Modern cars do not need their keys to be put into the ignition switch. This is because the car’s owner can just use his or her smart key fob to open the doors and start the car. However, these fobs differ from the normal ones since they are operated differently..
A smart key, also known as proximity key or key fob, transmits signals to the vehicle continuously at a relatively short range. Once the key is near enough, the vehicle senses it. This is what unlocks the doors as you near the car and helps to initiate a push-to-start procedure without the need for inserting anything, all that the vehicle asks itself is, "Is the correct key in close proximity?"
As we see, it is quite similar to transponder keys, where instead of inserting the key in the vehicle and proving the presence of the correct code, proximity technology makes the car detect it wirelessly. Hence, both types are equally secure, while convenience is incomparably higher in proximity technologies.
The issue of dying batteries affects most portable gadgets, so if the battery gets low, proximity technology starts malfunctioning: doors do not open automatically, and the car may fail to detect the fob when the driver tries to use the push-to-start feature, the situation looks pretty much like the vehicle has blocked all its access channels for us.
Many manufacturers have anticipated the issue: they installed backup options. Thus, a smart key includes a hidden blade, allowing the owner to unlock the driver's side manually. Moreover, there is always an emergency option that starts the engine. In most cars, the owner has to press the start button and at the same time keep the fob in the proximity of some parts of the vehicle. Refer to the owner's manual to find how exactly it works with yours. It would also be a good idea to read it in advance, before you need to learn it on-the-go.
Remember that in most cases a smart key sends notifications to the owner's dashboard, so if there is one of them about the state of your fob battery, it means you have to replace it as soon as possible.
The absence of a classic key prevents owners from leaving it in their vehicle. At the same time, it is possible to easily forget about their presence, especially during a rush hour. Unfortunately, the majority of cars do not remind you about leaving the fob, so try forming the habit of making sure you have it with you each time you exit your car, especially when you want to lock it.
Since the operation principle of push-to-start keys involves using electronics, replacement of this type of key is the most challenging one. Namely, the new fob needs to be programmed according to your vehicle, meaning that you cannot do it yourself. Special tools and experience are necessary to carry out the process. However, in most cases mobile locksmiths can complete the replacement successfully.
It means that in case you lose your only fob, the situation will be more complicated than the loss of other key types; thus, a spare one is a good investment in such cases.
Yes, thanks to the blade hidden inside the fob.
It depends on a particular manufacturer: in general, the engine continues running until it reaches its natural end.
In most cases, it is possible, however call him and explain your problem so he could find out whether the devices are compatible.
It depends on the battery and the diligence of the owner.
As a rule, key fobs contain batteries, so you should not ignore notifications and replace it when necessary. Also, they do not tolerate water and heat (especially in Houston), which means you have to avoid exposing them to those things. Moreover, do not treat them roughly since repeated shocks can damage their exterior and break electronics inside.
Push-to-start keys bring a lot of convenience but require a good understanding of technology principles and some effort to deal with potential complications. Knowledge of the process of unlocking the car and starting the engine when the battery dies and understanding how key replacement proceeds take the magic out of the technology. Moreover, you should spend some time reading the relevant chapter of your owner's manual and get a spare smart key.
Replacing other kinds of keys was a standard procedure for a locksmith: he had to copy the code from one key and put it into the new one. However, with a smart key, the whole procedure is different since the entire key needs to be replaced and programmed. Consequently, if the owner loses the only key fob of his car, it becomes very difficult to replace it, as compared to classic keys.
In case of a push-to-start vehicle, getting a second smart key is definitely more beneficial than getting an additional conventional one.
There is one thing that a smart key owner should do before facing any problems – read the relevant section of an owner's manual. There you will find information regarding releasing the blade, manual ways of opening the door, and starting the engine if the battery fails. This information is crucial and varies among models, so it would be better if you learned it in advance.
Before assuming your fob is dead, run through these simple troubleshooting steps.
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