To turn on a keyless car, you typically need to have the key fob inside the vehicle and press the vehicle's start/stop button while your foot is firmly on the brake pedal. The key fob uses a short-range radio signal to communicate with the car's computer, a system often called a Passive Entry Passive Start (PEPS) system.
The process is straightforward but requires a specific sequence:
- Ensure the key fob is on your person, inside the cabin (e.g., in your pocket or purse).
- Enter the car and sit in the driver's seat.
- Press the brake pedal firmly with your foot. This is a critical safety step to prevent the car from lurching forward when started.
- While keeping your foot on the brake, press the Engine Start/Stop button. It's usually located on the dashboard or center console and is clearly marked.
- The dashboard will illuminate, and the engine will start. You may hear a chime or see a "Key Not Detected" warning if the fob's battery is low or it's not inside the car.
Many modern keyless systems have specific features that can vary by manufacturer. For instance, some cars may require you to first press the start button without the brake to activate the electronics (accessory mode) before starting the engine. If the key fob battery is dead, most vehicles have a backup method, such as holding the fob directly against the start button, which uses Near Field Communication (NFC) to authenticate the key.
| Scenario | Required Action | Common Dashboard Indicator |
|---|
| Normal Start | Foot on brake, press Start/Stop button | Engine light on, RPM gauge activates |
| Accessory Mode (radio only) | Press Start/Stop button WITHOUT foot on brake | "ACC" or "Accessory" light |
| Key Fob Not Detected | Ensure fob is inside cabin or replace battery | "Key Not Found" icon (usually a key symbol) |
| Dead Key Fob Battery | Hold fob against start button as per manual | May still show warning initially |
| Gear not in Park | Shift transmission to "P" (Park) | "Shift to Park" warning message |
