Toyota / Lexus / Scion Asian
| Key system / vehicles | Dead key fob start |
|---|---|
| Most Smart Key models, ~2006–present (Camry, RAV4, Highlander, Tundra, Corolla, all Lexus push-start, Scion) | Touch the start/power switch with the logo side of the fob (buzzer sounds, switch indicator changes). Within ~10 s press the switch with the brake depressed. |
| Prius Gen 2 (2004–2009) | Insert the fob into the dash slot near the POWER button, buttons up. Press POWER with the brake depressed. |
| GR Supra (2020+, BMW-built) | Hold the back of the fob against the key symbol on the steering column. Press Start within 10 s with the brake depressed (BMW method). |
| Early Lexus with start cylinder/knob | Insert the tapered tip of the fob into the start cylinder and turn.Confirm in manual |
| bZ4X / Lexus RZ (EV) | Same logo-to-switch touch method; switch goes to READY with brake depressed.Confirm in manual |
Getting in
Mechanical key slides out of the fob. Many newer models hide the driver keyhole under a cap on the handle: pull the handle, insert the key in the slot under the cap and lever it off. Lexus NX/RX/TX/RZ have electronic latches: from inside, pull the inner handle twice for the mechanical release.
Dead 12V battery
Mechanical key opens the driver door; hood release is mechanical. Hybrids with the 12V in the rear (Prius Gen 3/4 etc.) jump from the terminal in the underhood fuse box. Smart-key start will not work until 12V is restored.
Owner's manual section
“If the electronic key does not operate properly” and “If the vehicle battery is discharged.”
Sources: dashboardsymbols: Toyota/Lexus start · dashboardsymbols: Toyota/Lexus entry · Toyota manual portal
Honda / Acura Asian
| Key system / vehicles | Dead key fob start |
|---|---|
| Most push-start models (Honda ~2013+, Acura ~2014+) | Press ENGINE START/STOP (beeper, button flashes ~30 s). Touch the center of the button with the H / A logo on the fob while it flashes. Button stays lit ~10 s: depress brake (or clutch) and press START/STOP. |
| 2024+ Honda and Acura | Same sequence; the manual stresses pressing START/STOP first to get the flashing state before touching the fob. |
| Acura ~2009–2014 with fob slot | Insert the fob into the slot below the START/STOP button. Start normally.Confirm in manual |
| Acura pre-2009 keyless knob (RL, TL etc.) | Remove the ignition knob cover using the built-in key, insert the key into the cylinder and turn. |
| Honda Prologue / Acura ZDX (GM Ultium) | Place the fob in the cupholder, buttons down (Prologue: left cupholder; ZDX: rear cupholder). Brake + POWER. |
Getting in
Built-in key in the fob. Many models hide the driver keyhole under a cap: pull the handle, insert the key in the slot at the bottom of the cap and pry it off.
Dead 12V battery
Conventional underhood battery on most models; mechanical key opens the driver door. Prologue/ZDX follow GM EV procedures.
Owner's manual section
“If the Keyless Remote Battery is Weak” (Honda/Acura web manual).
Sources: Honda OM: If the Keyless Remote Battery is Weak · dashboardsymbols: Honda/Acura start · dashboardsymbols: Honda/Acura entry
Nissan / Infiniti Asian
| Key system / vehicles | Dead key fob start |
|---|---|
| Most Intelligent Key models | Shift to P, depress brake, push the ignition switch. Touch the switch with the Intelligent Key (chime). Within 10 s of the chime, push the switch with the brake depressed. |
| Older models with a key port | Insert the Intelligent Key into the port left of the steering column (horizontal or vertical depending on car), then push the switch with the brake.Confirm in manual |
| Infiniti QX30 (Mercedes-based) | Pull the Start/Stop button off to expose the ignition lock. Insert the tapered end of the fob and turn. |
| Leaf / Ariya (EV) | Same touch method; switch goes to READY with brake depressed. |
Getting in
Mechanical key in the fob. Newer models: pull the handle, insert the key in the slot under the handle cap and pry it off. Some flush-handle models: push the front of the handle, pull the rear.
Dead 12V battery
Conventional underhood battery on most; mechanical key opens the driver door.
