Car Key Fob Dead? These Tricks Will Save You

Your car key fob is a small but mighty device. Have you ever wondered what would happen if it died while you were, say, at the grocery store? How do you start your car (or even get into your car!) with a dead key fob?

“Fobs do just up and fail,” says Chris “Moose” Pyle, a master-certified technician with JustAnswer, “especially when water is related, like accidentally washing it, or it being in your pocket getting wet, or in the bottom of a cup holder with a condensating drink on top of it.”

And once it dies, it can make for a minor inconvenience or a serious problem, depending on where you are.

“If your car has a push-button start, you might not be able to start the engine at all,” says Tomer Ruderman, founder and owner of Car Keys Ottawa. “But the good news is that most cars have backup methods, so fortunately, it’s an easy fix if you’re prepared.”

Here are some tricks for saving the day if your fob stops working.

How To Use Your Car Key Fob When It’s Dead

Okay, your key fob is dead and you don’t have an extra battery. Don’t panic. Unlocking and starting your car with a dead key fob is actually pretty simple.

In most cars, the system has been designed to work with a remote that’s low on battery or out of juice completely. Of course, the exact method for using a dead key fob will depend on your car model, so check your owner’s manual for specifics. Here are a few common tricks that work for many types of vehicles.

First, you’ll need to unlock your car. Luckily, there’s an old-fashioned car key inside most key fobs.

• Look for a small sliding button on the back side of your fob. Slide or press the button to remove the key fob cover. You might need to use your fingernail and a little oomph to get it to release.
• Once you have the mechanical key, use it to open the door. If you don’t see a key slot in your door, it’s probably hidden behind the handle cover. Use the key to gently pop off the handle cover and access the key slot.

Now that you’re inside, here’s how to start the car with a dead key fob:

• Put the mechanical key back into the key fob and close it.
• Use the key fob to push the START button. Instead of using your finger as you normally would, press the key fob against the button. This is a backup system many manufacturers use to ensure the car can start even when the fob is dead.
• In some vehicles, you can start the engine with a hidden key fob slot. In some Ford models, for example, the backup slot is inside the cup holder. The slot is the perfect size to fit your fob. Slide the dead key fob inside the slot, and then use the push button start as you normally would.
• If neither of these methods work, check for a physical key slot in the steering column (some Mazda models have this feature). Insert the mechanical key into the key slot to start the car.

Other Ways To Unlock Your Car

Still worried about being stranded with a dead key fob? Here are a few additional methods for accessing your car when the key fob is dead:

• Access the car remotely. If your car has an app, use it to unlock your car from your phone. Once mostly a luxury car feature, now most car manufacturers offer an app. The FordPass Connect app, myChevrolet mobile app, MyMazda app and Toyota app all allow you to unlock the doors from your phone. You’ll need to set up these apps before your key fob dies, and certain remote services will charge a monthly fee.
• Get closer. If your key fob isn’t working from the same distance it usually does, the battery might just be low, not dead. In this case, your car might unlock if you move closer to it. Place your key fob right against the door handle and press the unlock button.
• Call roadside assistance. If all else fails, call for help. Before you run into trouble, confirm your insurance covers roadside assistance, then save the number on your phone. Keep another copy in your purse or wallet in the event your phone is dead (or locked in the car!).

FAQ

How do I replace the battery in my key fob?

Most fobs have a small notch where you can pry or twist it open with a flathead screwdriver or a coin. Check your owner’s manual for insights and for what type of battery you’ll need, which is often a CR2032 or CR2025 3-volt lithium coin battery.

“Swap it out for a new one, snap the fob back together and you’re good to go,” says Ruderman. “Just be careful not to damage the circuit board inside while opening it.”

How can I prevent my key fob from dying?

Start by proactively replacing batteries every couple of years, to prevent it from dying at the worst moment.

“You can do so when you rotate your tires, change out summer and winter tires, change your smoke detector batteries, get your oil changed, or at any other regular interval that makes sense in your routine,” says Melanie Musson, an auto industry expert with Autoinsurance.org.

Also, avoid storing it near electronics or metal objects that might drain the battery faster, says Ruderman. And if your car has a push-button start, don’t leave the fob inside overnight, since it will stay in constant communication with the vehicle, which can drain power more quickly.

About the Experts

• Tomer Ruderman is founder and owner at Car Keys Ottawa, where he works with various vehicles, auto repair shops, garages and organizations on projects large and small.
• Chris “Moose” Pyle is a master-certified technician with 20-plus years of automotive experience. He has also worked as an expert for JustAnswer, the expert on-demand platform, since 2006.
• Melanie Musson is an auto industry expert with Autoinsurance.org, where she has worked for nearly a decade.