After finishing your shopping, you are about to get in your car and press the key FOB. But you realized your key FOB is dead! What will happen now? Will a dead key FOB cause car not to start? Or can you get in your car and start it?
A dead key FOB can cause your car not to start. However, in most cases, you can get in your car if the key FOB dies. Also, you can start it if the car has an old-school starting mechanism- a metal key in the FOB.
Aside from this, there are several ways to start your car too. Let’s look at how many ways you can start your car with the dead key FOB.
Will a Dead Key FOB Cause Car Not to Start?- The FOB Mechanism
Yes, a dead key FOB will cause a car not to start in most cases. There is a valid reason for it. Here is the explanation you should check.
A remote security system, particularly an automobile, is remotely controlled using a device called a “Key FOB.” It also operates the car’s ignition system without needing a physical key.
The key FOB mechanism works through RFID(Radio Frequency Identification) system where there are two elements- tags and readers. The Tag sends an RFID signal to the readers, which is attached to it in a chip.
The reader’s device has the RFID tag information programmed to receive and accept the signal. If the signal is accepted, the system will be on. As a result, the locking system will work(On or OFF), and the car’s engine will be started.
A battery entirely powers the key FOB. So, sometimes, a dead battery causes a dead key FOB. Without a power supply, it can’t transmit the signal to the reader. In this case, the dead key FOB will cause your car not to start with it.
By the way, a key FOB could be dead for other reasons too. But, the ultimate result is a dead key FOB cause not to start your car.
Available Ways You Can Use to Unlock and Start Your Car
If you have the exact situation with a dead key FOB, don’t panic. You have several ways to get rid of it. Let’s see how.
Use the Physical Key
Basically, key FOB works in three methods, lock/unlock the car remotely, lock/unlock the car with the physical key inside the key FOB, and start the car through ignition.
Consequently, the remote feature is essentially disabled if the battery is dead. There should be a metal key that slides or flips within the key FOB. It is simple to start an automobile using the actual key that came with it.
Change the Battery of the Key FOB
Your car might have no physical key at all. The key FOB is the only way. In this case, you are modern enough and a bit unlucky(!).
By the way, you are fortunate to be in this location if you have a spare battery with you or are close to a retail area. Your FOB may need to be fixed because of a dead battery.
Replace the battery, activate the FOB, and regain remote control of the vehicle.
Note: Keeping a spare battery could be a great relief at times. So, try to keep one so that it can be utilized in an emergency.
Another Suggestion- sometimes, changing the FOB’s battery is a little complex. Also, if are able to change it, it might lose the entire program. In such a situation, take help from your respective car company.
Get Remote Access Throw Mobile Apps
Please, see the following list of automobile companies.
- Audi, Volkswagen, Acura, BMW, Alfa Romeo, Porsche, Lamborghini
- Dodge, Fiat, Jeep, Buick, Ford, Volvo, Rolls Royce
- Chevrolet, Cadilac, Lincoln, GMC
- Honda, Nissan, Jaguar, Infiniti, Mercedez Benz
- Mitsubishi, Mini, Mazda, Lexas, Toyota, and so on.
The automobile brands mentioned above feature mobile apps for their users. You can unlock your car remotely through the apps the companies provide. For more information, check out the respective company’s website.
Ask for Help From Roadside Assistance
If nothing works out, ask for roadside help from the insurance company. Or, you can also call 911. They will help you tow your car to the car company’s service center and get it fixed.
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