Owner's manual section
“Intelligent Key battery discharge.”
Sources: Nissan Leaf OM: Intelligent Key battery discharge · dashboardsymbols: Nissan/Infiniti start · dashboardsymbols: Nissan/Infiniti entry
Hyundai Asian
| Key system / vehicles | Dead key fob start |
|---|---|
| Most 2013+ smart key models | Press the Engine Start/Stop button with the smart key itself (contact at a right angle) with the brake depressed. |
| Sonata (pre-2014) | Insert the smart key into the console slot, ring end out. Brake + Start/Stop. |
| Genesis sedan (pre-2014) | Slot behind a small door above the shifter, ring end out. Brake + Start/Stop. |
| Equus (pre-2014) | Slot inside the glove box, ring end out. Brake + Start/Stop. |
| 2026 Ioniq 9 | Drop the fob on the key-symbol spot under the HVAC controls in the center console. |
| 2026 Palisade | Two possible spots, unmarked: under the console storage controls, or the rear cupholder. Try both.Confirm in manual |
| Stop-lamp fuse blown (all) | With the button in ACC, press and hold Start/Stop ~10 s (from Kia/Hyundai manuals). |
Getting in
Mechanical key in the fob. Santa Fe / Palisade / Elantra (newer): pull the handle, push the small black button behind it with the key tip to release the cap. Ioniq 6 flush handle: push the front of the handle, pull the rear to reveal the keyhole.
Dead 12V battery
Mechanical key opens the driver door. Ioniq Hybrid / some electrified models with a lithium 12V have a “12V BATT RESET” button on the dash to wake the battery.Confirm in manual
Owner's manual section
“Engine Start/Stop button” and “Starting the engine with smart key.”
Sources: Hyundai OM (Tucson NX4 2025): Engine Start/Stop button · dashboardsymbols: Hyundai start · dashboardsymbols: Hyundai/Kia entry
Kia Asian
| Key system / vehicles | Dead key fob start |
|---|---|
| Most 2013+ smart key models | Press ENGINE START/STOP with the smart key, key at a right angle to the button, brake depressed. |
| Forte, Sorento, Sportage, Magentis (pre-2014) | Insert the smart key into the center console slot. Brake + Start/Stop. |
| Optima, Soul (pre-2014) | Insert the smart key into the glove box slot. Brake + Start/Stop. |
| Borrego | Insert the smart key into the dash slot below the Start/Stop button. |
| EV9 | Place the fob on the emergency-start spot in the console, left of the wireless charger. |
| Telluride 2027+ | Place the fob on the spot left of the cupholders. |
| Stop-lamp fuse blown | In ACC, hold START/STOP for 10 s; engine can start without brake input. |
Getting in
Mechanical key in the fob; driver keyhole under a cap on newer models (flush handles: push front, pull rear).
Dead 12V battery
Mechanical key opens the driver door. EVs: 12V under the hood with mechanical hood release.
Owner's manual section
“Starting the engine with smart key.”
Sources: Kia OM (Sorento MQ4A 2025): Starting the engine with smart key · dashboardsymbols: Kia start · dashboardsymbols: Kia entry
Genesis Asian
| Key system / vehicles | Dead key fob start |
|---|---|
| Most models (G70, GV70, GV80, G90, GV60, 2025+ G80) | Press the Engine Start/Stop button directly with the smart key, brake depressed. |
| G80 2021–2024 | Insert the smart key into the space behind the shifter dial, then Brake + Start/Stop. |
| Digital key models | A registered card key or phone on the wireless charging pad can start the car. |
Getting in
Press the GENESIS text area on the fob to slide off the case and remove the mechanical key; it unlocks the driver door only.
Dead 12V battery
Mechanical key opens the driver door.
Owner's manual section
“Smart Key.”
