the garage and have the wrong key.
I’m a scuba diver. Old non-electronic keys care less about 60 feet of water for 45 minutes. I had to buy one of those combination lock boxes that hang on a door knob and attach it to my hitch when the electronic keys arrived.
I agree, Bob. Our ’21 New Aire motorhome, purchased about a year ago, is the first vehicle we have owned with a starting key fob. All I see are disadvantages. Just give me a regular ol’ key! If I lose a regular key it’s a few bucks to have a new one made. Have you priced these new FOBs?! Hundreds$.
Thanks for the tips. I’ll look when it is above freezing outside.
This is why I contribute to RVtravel.
Thanks Gail for writing about the key fobs. Mine recently went out and although putting it closer to the start button and out of the jumble of my purse did start the car I was very worried about what would have happened if the fob was totally dead. Now I know and will look up where the emergency start is on my vehicle.
Be warned. Some of those plastic caps are almost impossible to remove.
Read the owners manual first. You may have to hold the door handle out first, insert the key in the slot and feel for the spring release and pull on the cap all at the same time.
It takes three hands!
It’s beyond me why they decided to cover the keyhole. Thieves know where it’s at and will just rip the cover off.
I’ll add that when replacing the small battery either wear disposable gloves or hold the battery carefully by the edges so you don’t get oil from your finger tips on it. That will shorten the life of the battery.
If you don’t have a CR2032 on hand but do have CR2016’s 2 of them will replace the 2032. It seems odd but I have done it.
My wife’s new Hyundai uses a CR2450.
Twice the thickness of the 2032. Still 3 volts.
Would be nice if they built a low fob battery indicator into the Infotainment system or at least a low battery indicator light on the fob itself.
I plan on replacing the batteries yearly.
The fob is always actively transmitting.
Genius, it all boils down to needing a key to get into and start the car anyway.
I guess everyone could try reading the owners manual. Just a thought.
If you do not have a physical key slot, only the fob… push the actual start button with the dead fob itself. It should work. Then go get yourself a properly sized battery after watching a YouTube video on how to change your particular fob. Annoying job but easy.