Nissan's intelligent key with push-button start is standard equipment on our Altima SE. The popularity of the keyless start feature on many cars today requires that manufacturers add some sort of fail-safe in case the battery in the key fob dies. Or is washed with your favorite pair of jeans.
I found myself digging for the trunk release this weekend when, low and behold, I came across the slot for the key remote... Since we haven't had a problem with our key battery yet, there has been no need to use the slot. If the problem ever should arise now we know right where to look.
Mike Schmidt, Vehicle Testing Assistant - 9,426 miles
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Time for a test --- yank the key battery and see how it works.
So for a car like the prius with no external keyhole, what happens when the car battery dies? Would you have to call AAA and get them to use their tools to open the door to do a jumpstart?
Wait, so does the slot recharge the battery?
Or does it just hold it if you dont want to keep in pocket?
ive test driven and really liked the car, so just wondering?
If the key is anything like my Lexus or Mercedes keyless key system then there is a backup system in case your battery dies in the fob. You simply pry off the little plastic door on the driver's side door handle (the part that doesn't move when you pull open the door handle) and stick in the metal key that's conveniently hidden in the fob (usually as the shiny metal loop that connects to key chains).
I think the slot just gets the chip in the key within range so the engine will start. Without the battery to boost the power of the transmitter it has to be that close to get a signal.
The Prius has a standard exposed keyhole in the driver's side door handle just like most other cars. In the event of a battery failure the fob contains a hidden metal key to manually unlock the vehicle. At that point the fob may be inserted into a similar slot in the dash or the hood released to provide access to jump starting points.
FYI our key lost the "programming" and according to the dealer it was "too close to a cell phone" the "failsafe" key slot failed. and the key still wouldn't start the car. There is no mechanical key slot for the emergency key in the fob. We were stuck without a way to start the car until the other keyfob that was still programmed was brought to the car. Then the car started but still reported "no key" when the erased keyfob was in the vehicle. MAJOR problem when the fail safe fails!
Cool. I actually get to say "I Told Ya So!" for at least one instance! ;-)
So what does it do? Somebody already asked, but no response. Does it recharge the battery or just a way for the car to know to let it start it if the battery dies?