Sources: Genesis OM (2026 JX): Smart Key · dashboardsymbols: Genesis start · dashboardsymbols: Genesis entry
Mazda Asian
| Key system / vehicles | Dead key fob start |
|---|---|
| Most ~2014+ push-start models | Hold brake (or clutch) until the push button indicator flashes green. Touch the button with the back of the key, lock-button side up. When the green light stays on, press the button. |
| CX-7, CX-9 (1st gen), MX-5 NC, RX-8 with start knob | Remove the start knob cover, insert the auxiliary key into the hidden cylinder and turn. |
| Mazda3 / Mazda6 (pre-2014) push-start | Insert the auxiliary key into the slot on the right side of the steering column (do not turn) while the ring flashes, then push Start. |
Getting in
Auxiliary key stored in the fob. Most Mazdas keep a visible driver keyhole; some newer handles hide it under a cap.
Dead 12V battery
Conventional underhood battery; auxiliary key opens the driver door.
Owner's manual section
“Engine Start Function When Key Battery is Dead.”
Sources: Mazda OM (2017 CX-5): Engine Start Function When Key Battery is Dead · dashboardsymbols: Mazda start · dashboardsymbols: Mazda entry
Subaru Asian
| Key system / vehicles | Dead key fob start |
|---|---|
| All Subaru Keyless Access with push-button start | Touch the push-button ignition with the back (logo side) of the access key, then press with brake (or clutch) depressed. |
| Solterra (Toyota-built EV) | Toyota method: touch the power switch with the fob emblem side.Confirm in manual |
Getting in
Emergency key in the access key. Subaru has kept a visible driver keyhole rather than hiding it.
Dead 12V battery
Conventional underhood battery; emergency key opens the driver door.
Owner's manual section
Keyless Access with Push-Button Start section, “If the access key battery is discharged” (wording varies).
Sources: dashboardsymbols: Subaru entry and start · dashboardsymbols: Subaru review 2024
Mitsubishi Asian
| Key system / vehicles | Dead key fob start |
|---|---|
| Newer push-button models (~2018+: Eclipse Cross, Outlander, Outlander Sport, Mirage) | Press the Start/Stop button with the back of the fob, brake depressed. |
| Older F.A.S.T.-key twist-knob models (Lancer, Outlander ~2007–2013, Galant etc.) | Three-step: remove the emergency key from the fob, remove the ignition knob, insert the emergency key in the exposed cylinder and turn.Confirm in manual |
| Outlander 2022+ (Nissan platform) | Expected to follow Nissan's touch-the-switch method.Confirm in manual |
Getting in
Emergency key in the fob; visible driver keyhole on most models.
Dead 12V battery
Conventional underhood battery.
Owner's manual section
“If the keyless operation key battery is dead” / emergency start (wording varies).
Sources: dashboardsymbols: Mitsubishi start · dashboardsymbols: Mitsubishi entry
Volkswagen European
| Key system / vehicles | Dead key fob start |
|---|---|
| Kessy models with column backup (Arteon, Atlas, Jetta, Taos, Tiguan, T-Roc, Passat etc.) | Find the key symbol with radiating lines on the steering column trim. Hold the fob against it (two hands: one holds fob, one presses) and press Start with the brake. |
| Golf Mk8 / later ID.4 | Backup coil moved to the first cupholder (closest to driver). Set the fob on the mark. |
| Original ID.4 | Front of the center console after removing the spacer insert; set the fob on the mark. |
| Older Kessy with dash ignition slot (Touareg, Phaeton, CC, Passat B6 etc.) | Insert the fob into the ignition slot and start.Confirm in manual |
Getting in
Emergency key in the fob. Driver keyhole sits under a cap on the handle: pull the handle, insert the key into the slot under the cap and lever it off.
Dead 12V battery
Touareg / Phaeton batteries are under the seat or in the trunk; use the underhood jump post.
Owner's manual section
“Emergency starting” / “Emergency starting function.”
Sources: dashboardsymbols: VW start · dashboardsymbols: VW/Audi entry
Audi European
| Key system / vehicles | Dead key fob start |
|---|---|
| Advanced Key with dash ignition slot (B8 A4/A5/Q5, C6 A6, Q7 4L, R8, D3 A8) | Insert the fob into the ignition slot and start as a conventional key.Confirm in manual |
| A6/A7 pre-2019 | Backup coil in a cupholder. |
| Current A5 / A6 | Mark inside the front of the center console; set the fob on it. |
| Q3 / Q2 | Mark on the side of the steering column; hold fob there (two hands) and press Start. |
Getting in
Emergency key in the fob; driver keyhole under cap on the handle. E-latch doors: pull the handle harder to engage the mechanical backup.
