Get in
- Find the release catch on the fob and slide out the metal emergency key.
- Look for the keyhole on the driver’s door. On many cars it is hidden under a small cap at the end of the handle; the manual shows how to remove it.
- Unlock the door. The alarm may sound until the car is started.
Start the car
- Hold the fob directly against the start button and press with your foot on the brake, or
- Place the fob in the marked slot or pocket in the console or steering column, if your car has one.
The car can read the chip in a fob at very close range even when the fob battery is flat.
Then replace the battery
The battery type is printed on the old one. Fit the new one the same way up. Most fobs need nothing else.
If a new battery does not fix it
- Try the spare fob. If it works, the first fob has failed.
- If neither works, suspect the car’s own battery.
- A fob that got wet, was dropped or has worn buttons usually needs replacing and programming.
Related: key fob replacement, car key programming.
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