What does the hold button on the key mean?
4 Answers
On car keys, the hold button usually means to press and hold. Specific functions are as follows: 1. Some keys have a trunk pattern printed on it, indicating that pressing and holding will open the trunk, simplifying the process of opening the car door and then the trunk. 2. The hold button is not a trunk opening button but a remote engine start button. Within a certain distance, holding it for 2-3 seconds will automatically start the car. Here is some related information about car keys: Car keys typically have three buttons, which are unlock, lock, and open trunk. Some models may have an additional red button besides these three, marked with a horn icon and the word "Panic". Technically known as the "car finder button", it is used when the car cannot be found within a small area. Pressing this button will cause the car to emit a horn sound and flash its hazard lights, helping the owner locate the car quickly.
The 'hold' button on the key fob, in most car remote keys, essentially means a 'press and hold' operation. Having driven several car models, I've found it's primarily used for locking doors or executing special functions. For example, in the Toyota I drive, after pressing the unlock or lock button once, holding down 'hold' for two to three seconds triggers a beeping sound and flashing lights to confirm all doors are locked. In some premium models like Ford's, the hold button can even remotely start the engine: press the unlock button once, then hold down 'hold,' and the car starts up to warm up in advance—super convenient in winter. It's important to note that the operation requires holding the button down continuously, not just a click, a design that prevents accidental activation, like when the key is in a bag. I've also encountered situations where someone randomly pressing it disturbed the neighbors, so I recommend checking your car's manual first, as functions vary greatly between brands; my old Buick, for instance, doesn't have remote start and only locks the doors. In short, 'hold' is designed for safety and convenience, and trying it out once during daily parking will show you how hassle-free it is.
When I first started driving, I was also puzzled about what the 'hold' function on the key was. Now I understand it essentially means 'long-press the button' to trigger an action. For example, in my Volkswagen, the hold button is specifically used to lock the doors: press the unlock button once, then hold down the 'hold' button without releasing for about two seconds until the lights flash twice, indicating the doors are locked. I often use this in parking lots to find my car—pressing it makes the car honk to help locate it. The operation is simple, so don't worry about making mistakes, but avoid pressing it randomly to prevent disturbing others. Some newer cars can even use the hold function to remotely start the engine, which is comfortable for warming up the car in winter—my friend's Honda has this feature. However, be mindful of the battery level, as long-pressing too many times can drain it quickly. As a beginner, I find the hold design very practical, making operations more precise compared to single clicks, which can be prone to misjudgment. I recommend practicing it a few times while learning to drive and briefly reviewing the key manual.
I've experienced the transition from old keys to the current smart keys era, where the 'hold' button mostly refers to the 'hold function'. Remembering my first clunker that only had a mechanical key, none of these fancy features; now in new cars, 'hold' is usually used for long-pressing to lock the doors or start the engine. After driving modern cars, I found that holding it for three seconds makes the lights flash, confirming successful locking; it's safe and intuitive. For remote start, first press unlock then hold, and the engine starts automatically. But functions vary by car—I tried someone else's BMW which had additional trunk control. Driving for decades, I've gotten used to the 'hold' delay design, preventing accidents like unlocking by accidentally touching the key, which is great.