Dead 12V battery
Many have trunk/under-seat batteries; jump from the underhood post.
Owner's manual section
“Emergency starting” / “Starting the engine if there is a malfunction.”
Sources: dashboardsymbols: Audi start · dashboardsymbols: Audi 2025 update
Porsche European
| Key system / vehicles | Dead key fob start |
|---|---|
| 2013–2019 Entry & Drive with plastic ignition plug (718, 911, Macan, Cayenne) | Try two normal starts; when the cluster says so, pull the plastic plug out of the ignition and insert the fob in its place. Turn to start. |
| Panamera 2017–2023, Macan EV | Fob buttons-up in the compartment at the front of the console, left of the cupholders. Turn the start control twice (to off between). |
| Panamera 2024+ | Fob buttons-up in the compartment at the front of the console storage; Start with brake. |
| Cayenne 2020+ / Taycan | Hold the fob against the back wall of the cupholder, buttons forward; press power with brake. |
| 911 (992, 2020+) | Not separately documented in sources.Confirm in manual |
Getting in
Emergency key in the fob; keyhole under cap on the driver handle (newer: pull handle out).
Dead 12V battery
Front-trunk cars: jump terminals in the fuse box; front lid opens via a pull cable or by applying 12V to the jump post (check manual).Confirm in manual
Owner's manual section
“Emergency start” / “Starting with a defective key.”
Sources: dashboardsymbols: Porsche start · dashboardsymbols: Porsche entry
BMW / Mini European
| Key system / vehicles | Dead key fob start |
|---|---|
| Most BMW and Mini (Comfort Access / push-start) | Hold the nose of the fob against the marked key symbol on the steering column. Press Start/Stop within 10 s with the brake. |
| Models with a fob slot (earlier E-series) | Insert the fob into the slot next to the Start/Stop button.Confirm in manual |
| 2025+ Mini Cooper | Hold the back of the fob against the mark. |
| i4 / iX | Key card or phone on the phone tray (i4: in front of cupholders; iX: lower console level). |
Getting in
Integrated key in the fob. Older: keyhole under a cap on the driver handle (pry off). Newer: pull the handle to reveal it. Mini: oval cap at the rear of the driver handle.
Dead 12V battery
Battery in the trunk on most; jump from the underhood + post and body ground.
Owner's manual section
“Starting the engine: malfunction” / “Emergency detection of remote control.”
Sources: dashboardsymbols: BMW/Mini start · dashboardsymbols: BMW entry · dashboardsymbols: Mini entry
Mercedes-Benz European
| Key system / vehicles | Dead key fob start |
|---|---|
| Keyless-Go with tapered SmartKey (through ~2016–2018) | Pull the floating Start/Stop button out of the ignition lock. Insert the tapered fob and turn. |
| AMG GT roadster/coupe 2017–2018 | Ignition lock at the back of the console storage; insert fob and turn. |
| 2019+ rounded fob: C, E, S, AMG | Slot at the front of the center console marked with a key symbol; fob buttons up, then start. |
| A-Class, CLA, AMG GT 53 etc. | Set the fob in the marked cupholder. |
| GLE, GLS, G-Class 2019+ | Drop the fob in the slot at the front of the console storage. |
Getting in
Emergency key in the fob. Newer flush handles: pull the handle out to reveal the keyhole.
Dead 12V battery
Many have trunk or under-seat batteries; jump from the underhood post.
Owner's manual section
“Starting the engine with the SmartKey” / “Emergency start.”
Sources: dashboardsymbols: Mercedes start · dashboardsymbols: Mercedes entry
Volvo / Polestar European
| Key system / vehicles | Dead key fob start |
|---|---|
| First-gen keyless (dummy key in ignition) | Press the button on the side of the dummy key, pull it out, insert the fob in its place. |
| Models with fob slot near Start/Stop | Insert the fob into the slot beside or below the Start/Stop button. |
| SPA/CMA (XC90 2016+, XC60, S/V90, XC40, C40) | Place the fob on the marked reader in the tunnel console (XC90: the second cupholder). |
| EX30 / EX90 | Key tag on the console reader spot, or the key card. |
| Polestar 1 / 2 | Fob in the second cupholder. |
| Polestar 3 / 4 | Fob or key card on the wireless charging pad (nothing else on it). |
Getting in
Detachable key blade in the fob; driver keyhole revealed by pulling the handle. E-latch rear doors: double pull for mechanical release.
