Where is the keyhole for the one-button start in the Geely Emgrand?
3 Answers
Behind the cover on the driver's side door handle, there is a small rectangular hole where the keyhole is located. You can pry it open with the key to reveal the lock cylinder. Below is a detailed introduction to the one-button start function: 1. Emergency Braking Function: During driving, if you encounter situations requiring an emergency stop or engine shutdown, pressing the start button more than three times consecutively can immediately shut down the engine and complete the braking process. Alternatively, if the vehicle stalls suddenly while driving, the one-button start can still be used. Simply shift to neutral (N) and press the one-button start to restart the engine. Note: Do not press the brake pedal during this process. 2. Automatic Power Cutoff: If you forget to turn off the power after shutting down the engine, the one-button start system can protect the vehicle. The system will automatically cut off power after the vehicle has been stationary for ten minutes to prevent battery drain and protect the battery.
I remember the first time I drove my friend's Geely Emgrand. I casually threw the key onto the center console while wirelessly charging my phone, and the electronic key ended up drained, unable to start the car. I was really panicked trying to find the mechanical keyhole, until I finally noticed a small cover with a key symbol below the right side of the steering wheel. Using the tip of the mechanical key to pry open the cover revealed the emergency start slot. Later, in the car owners' group, I learned that this location is universal across all Emgrand models, including the 2023 fourth-generation Emgrand Champion Edition. A word of caution: when inserting the mechanical key, you need to firmly press the brake pedal, and release it once you hear the engine sound when turning the key—this is completely different from traditional ignition. I once saw a novice owner who didn’t understand this and ended up jamming the steering wheel lock by forcefully turning the key at a repair shop.
Last time when I helped my dad replace the battery for his Emgrand GL's key, I noticed this design. The emergency slot is hidden under a soft rubber cover on the left side of the steering column, which requires pressing the open mark and prying hard. Mechanic Master Zhang said this position has undergone anti-misoperation testing to prevent knee contact while driving. You'll need to adjust the seat all the way back for easier operation, otherwise crouching in front of the driver's seat feels particularly awkward. Some veteran owners reported the cover being too tight, but actually using a coin against the notch and twisting will open it easily. By the way, page 47 of the manual specifically emphasizes that emergency starting must be completed within 30 seconds, otherwise the vehicle's computer will automatically reset the anti-theft system. The most nerve-wracking situation I encountered was during winter battery depletion - inserting the mechanical key and waiting five minutes in the second ignition position before the engine finally started.
