Open and Start a 2017 and newer Chevrolet Cruze with a dead key fob battery.

Here, we show how to open and start a 2017 and newer Chevrolet Cruze with a dead key fob battery and a hidden key hole. There are important changes to the new push button start model and this is a back up process that works to get you in and going.
Of course, starting the car assumes that the start battery is good. And if not, we will can get you inside and ready for a jump start.
Look for more video help with other push button start cars here on KZbin or get text and image help at DashboardSymbols.com.
And if we helped and you see the "Thanks" button below the video, please lend your support to our efforts.
#KeyFob #DeadKeySolutions #ChevroletCruze #keylessentry #pushbutton
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Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.
These posts are for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.
Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.

[@kelliehawkins-hyde9168]

OMG! Thank you so much for this video! I was completely lost without my keyfob with the battery, but your video helped me not only get in the car, but to start the car. You truly saved me from calling the tow company and spending more money to get inside and get it started. My next step is to get another battery and thank God, I had a backup keyfob since I lost my main one. Great video!!!

[@DashboardSymbols]

Glad to help...

[@thexneo]

This legitimately saved me so much time, thank you for uploading this. Shame on General Motors for having such a stupid system in place. Yes I’m sure it’s in the car manual but when it’s 10 degrees out at night I can’t rifle through that thing to find out the cup holder is what they’re talking about. So dumb.

[@DashboardSymbols]

Agreed and you're welcome...

[@Phoenixfirerealm]

Thank you so much, I waiting in line and my car just turned off. The remote was in my pocket at the time, I saw your video and put the key in the cup holder and sure enough it wanted it to start. Thank you again.

[@DashboardSymbols]

You're very welcome...

[@nighteyeswolf]

this would have been great to know this morning LOL, fob died and I was rushing like a bat out of hell to get going to work so I said to hell with it and stole my partners car to get to work on time. Went out at lunch to buy batteries and swapped cars back. BUT this is SO good to know!!!

[@DashboardSymbols]

Better late than never?? Sorry -- but next time!?!

[@Weeblee]

Car told me to replace my fob battery, so I looked this up in case it ever does die on me out on the road. Straight to the point, great video!

[@DashboardSymbols]

Thanks and hope you never have to use it!!

[@themusicalgoff]

Thank God you had this figured out, I thought I was gonna be stranded at work during a storm

[@DashboardSymbols]

Glad to help...

[@ToonamiT0M]

Thank you. This video had all the basic info I needed without the BS.

[@DashboardSymbols]

Who needs BS when you need help?? You are welcome!

[@corinnekopsky8684]

You just totally save me I was sitting in the car with my kids in 95° heat and couldn’t get it started thank you

[@DashboardSymbols]

Very glad to help...

[@elainedavis3562]

Here I am running late for work... thank you so much!!!

[@DashboardSymbols]

And thank for taking the time. You're welcome...

[@psac42]

Thank you for this. My wife's car wouldn't start, and I was able to walk her through it on her phone because of this video!

[@DashboardSymbols]

Very cool! You're welcome...

[@teresamcfall9491]

Yea it worked. My key fob not recognized while trying to leave gas station. I used the drink holder position to start my car. Thank you for saving me a lot of hassle today.

[@DashboardSymbols]

You are welcome...

[@TheCrazyTexan]

Thank You! We couldn't figure this out and knew we will one day need to know! Saving this video!

[@DashboardSymbols]

Perfect!

[@allieburgess3856]

Holy crap, you just saved me. Mahalo from maui!

[@DashboardSymbols]

Mahalo indeed. Glad to help. Can I use your comment on the website??

[@brianswenszkowski3735]

Thank you so much! My mom was stuck and I was able to walk her though it over the phone because of this!

[@DashboardSymbols]

Happy to help...

[@FPSxSpartan]

Saved me, knew how to get in just not start, thanks

[@DashboardSymbols]

And in the cold? Glad to help...

[@HannahDeHaven]

Thank you! We had no idea. No one told us about this.

[@DashboardSymbols]

All too common. And you're welcome.

[@dirtyrandy2592]

You’re my favorite person today!!! Thank you 😊

[@DashboardSymbols]

Glad to help...

[@Staciahewett]

This was very helpful! Thank you!

[@DashboardSymbols]

Good to hear and glad to help...