Dead 12V battery
Mechanical key opens driver door; rear-battery models jump from underhood post.
Owner's manual section
“Starting the car with a non-working remote key” / “Backup reader.”
Sources: dashboardsymbols: Volvo start · dashboardsymbols: Polestar start
Land Rover / Jaguar European
| Key system / vehicles | Dead key fob start |
|---|---|
| Land Rover 2017–2020 (Discovery 5, Velar, RR L405, RRS L494) | Hold the fob against the marked lines on the left side of the steering column, buttons out. Wait for “Smart Key recognized,” then Brake + Start/Stop. |
| Land Rover 2021–2026 (Defender, Discovery Sport, Evoque, Velar) | Hold the fob flat under the steering column at the marks, buttons down. Brake + Start/Stop. |
| Range Rover L460 / Sport L461 (2022+) | Slide the cupholders back; place the fob on the marks beside the USB ports and hold. Brake + Start/Stop. |
| Jaguar XK / XJ X150 | Insert the fob fully into the starter slot (dash or console). |
| Jaguar F-Pace, XE, XF, E-Pace, I-Pace | Under the column (manual column, buttons down) or left side (power column, buttons out). |
| Jaguar XE / XF / F-Pace 2020–21+ | Lay the fob flat against the underside of the dash below the switches, buttons out. |
Getting in
Emergency key in the fob; keyhole under cap or behind deployable handle.
Dead 12V battery
Many have rear batteries; use underhood jump points.
Owner's manual section
“Smart key backup start” / “Starting with a low key battery.”
Sources: dashboardsymbols: Land Rover start · dashboardsymbols: Jaguar start
Alfa Romeo / Fiat / Maserati European
| Key system / vehicles | Dead key fob start |
|---|---|
| Alfa Giulia / Stelvio | Clear the console floor; set the fob on the key outline. Start. Shutdown with a dead fob: hold Start/Stop for several seconds. |
| Alfa Tonale / Dodge Hornet | Fob in the front cupholder. |
| Fiat 500, 500X, 124 Spider | Push the Start/Stop button with the nose of the fob (end opposite the key). Do not pull the button. |
| Fiat 500e (2024+) | Fob buttons-up in the cupholder marked with the key symbol. |
| Maserati Ghibli, Quattroporte, Levante, older GranTurismo | Touch the nose of the fob to the Start/Stop button with brake. |
| Maserati Grecale, GranTurismo/GranCabrio 2023+, MC20, GT2 Stradale | Fob logo-up in the fob-shaped pocket in the console floor (MC20/GT2: pull the rear tab to remove the pad). |
Getting in
Emergency key in the fob. Fiat and Maserati have mechanical interior releases at the armrest on both front doors.
Dead 12V battery
Mechanical key opens the driver door.
Owner's manual section
“Starting the engine: emergency start.”
