Don’t be worried if your key fob d-i-es and you don’t have a replacement battery. These little-known methods will get you back on the road.

Your car key fob is a small but mighty device. Have you ever wondered what would happen if it d-i-ed while you were, say, at the grocery store? How do you start your car with a d-e-ad key fob? Luckily, there is a way.

How To Use Your Car Key Fob When It’s D-ea-d

Well, your key fob is dead and you don’t have an extra battery. Don’t panic. It is actually pretty simple to unlock and start your car with a d-ea-d key fob .

In the majority of cars, the system has been designed to work with a remote that’s low on battery or out of juice completely. Of course, the exact method for using a d-ea-d key fob will depend on your car model, so check your owner’s manual for specifics. Below are a few common tricks that work for many types of vehicles.

– Step 1: Unlock your car.

Luckily, there’s an old-fashioned car key inside most key fobs.

Find a small sliding button on the back side of your fob. Slide or press the button to remove the key fob cover. You might need to use your fingernail and a little oomph in order to get it to release.

– Step 2: Open the door of the car

After you have the mechanical key, use it to open the door. In case you don’t see a key slot in your door, it’s probably hidden behind the handle cover. Use the key to gently pop off the handle cover and access the key slot.

Now that you’re inside, here’s how to start the car with a d-ea-d key fob:

– Step 3: Put the mechanical key back into the key fob and close it.