If you’ve purchased a new car in the last several years, you’ve likely been given a key fob instead of a standard key.
As a result, it may have taken some drivers time to get used to not inserting a key into the ignition. However, the ease of having a touch-to-start car has become more and more popular over time.
Key fobs are hassle-free and easy to use and allow users to unlock and start their cars without having to fumble around with a key.
But, imagine you’re driving to a hole-in-the-wall restaurant in your favorite small town. It’s late at night, so most of the shops are closed. You’re getting ready to head back home, and you go to open your car but find that your key fob is dead.
There isn’t anything around that can help you get back into your car. What do you do?
Although there are many benefits of using a key fob, it can be very inconvenient when the battery dies. You might be worried about how you’ll get into your car, turn it on, and drive home if your key fob gives out.
Fortunately, there are several ways to unlock and start your car, even with a dead key fob.
Tools You Might Want To Carry Incase Your Key Fob Dies
- A spare key
- Replacement battery for your key fob
- A small screwdriver, coin, or piece of metal that you can use to pry the key fob open
Method 1: Replace the Battery
If your key fob has died in the parking lot of a busy shopping center, then your solution will be fairly simple. Most of the time, when a key fob malfunctions, it’s because the battery has given out. If that’s the case, all you’ll need to do is get a replacement, and you’ll be ready to drive.
To see the battery, you’ll need to open the fob. Most key fobs have a battery cover that you can pry off with either a coin or a small thin piece of metal.
Once you have removed the casing, you should see a small silver circle, which is the battery. It should be labeled with numbers. If you’re familiar with the batteries needed in watches, you’ll recognize this battery style.
When looking for a replacement, make sure you find the correct battery that matches the marking on the one that was in your fob.
Method 2: Unlock the Door With a Smartphone
Many car manufacturing companies have created smartphone apps that allow users to control different aspects of their vehicles from their phones. One of the features of these apps is the ability to unlock the car.
The specifics of these apps vary depending on the maker of the car. However, nearly every well-known car manufacturer has an accompanying app for times like this.
Method 3: Using the Key Fob To Unlock the Car
Sometimes, even if the battery seems to be giving out, you can get it to work by holding it right up against the side of your car. The proximity might be all it needs to get a strong enough signal to unlock one last time before it needs to be replaced for good.
If this doesn’t work, don’t worry. You’ll still be able to get into your car.
Some fobs have a leather cover on them. If yours does, remove it and look for a small button on the side. Most devices have a small spare key inside the fob, and when pressed, the button will prompt it to pop out.
Once you get the key out of the fob, simply insert it into the keyhole on the driver’s side door, and you’ll be in your car.
Starting Your Car With a Dead Key Fob
Car manufacturers are aware that key fobs will die eventually, and those car owners will need a way to get into and start their cars if this happens. Because of this, most cars are designed to accommodate other ignition methods in case the fob dies.
Many cars with key fobs have “push to start” or keyless ignition. Most of these vehicles, however, do have a key slot. It’s usually located on the steering column, and most are covered in a plastic cap. Once you remove the cap, the key slot should be exposed. Then, simply insert the key as you would with an older vehicle, and you’ll be good to go.
How To Be Prepared if Your Key Fob Dies
The best way to be prepared for a dead key fob is to take preventative measures beforehand. Doing things like carrying a spare battery or regularly checking the battery life of your key fob will help you know when you should be expecting it to give out and will make replacing the battery a breeze.
Since most car manufacturing companies have an accompanying smartphone app, you should download the app and make yourself comfortable with its features. Then, learn how to unlock your car with it so if your key fob dies, you’ll be able to unlock your vehicle easily.
Wrapping Up…
Having the benefits of keyless ignition is great, but if your key fob dies at an inopportune time, it can be stressful. Knowing how to unlock and start your car with a dead key fob will allow you to fully enjoy the convenience of keyless cars without having to worry about the negative side effects.
Hopefully, you’re already familiar with your car maker’s smartphone app, which is probably the easiest and quickest way to get into your car without a working key fob. If not, you’ll be able to use any of the manual methods listed above.
Though they might seem overwhelming at first, they’re quite simple. Reading through the steps and knowing what to do if this happens is the best way to be prepared.