Sources: dashboardsymbols: Alfa start · dashboardsymbols: Fiat start · dashboardsymbols: Maserati start
Ford Domestic
| Key system / vehicles | Dead key fob start |
|---|---|
| Taurus, Fusion, Flex, Explorer/Expedition pre-2018 | Backup slot in the center console (rear or side). Insert fob buttons out; if no start, flip 180°. |
| F-150 2015–16 | Column shift: console rear under bench, buttons back. Console shift: under rubber mat ahead of shifter, buttons up. |
| F-150 2017–20 / 2021+ / Lightning | Remove the cupholder mat. 2017–20: front cupholder; 2021+ and Lightning: rear cupholder. Stand the fob up, buttons forward. |
| Super Duty (F-250+) | Remove the tray left of the cupholders; fob buttons up in the shaped pocket. |
| Mustang 2015–2023 / 2024+ | 2015–23: under the cupholder mat, buttons back. 2024+: depression in the console bin, buttons up. |
| Mustang Mach-E | Front console storage slot next to the 12V outlet, buttons up/out. |
| Bronco / Bronco Sport | Bronco: console bin depression. Bronco Sport: under the front console mat. Buttons up. |
| Escape 2017 / 2018 / 2019+ | Front tray / front cupholder (marked) / under the front console mat. |
| Edge | Raised tray at the front inside the console; slip fob on, buttons up. |
| Expedition 2018 / 2025 | 2018: front cupholder under mat, buttons rearward. 2025: under USB/12V ports, or floor pad left of cupholders (with armrest). |
| Explorer 2025 | Buckets: rear cupholder, buttons back. Column shift: console under bench. |
| Ranger 2019–23 / 2024+ | Rear cupholder / console bin depression. |
| Focus, Fiesta, C-Max (column coil) | Right side of the steering column below the transmitter symbol: slip small fob into slot, or hold larger fob against the cover. |
| Focus 2016–19 / 2020+ | Console bin bottom on symbol / under mat ahead of shift lever. |
| Transit 2019+ / 2024+, Transit Connect 2022+ | Front cupholder under mat / front console under mat / dash-top depression. |
Getting in
Pull the blade from the fob (slide release or button). Hidden keyholes (Fusion, Mustang, Edge): insert blade in the slot under the handle cap, press up and slide the cap rearward. Expedition: pull the handle to reveal the keyhole. Mach-E has no keyhole: use the B-pillar keypad code or the phone app.
Dead 12V battery
Mach-E: hood opens by connecting a jump source to the jump leads behind the front bumper access (needs a strong source; lithium packs may need override). Then remove panels to reach the 12V. Others: underhood battery.
Owner's manual section
“Intelligent Access: backup position” / “Starting a push button ignition engine.”
Sources: dashboardsymbols: Ford start · dashboardsymbols: Ford entry · MachEforum: dead 12V (quotes manual)
Lincoln Domestic
| Key system / vehicles | Dead key fob start |
|---|---|
| MKS | Glove box, far right under the lid: fob buttons out, ring up. |
| Navigator pre-2018 / 2018 / 2025 | Console rear or side / back wall of console far right, buttons forward / front of console storage, buttons rearward. |
| Aviator pre-2025 / 2025 | Front of console, buttons rearward / under the rear cupholder liner, buttons rearward. |
| Corsair | Front wall of console, buttons rearward; flip if no start. |
| MKT, MKZ Hybrid 2013, Continental 2017+ | Pocket near AUX/USB/power ports in the console, buttons out. |
| MKC, MKX (≤2015) | Front of console near the ports. |
| MKX 2016+, Nautilus 2019–23 / 2024+ | Console floor depression, buttons up / front of console, buttons rearward. |
| MKZ 2014+ | Under the rear cupholder mat, buttons rearward. |
Getting in
Continental, Aviator, Nautilus: keyhole hidden in the chrome molding under the driver mirror behind the lettering. E-latch: mechanical release below the driver armrest only. Keypad on the B-pillar.
Dead 12V battery
Mechanical key opens the driver door; underhood or remote jump points.
Owner's manual section
“Intelligent Access backup position.”