[@Jewles12max1roxy8]

I just want to thank you for saving me a walk in the snow in the middle of the night in a rural town. This is the stupidest thing I’ve ever seen and I never would have considered trying this. 🤦🏻‍♀️ I was trying to find an ignition to put the key in (I definitely think these cars should have one)

[@DashboardSymbols]

Glad you looked before the walk and glad to help...

[@39LEGOTO]

My car did not want to start. It marked “ use pocket transmitter” I put the car keys in the cup holder and boom it started right away. Thank you very much.

[@DashboardSymbols]

Boom! You're welcome. Too bad they can't be bothered to mark the 'pocket' (they use actual pockets in some models, but NEVER the Cruze).

[@DashboardSymbols]

Hey, I missed this. You're welcome, glad to help.

[@codgamer407]

Was stuck at the store. Video was a big help! 2015 cruze.

[@DashboardSymbols]

Glad it helped...

[@MzTajuana]

You are a life saver! This worked on my 2016 model, too!

[@DashboardSymbols]

Glad to help...

[@sonnyburgess2510]

Thank you so much i was stranded on the side of the road. Thank you god bless you!

[@DashboardSymbols]

Thank you and glad to help...

[@Trimere]

Literally saved me from being stuck.

[@DashboardSymbols]

Happy to help...

[@cyndifigura1422]

You saved us!!! Thank you so much for making this video!

[@DashboardSymbols]

Glad to help...

[@rosilynmakeba1092]

Thank you-a thousand times-THANK YOU! !

[@DashboardSymbols]

Once is more than enough! You're welcome.

[@rosilynmakeba1092]

DashboardSymbols.com ...I'm in Iowa and its 3 thousand below zero! Just please except ALL my thank you's! LoL 😉

[@stephannyazevedo5823]

7

[@jameswilliam1451]

Thank you i got off work in the morning, it was cold and raining a bit, thank you so much for this video

[@DashboardSymbols]

You're very welcome...

[@kishabaxter7063]

Thank you a million! This video just saved us !!

[@DashboardSymbols]

My pleasure...

[@olashalynn1971]

Thank you. This helped me a lot in a pinch.

[@DashboardSymbols]

Glad to help...

[@kingslaphappy1533]

If only i knew this before i walked home (3 miles) then googled this.....but still THANK YOU!! Now, i know 👍

[@DashboardSymbols]

Google first, walk later! (If only that was actually funny.) You are welcome!

[@chanceofrainne]

thank you for this. i just obtained one of these vehicles and i knew i would need to know how to do this.

[@DashboardSymbols]

Best to be prepared!!

[@trenesecarey5201]

Thank you many times over for this video. I would be in a panic and have On Star on the phone to assist me.

[@DashboardSymbols]

Glad to help...

[@ChaimS]

Thank you! I never would have thought of that- as you said, there's no indication whatsoever.

[@DashboardSymbols]

You're welcome...

[@tyspidle8850]

Awesome. It worked. Thought I was stuck

[@DashboardSymbols]

Well you were, but temporarily. Glad to help...

[@cierrareagan2043]

Omg thank you so much! Literally saved my life 😂

[@DashboardSymbols]

Glad to help, and hope you weren't literally in mortal danger!!

[@calebpullen7552]

Life saving, thank you!

[@DashboardSymbols]

Sadly, there are moments that could be that serious. You're welcome...

[@a.t.9197]

Dude you're a life saver, thank you! ❤

[@DashboardSymbols]

Glad to help...

[@keisheionaatchison1669]

Thank you so much!! It worked

[@DashboardSymbols]

Glad to help...

[@melissagonzales2971]

Thank God for this video!!!

[@DashboardSymbols]

Happy to help....

[@daze3ce]

Saved my life ! Thank u!

[@DashboardSymbols]

While I hope that wasn't quite literal, you are quite welcome.

[@bryanmoore8376]

Thank you so much! This completely saved my a**. Whew!

[@DashboardSymbols]

My pleasure...

[@susanmorrisonnarring837]

Thank you so much for this video! 💗

[@DashboardSymbols]

Merry Christmas...

[@RosheRonReacts]

Thank you so much

[@DashboardSymbols]

My pleasure...

[@perryrohr6143]

Thank you !!!

