Bet the car dealer never told you this…
I bet you weren't told any of these tips by the dealer....
Did you ever stop and wonder what would happen if the battery dies in your push button start car remote? How are you going to get inside and start the car? I promise you, you aren't up a creek.
Here are some helpful words of wisdom.
Use the emergency key to open the door
Unfortunately, a majority of people out there are unaware that this little guy exists! Or they know it's there, but don't exactly know what to do with it since the door cylinder is hidden. That's right, that door cylinder is there and I'll type about that next.
Reveal the cylinder
"But I don't have a door cylinder", is such a common statement we hear. Oh, but you do! Chrissy has even bet the cost of the new key on this with people doubting it.
Every car has a door cylinder but I guess the manufacturer just thinks it looks prettier when it's covered? Your guess is as good as mine with that. Regardless, you have to carefully (remember we are dealing with plastic here) stick your key or a small flat head screwdriver into the little slot that's on the underside next to the handle and pop the cap off. Make sure your pull the handle up as well so the cover will slide off.
Great, I'm in my car! But now what?
Ok, so you got in your car but your car won't start. Well, every car has it's trick, you just have to figure it out which one works for your car. Try looking in that users manual that has been sitting untouched in your glove box ;) Some cars have slots in the glove box, center consoles, or by the steering column. Others, you have to hold the remote up to the push to start button. For some, you have to place the remote in your cup holder.
Womp, Womp, the key broke at the head
This is such a common issue with key blade remotes. But man, they ask that little plastic head to take a lot of abuse! So, what do you do if this happens? Well how good is your hand dexterity? Inside that remote is the tiniest computer chip that tells the car "Hey, this key is cool in my book" and lets it turn over the engine. If you insert the key blade into your ignition and hold that remote head up to the key and turn, the engine should turn right over. If your grip strength isn't the best, try using a pair of pliers to help turn the key. Then drive right over to us and we can get you new key to get you rolling smoothly again! But whatever you do DO NOT glue it back together. (Tip: use electrical tape to keep that bad boy together). Using glue increases the risk for damaging the computer chip and also prevents you from changing the battery!
Hopefully, that gives you something to keep in the back of your mind, just in case!
Be proactive, stop in and having us change that battery for you. Changing the battery in your key should be done about once every year to two years. A low battery will also cause the remote to intermittently work when you're trying to use it. And let's be real here people, we are so spoiled now with being able to unlock our doors or start our cars before we even walk up to it! Much different than most of our first cars!