Sources: dashboardsymbols: Lincoln start · dashboardsymbols: Lincoln entry
Chevrolet Domestic
| Key system / vehicles | Dead key fob start |
|---|---|
| Silverado 2019+ bench / 2021+ buckets / Silverado EV | Pocket at rear inside console, ring up, buttons out / between the cupholders / left cupholder. |
| Tahoe / Suburban pre-2021 / 2021+ | Pocket on the front face inside the console, ring out, buttons forward / bench: rear of console; buckets: left cupholder. |
| Equinox pre-2025 / 2025+ | Front cupholder / console spot ahead of the cupholders. |
| Traverse pre-2024 / 2024+ | Outlined pocket at the bottom of the console bin / driver-side cupholder. |
| Blazer / Blazer EV | Front cupholder / console bin floor, buttons down on the mark. |
| Colorado 2023+ | Passenger-side cupholder. |
| Trax 2017–23 / 2024+, Trailblazer | Very front cupholder, buttons up / flat spot behind the cupholders / front of console bin behind the cupholders. |
| Malibu, Impala, Cruze | Malibu: rear of the console. Impala: front console storage. Cruze pre-2017: blade into slot by the power outlet; 2017+: front cupholder. |
| Camaro 2016+ | Rear cupholder. |
| Corvette C6 / C7 / C8 | Glove box left pocket / right side of the steering column, buttons up / front cupholder. |
| Bolt EV/EUV, Volt | Under the console pull-out tray. Volt Gen 1: slot above the screen under the rubber mat. |
| Sonic, Spark | Front cupholder / Spark: three unmarked console spots, try front first. |
Getting in
Hidden driver keyhole (Bolt, Camaro, Cruze, Impala, Malibu, Tahoe, Suburban, Trailblazer, Volt): pull handle open, insert key in the cap's bottom slot, push up and pry out. 2024+ Blazer EV/Traverse/2025 Equinox: insert key in slot and turn counter-clockwise. Trax: push the silver button behind the handle with the key. C8: keyhole in the air inlet above the left handle. C6/C7: open the rear with the key, pull the interior release.
Dead 12V battery
C8: if the front lid sticks on the secondary latch, close it fully and pull the manual release cable at the base of the steering column firmly twice. Rear-battery GM cars use underhood remote jump terminals.
Owner's manual section
“Starting the vehicle: transmitter pocket” / “Keyless start: low battery.”
Sources: dashboardsymbols: Chevrolet start · dashboardsymbols: Chevrolet entry · Corvette Club UK: C8 front lid manual release
GMC Domestic
| Key system / vehicles | Dead key fob start |
|---|---|
| Sierra 1500 2020+ | Varies by seat: between the cupholders (buckets) or console bin slot (bench). |
| Sierra HD 2025+, Sierra EV | Left cupholder or console slot / left cupholder. |
| Yukon pre-2021 / 2021+ | Front face pocket inside console / buckets: between cupholders; bench: back of lower bin. |
| Terrain pre-2025 / 2025+ | Left cupholder / marked console depression. |
| Acadia pre-2020 / 2020–23 / 2024+ | Rear-face pocket / lift liner, console bottom / driver cupholder. |
| Canyon 2023+ | Right cupholder. |
| Hummer EV | Rear cupholder, buttons up; brake + POWER. |
Getting in
Same GM hidden keyhole method as Chevrolet.
Dead 12V battery
Underhood battery or remote jump terminals.
Owner's manual section
“Transmitter pocket” / “Starting the vehicle.”
Sources: dashboardsymbols: GMC start · dashboardsymbols: GMC entry
Buick Domestic
| Key system / vehicles | Dead key fob start |
|---|---|
| Verano, Regal, LaCrosse (pre-2014) | Remove the cupholder insert; fob in the pocket, buttons up. |
| Regal 2018+ | Narrow front console compartment (padlock symbol). |
| LaCrosse 2014+ | Armrest storage pocket near the AUX ports. |
| Encore, early Envision | Front cupholder, buttons up. |
| Encore GX 2020+, Envista 2024+ | Rear tray depression in the console, buttons up. |
| Envision 2021+ | Flat spot at the front of console storage. |
| Enclave 2018+ | Under the console rubber mat, fob-shaped depression. |
Getting in
GM hidden keyhole method where used.
Dead 12V battery
Underhood battery.
Owner's manual section
“Transmitter pocket.”
Sources: dashboardsymbols: Buick start · dashboardsymbols: Buick entry
Cadillac Domestic
| Key system / vehicles | Dead key fob start |
|---|---|
| CTS, ELR (earlier) | Transmitter pocket at the top rear of console storage, buttons forward. |
| XLR | Left side inside the glove box. |
| ELR / CTS (later) | Shelf at front of console under the rubber mat, buttons up. |
| ATS | Front face inside the console, ring out, buttons up. |
| XTS / CT6 | Front console, ring up, buttons out / back face of console, buttons forward. |
| SRX, XT5, XT6 | Bottom of console storage, buttons up. |
| Escalade pre-2020 / XT4 & Escalade 2021–24 | Front-face pocket inside console pointing down / front cupholder. |
| 2025+: CT4, CT5, Lyriq, Optiq, Vistiq, Escalade | Rear cupholder, buttons up. |
Getting in
GM hidden keyhole method where used; some e-latch models.
