Since many contemporary vehicles are made only to start when a keyless remote or key fob is used, starting a car with one might be easy. A few tactics can be used to start a car without a fob. After reading through this article, you will understand how to start your vehicle without a key fob.
How to Start a Car Without a FOB
Depending on the kind of keyless ignition system a vehicle employs, there are several steps to starting it without a fob. Here are some typical techniques:
- Fasten seat belts and lock all doors
- Turn on interior lights
- Start the engine
- Wait for it to warm up and shift into first gear
- Repeat until you’re free to go
- Use a Spare Key
- Override the FOB
- Use a Portable Battery Booster
- Use a Push-Button Ignition
- Keyless ignition system
- Use Mechanical key
- Smart Key System
- Manual Key
- Get Extra Key
- Get in touch with the dealer
- Contact a locksmith
Fasten seat belts and lock all doors
This is the first thing you need to do when starting a car without a fob. If you’re inside the car, fasten your seat belt. This will ensure that you remain safe and secure no matter how long you will be sitting in your car. Also, make sure you lock all the doors.
This will keep you safe from any potential threats that may arise while you’re inside your car. The seat belts and doors should be locked and ready to go even if you’re sitting outside your car. This will help keep any unwanted people from accessing your car and wreaking havoc. So, make sure you always have these two things prepared.
Turn on the interior lights.
The best way to turn on the interior lights is to use the switch on the door. You can use the remote keyless entry system if your car doesn’t have that. You can also turn on the interior lights from your smartphone. If you have a newer car that has Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, you can use that to turn on the lights. With the lights on, you can see everything in your car.
This is helpful if you need to find something, like your phone or a piece of paper. Additionally, the lights can help you see if someone else is inside your car.
Start the engine
This can be done with the keyless ignition switch if your car is newer. Or you can use the key to start the engine.
- Once the engine is on, please wait for it to warm up.
- Then, shift into first gear and keep the engine running.
- Once you hear the car shift into first gear, you can let go of the break and allow the car to move forward.
- This process usually takes about 5 minutes. However, if the weather is freezing outside, it could take longer for the car to warm up.
- The engine must be running for the transmission to move. Otherwise, your car will sit there and not budge.
Please wait for it to warm up and shift into first gear.
After you turn on the engine, you must wait for it to warm up. Once the engine is warm, shift into first gear. Once you’ve done this, you can let go of the break and allow the car to move forward. This will get you out of any traffic jams or bad situations.
This process usually takes about 5 minutes. However, if the weather is freezing outside, it could take longer for the engine to warm up. Make sure you shift into first gear once the engine is warm. If you don’t, the engine will stall, and you will have to restart the car.
Use a Spare Key
If you have a spare key for your car, you can use that to start your car. You can do this by inserting the spare key into the ignition and turning it clockwise. The engine should start. Keep it there until it starts. Then, remove the key and continue using the spare key.
The best thing about using the spare key is that it’s easy and simple. However, the disadvantage is that you only have one spare key. If you lose that key, then you won’t be able to start the car again.
Override the FOB
This will override the signal from the FOB and allow the car to start. It would help if you had an unlocked car, a screwdriver, and a computer with a USB port.
- Connect the USB to the computer.
- Then, open the hood of the car.
Follow the instructions below to override the FOB.
- Open the computer and open a new folder.
- Name it “my car.”
- Next, open another folder and name it “my car” again.
- After that, open a third folder and name it “my car” again. Open the first folder and open the second folder.
- After that, open the third folder.
- Once you’re done, close the folders and the computer. Now, you’re ready to start the car.
- Open the car’s hood and use the screwdriver to shorten the two terminals together.
This will override the signal from the FOB and activate the car’s ability to start.
Use a Portable Battery Booster
This is when you need a spare key or fob for your car. It would be best if you also had more time to override the FOB. This is what you do if you don’t have the time to wait for the engine to warm up. You can also use this if you’re in a rush and need to get somewhere on time. You will need a portable battery booster.
- Connect the booster to a fully charged power bank and plug it into your car.
- Make sure you switch the booster to “on” and “charge.”
- Once the car’s battery is charged, unplug the power bank, and you are ready to go.
Smart Key System
Some vehicles include a smart key system that enables keyless vehicle entry. To perform this, you must have the key fob nearby the car, generally in your pocket or purse. Then, while maintaining pressure on the brake pedal, push the “Start” or “Power” button on the dashboard. It ought to start.
Manual Key
Inside the key fob of some vehicles is a manual key. It would help if you found the key, typically concealed under a panel or inside the fob itself, to use. When you have the key, turn it in the lock to open the door by inserting it. After that, turn the ignition key to start the vehicle.
Extra Key
When you don’t have a key fob, you can start the vehicle using an extra key. Make sure you have the extra key with you, and then turn it to open the door by inserting it into the lock. After that, turn the ignition key to start the vehicle.
