How to open and start a car when it does not detect the key

Systems keyless opening and starting are becoming more frequent. There is nothing more comfortable than going to the car and opening the door without having to rummage through your bag or pocket. The same thing happens once inside, when we only have to press a button to start the engine. But, what happens when the car does not detect the key?

This is a problem that most drivers with cars of this type have to deal with. The reasons are very diverse: there is a signal jammer close, the key has stayed without batteries or the car itself is the one no battery. In all of them we will stay at the door of our vehicle with a useless remote control in hand and without knowing what to do.

Explanatory video

Here we leave you a video in which you can see each method of opening and starting when the key is not detected:

open car without smart key

The first is open the door of the car. A step that is the same in almost all models. In the inside of the knob or chip key is a conventional key to use when the smart key is not detected or recognized. It is normally removed by moving a tab or pressing a button that unlocks it and allows it to be removed.

Once you have removed it, you have to access the conventional lock, if it is not already in sight. To do this, you have to pry the small casing next to the door handle. They usually have a small slot below, in which to be able to insert the tip of the key and pry it loose.

From here the car will open like any model without keyless entry. The only difference is that normally you can only open the driver's door, because this emergency system is usually disconnected from the central locking.

And what happens if there is no emergency key?

It may also be the case that your model does not come with a conventional emergency key. If so, there is always one part of the car where to stick the remote, so that the car detects the key even if there are inhibitors or no batteries.

E.g., as Teslas do not have a key or lock, you have to place the remote in the place specified by the brand. In the case of the Model S it is in the lower part of the windshield, about 50 or 60 centimeters from the left edge (looking at the car from the outside).

Start the car with the smart key

In this case, the conventional emergency key will be of little use to you, because cars that start with a button do not have a cylinder to insert it and turn it. Each brand has its own emergency start system for when the smart key is not detected or recognized. Since we do not know what brand your car is, we are going to tell you the most common methods for you to try all. It will take you less than a minute.

Method 1

In some brands, the detector for the emergency start is in the engine itself. button. That's why you just have to tighten it with the knob and the engine will start. Sometimes it takes a while, so keep it pressed for a few seconds.

Do not forget that, as always, you will have to squeeze the clutch to start a manual car or the brake in automatic cars. In the latter you will also have to have the lever in position P or N.

Related article:

How to drive a car with automatic transmission

Method 2

In other brands the process is similar but not exactly the same. After applying the brake in the automatic or the clutch in manuals, a light blinking on the button. At that time you must bring the smart key closer without squeezing it and leave it there until the light stays fixed. That will mean that the car has detected it and you can Press the button.

In this method the light may not flash when you apply the brake or clutch. Try zooming in anyway to see if it detects it. There are also models in which you should approach the right steering column. That is, where the conventional lock will normally take to start the car.

Method 3

There are cars that do not have the emergency start detector on the button, but on the steering column. In these cases you have to place the key on the right side of the plastic that covers that area. Namely, where would I have the key if I didn't have keyless entry and start system.

With the smart key put there, You leave the start button pressed until the engine starts. Locating the exact place is very easy because many models have a plug to cover the hole left by not having a starter cylinder. To facilitate contact, leave the key resting against the plastic from the back, that is, with the buttons facing out.

Method 4

The last system that we are going to teach you for when it does not recognize the key is that of the cars that have the detector in the hollows of the central tunnel. Normally in a hole to put a glass or bottle, although there are also other compartments for keys, wallet, etc. It is easy to locate it, because usually has the symbol of a key.

There are also models that have it a little more hidden and you have to look inside the central object compartment. that is, low the front armrest. If you look closely, you will see that they have a space to place the remote control of the car and not move. In these cases you will only have to insert it there and you will be able to start the car with the button.

Start when the key is not detected due to lack of battery

When it is the car that no battery to detect the smart key, it will also not be able to start the engine no matter how hard you try. In these cases, you have to open it with the method that we have described above, but only for get inside. From there you have to tear it out like any normal car. Namely, with tweezers or other methods of all life as the push. As long as they are compatible with your car.

Related article:

How to start a car with no battery

Of course, if you don't want any complications, it is highly recommended that you pull insurance to help you. In many cases we have covers that we did not get to use due to ignorance. Which is equivalent to throwing money away, taking into account what some insurance can cost.

It is possible that someone will be sent to you, either the crane or an operator who, if he knows the problem in advance, will pull it out with pliers or with a starter. If not, you can also take it to a workshop. On this last case, be careful if your policy does not include it, because they will charge you when maybe the aforementioned starters or tweezers were enough.

Picture 8 – Marco Verch