Dead 12V battery
Rear-battery models (CT6, CTS) use underhood jump terminals.
Owner's manual section
“Transmitter pocket.”
Sources: dashboardsymbols: Cadillac start (year spans in source are loose) · dashboardsymbols: Cadillac entry
Chrysler / Dodge / Ram / Jeep Domestic
| Key system / vehicles | Dead key fob start |
|---|---|
| ~2006–2009 rectangular FOBIK with removable button | Pry the chrome Start button off with the emergency key tip (or fingernail). Insert the rectangular fob tip into the ignition and turn. |
| 2010+ rounded fob (Charger, Challenger, 300, Durango, Pacifica, Ram, Wrangler, Cherokee, Compass, Renegade etc.) | Push the Start/Stop button with the nose of the fob (end opposite the emergency key). Do not pull the button. |
| Dodge Hornet (2023+) | Fob in the front cupholder. |
| 2022+ Grand Cherokee / Wagoneer | Not separately documented in the sources.Confirm in manual |
Getting in
Emergency key in the fob; visible driver keyhole on most, some under a cap.
Dead 12V battery
300 / Charger / Challenger: battery in trunk; use the remote jump post under the hood.
Owner's manual section
“Keyless Enter-N-Go: if the key fob battery is low.”
Sources: dashboardsymbols: Chrysler/Dodge/Ram start · dashboardsymbols: Jeep start · dashboardsymbols: Chrysler/Dodge/Ram entry
Tesla EV
| Key system / vehicles | Dead key fob start |
|---|---|
| Model S / X (pre-2021) | Try the cupholder, then against the front of the console, then below the 12V outlet. Remove the fob battery and retry if needed. |
| Model S / X 2021+, Model 3 / Y 2024+, Cybertruck | Key card on the left phone-charger spot at the front of the console. Fob: S point down and swipe down; X point left and swipe down. |
| Model 3 / Y (through ~2023) | Key card on the console behind and between the cupholders, then press the brake. |
Getting in
Key card on the driver-side B-pillar just above the bottom of the windows (3/Y/S/X 2021+). Early S: fob at the passenger front fender or wiper base. Early X: below the front of the driver rear door. Front-door mechanical release is at the front of the armrest.
Dead 12V battery
Open the hood with no power: pop the tow eye cover, pull out the red and black wires, connect an external 12V source (red +, black –) for no more than 30 s. The latch releases; this does not charge the 12V.
Owner's manual section
“Opening the Hood with No Power”; “Key Card.”
Sources: Tesla Model Y OM: Opening the Hood with No Power · dashboardsymbols: Tesla start · dashboardsymbols: Tesla entry
Rivian EV
| Key system / vehicles | Dead key fob start |
|---|---|
| R1T / R1S through 2024 | Hold the key card or key band against the inside of the driver door trim for several seconds (unmarked). Start within 60 s of entry. |
| R1T / R1S 2025+ | Drop the fob, buttons up, on the spot at the front-left of the console. Key card works there too. |
Getting in
Key card on the driver side reader.
Dead 12V battery
Owners report using the frunk emergency release, then jumping directly at the 12V terminals; the rear hitch terminals did not work.Confirm in manual
Owner's manual section
“Key card” / “12V battery.”
Sources: dashboardsymbols: Rivian start · RivianForums: 12V jump thread
Lucid EV
| Key system / vehicles | Dead key fob start |
|---|---|
| Air (2022+) | Unlock with key card below the center of the driver pillar above the camera. Brake and enter the profile PIN on the Pilot Panel to enable driving. |
| Gravity | Tap the key card near the bottom of the wireless charging pad on the charging symbol. |
Getting in
Gravity: tap card on the NFC mark on the driver B-pillar. Doors: pull the handle harder for mechanical release.
Dead 12V battery
Not covered in sources.Confirm in manual
Owner's manual section
“Key card” / “Emergency access.”
Sources: dashboardsymbols: Lucid