[@DashboardSymbols]

You're welcome...

[@boonesnake]

Thanks

[@DashboardSymbols]

You're welcome...

[@Lisalat]

Thank you for this video does this apply to 2015 model Chevy Cruze as well?

[@DashboardSymbols]

Yes. There's a change in 2017, and another video...

[@xXBetoXx956]

Thank you sir

[@DashboardSymbols]

You're welcome...

[@UnknownScorpion]

I'm pretty sure for the 2017 premier it's not the cup holder. I heard you open up the console lid between the front seets and the bottom front of it has a section you need to place the fob

[@DashboardSymbols]

Sorry, missed this when it was posted. Is the Premier a Euro model? Note that the spot is likely shaped like the fob, so easy to find!

[@abandonedandtheparanormal]

Is there a way to start the car using the hard key when the fob battery is completely dead and isn't recognized by the vehicle

[@DashboardSymbols]

Well, you're having a difficult day. It starts exactly as the video shows, not with the hard key. If not, the start battery is likely dead or a deeper problem exists. If your car is older, watch this vid... kzbin.info/www/bejne/gXWll2CtebOGpdk

[@fatol500]

What if I have the hard key but the fob fell off somehow. (Still wish I knew where it went)

[@DashboardSymbols]

Sorry, the fob is required. And no spare??

[@thorpebradley4096]

Thank you!

[@DashboardSymbols]

You're welcome!

[@AlexandriaKV]

Thank you!!!! Worked like a charm!

[@DashboardSymbols]

You're very welcome.

[@tobylarr8789]

Does anyone know where the transponder location is in the manual transmission version?

[@DashboardSymbols]

Same place as the automatic...

[@nelnel6110]

Omg thanks a million!

[@DashboardSymbols]

Glad to help...

[@JacksonCaesar]

Thanks for this. How often should we change the batteries? Is it possible that I can demagnetize my battery because it's near another object? (Cell phone or Magnetic strip)

[@DashboardSymbols]

You're welcome. The battery should be changed once a year. If you use your dealer for routine maintenance, it may be part of a service. And, no since the battery is not magnetized, it is not impacted by magnetic objects. Really powerful magnetic fields could disrupt the signal, but that won't come from objects in your pockets.

[@JacksonCaesar]

Okay, thanks! Sounds like a watch battery. So, it's much simpler than I gathered. Hehehehe

[@DashboardSymbols]

It is. Watch here... kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJrapoBrnceWnZI (Caution -- the case is easily damaged)

[@camm7402]

Hey. I put the key in the transmitter and it still won’t crank it start???😕please help

[@DashboardSymbols]

Did u mean the transmitter in the front cup holder? That's where to put it. If you did this and it won't start, the main battery is likely dead. Call for roadside assistance...

[@rachelhill2335]

does this work on a 2018 cruze?

[@DashboardSymbols]

It should, but just in case, watch this one kzbin.info/www/bejne/gXWll2CtebOGpdk ...

[@MrAcorn911]

I just need to know where the receiver is at in the car, mine is on the fritz

[@DashboardSymbols]

Its in the vid at 1:55. Is yours older?

[@MrAcorn911]

@@DashboardSymbols well that's the pairing spot. Some forums say it's in the dash, others I have read is near the driver feet and such

[@DashboardSymbols]

@@MrAcorn911 Never mind what you've read. Same spot. If its recognized there for pairing, it would make sense that it would be recognized for starting, yes??

[@MrAcorn911]

@@DashboardSymbols hmm I guess, I think I found the OEM part to replace the receiver.

[@DashboardSymbols]

@@MrAcorn911 Are u trying to say that the key fob works but not the back up spot??

[@savannahprice9406]

Can you start it with the silver key?

[@DashboardSymbols]

No. Only as described in the vid...

[@Purple.rose.McKim91]

Ok so I own a 2017 cruze and all this did for me was set off my alarm. I wanted to make sure it actually works. But not with my model :(.

[@DashboardSymbols]

When you're key fob is dead, it may set off the alarm when unlocking the door, but it will go off when you start the car. It DOES work, so remember it should the time come.

[@chappeh8900]

Tysm! Life saver

[@DashboardSymbols]

Cool. You're welcome...