Keyless ignition system
Some newer cars come with keyless ignition systems. This is a system where the car will start when you are inside it. Once you sit down, the car will sense it, and the engine will start. This is the best way to start your car without a fob. However, only certain models come with this function. You can tell if your car has this function in several ways.
- First, you can check your car’s manual.
- This will tell you if your car has this system or not.
- Another way is to check the key.
- If it has a push-button ignition system, your car has this function.
Get in touch with the dealer.
You might need to contact your dealership or a locksmith for help if you don’t have a key or key fob. You can key or key the fob from them, or they might be a new key fob for you.
Contact a locksmith
If you’ve misplaced your car keys, a locksmith can assist you in entering your vehicle. They could manufacture a new key immediately, or they might need to order one from the dealer.
Not all vehicles can utilize these techniques, which depend on the vehicle’s make and model. For more detailed information, it is recommended to contact the dealer or reference the car’s owner’s handbook.
Benefits of Using a Car FOB
To remotely lock and unlock a car, one uses a car FOB, sometimes known as a “key fob,” a gadget. It normally hangs on a keychain and may be used for some tasks, including starting the engine, opening the trunk, and turning on security systems. Additionally, some vehicle FOBs have features like remote start, emergency buttons, and even GPS tracking.
Car FOBs are practical for a variety of reasons, including the ones listed below:
- Convenience: With a car FOB, you can lock and unlock your vehicle without physically inserting a key into the door lock. This might be especially useful if you’re pressed for time or have a full hand.
- Security: Car FOBs may be set up to only operate with a certain kind of car, making it more difficult for someone to steal your car. Many automotive FOBs also have a panic button that may be used to start the car’s alarm in an emergency.
- Remote start: Some vehicle FOBs can start the vehicle’s engine from a distance. This might be helpful to warm up or cool down the car before you go inside in cold or hot weather.
- Customization: Car FOBs may be customized with unique colors, patterns, and even your personal or business logo.
- Economical: Car FOBs are often less expensive than more sophisticated auto security systems.
- Keyless Entry: Using a vehicle FOB instead of a physical key might be more sanitary, particularly in a pandemic.
- Vehicle FOBs may be a convenient and helpful addition for car owners, providing advantages, including increased security, convenience, and personalization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a key fob to start my car?
It depends on the make and model of the vehicle you drive. While some vehicles can be started with a standard metal key, others need a key fob or keyless remote.
How should I proceed if I misplace my key fob?
If you’ve misplaced yours, you must speak with your dealership or a locksmith to obtain a replacement key fob. While some dealerships can program a new key fob for you immediately, others might need to place an order and send one. You can also have a locksmith program a new key fob for you.
What is the price of a new key fob?
The price of a new key fob might differ based on the type and model of your automobile, the dealership you go to, and the locksmith you choose. Considering this cost when purchasing a new key fob is vital because it might be fairly pricey.
Can I start my car without a key fob using a push-button start system?
No, a key fob or keyless remote is necessary to start a car using a push-button start system.
Do you need a key fob to start a car?
Your particular car’s model and kind will determine how it operates. Some vehicles may be started with a standard metal key, while others need a key fob or keyless remote.
Do I need a key fob to use my phone to start my car?
Your particular car’s model and kind will determine how it operates. Some vehicles include phone-based remote start systems that let you start the car using your phone, but they require prior setup, and a key fob is still required to start the engine.
What can I do if I don’t have a key fob and am locked out of my car?
If you’ve lost your key fob and are locked out of your car, you can get help from a locksmith or your dealership. When you need a new key fob, they may give it to you and assist you in getting back into your vehicle.
Conclusion
A key fob is required to start the majority of modern vehicles. With one, starting the vehicle might be easier and require extra steps or specialist help. Keeping an extra key fob or standard key on hand is crucial to prevent becoming stranded.
Contact your dealership or a locksmith to get a new key fob that is programmed to your car made if you don’t have a spare. It’s also crucial to consider how much a new key fob will cost, as they can be pretty pricey. Having a backup plan and being prepared are always preferable to being unprepared and unable to start your vehicle.
Expert Opinion
It’s significant to remember that starting a vehicle without a key fob might be challenging and can call for expert help. It’s also crucial to consider how much a new key fob will cost, as they can be pretty pricey.
I am an Automotive specialist. I graduated from Michigan with Bachelor in Automotive Engineering and Management. Also, I hold degrees in Electrical and Automation Engineering (BEng), Automatic and Industrial Electronic Engineering, and Automotive Technology. I have worked at General Motors Company for over five years as the Marketing Operations Production Coordinator. Now, I own my garage in Miami, Florida. I love cars and love to share everything about them with my readers. I am the founder of the Automotiveex blog, where I share everything about automotive, like car news, car mechanical issues, and anything else that comes up in my blog posts.