[@souravsaha3899]

Still not starting my cruze

[@DashboardSymbols]

Well, not much to go on here, but I'm going to guess that none of the electronics are working -- lights, instrument panel, etc -- and you need a jump start...

[@Joshwtf.]

anyone else not have a physical key when u pull it out?

[@DashboardSymbols]

Not that we've seen. But there was something to pull out??

[@yeoinbird]

does the cap go back on after popping it off????

[@DashboardSymbols]

Absolutely. Pull the handle out and push the cap back on. If you struggle, I'd be willing to bet your dealer would be (reasonably) happy to help.

[@yeoinbird]

Okay, great! Thanks for replying!

[@DashboardSymbols]

You're welcome.

[@rosaparks6479]

What the heck? How in the world?

[@DakotaJSkidds]

My alarm goes off on my 18 cruze hatch

[@DashboardSymbols]

Yes, and for no good reason at all. It will go off once the car is started...

[@kylieclay8859]

will this work for a 2016?

[@DashboardSymbols]

Sorry, no. We have another video for 2016 and previous models (flip key).

[@DashboardSymbols]

Here's a link to the pre-2017 Cruze (now that I have better access). kzbin.info/www/bejne/gXWll2CtebOGpdk

[@ontoyoualways9183]

Why would a car not even 2 years old need new batteries in the fob??

[@DashboardSymbols]

Well, its not the car's age that is at issue. For a 'keyless' open and start system to work, at some small level the fob is in constant communication with the car. So the battery is in near constant use. Its not exactly a flaw -- it just goes with the territory.

[@kingslaphappy1533]

My 2017 Cruise has needed 2 batteries since purchase...who knows maybe the batteries i purchased were sitting on the display for 2 years already.. or as mentioned the fob is constantly communicating with the car once in range....but now i know how to get in to my car to start it with a dead fob. Whew!

[@josha7577]

UMM hello… There’s something called a manual transmission where’s that one at

[@DashboardSymbols]

Just push the clutch in instead of stepping on the brake, and you'll be good to go...

[@josha7577]

DashboardSymbols.com I should be more specific. The ignition keyhole is not in the cup holder. The center console on my 2017 Chevy Cruze LT, RS package, manual transmission, looks way different than the automatic transmission center console, so the key for a manual transmission is located somewhere else (the door is the same though). The dealer wasn’t too helpful over the phone and I can’t find any information about it online oddly enough.

[@DashboardSymbols]

Ok, then there needs clarification from here as well. ASSUMING your car is push button start, what you are looking for is NOT a key hole. Simply drop the key fob into the front cup holder. I see they are moved back behind the shifter, but the process should be the same. Is it push button start??

[@josha7577]

DashboardSymbols.com Yes, it is a push button. That’s why I was looking for knowledge on the mechanical key. If I had to pop the clutch in the event of ever having a dead car battery or something I was assuming I would have to turn it to a run position manually. But, If what you suggest is accurate, then I am kind of blown away it’s a wireless deal... and yet, how would dropping the fob in the front key holder work in the case that the FOB was dead as well. Does it not matter?

[@DashboardSymbols]

It matters. The CUP holder location allows proximity detection of the transponder in the fob, even if the battery is dead. It will work just like the video. Watch the last minute or so again. No clutch popping needed. If the MAIN start battery is dead, the key just needs to be nearby and the start button pressed twice to on. If its completely dead, you would need to press the start it in sync with the clutch pop. Hopefully, it will never be THAT dead. Just like getting a 'clicking' starter, there's enough juice to be 'on'.

[@mattfong1774]

the battery is dead and it still recognized it? absurd

[@DashboardSymbols]

Actually not. Same transponder concept used in keys for years that never even had a battery in them...

[@mattfong1774]

@@DashboardSymbols wow so even without the battery it would work? i thought you stick the key in a hidden hole

[@DashboardSymbols]

@@mattfong1774 With or without a battery, yes...

[@eduardomendoza4771]

Shi doesn't work

[@DashboardSymbols]

Need more info to help, or u need to find roadside assistance...

[@shekiba.646]

Very suck key or engine. I frustration

[@DashboardSymbols]

If u have a question, put it in your language and I'll translate. Maybe I can help...

[@nicholassmith3007]

Wtf is Chevy doing bruh

[@DashboardSymbols]

Unfortunately they're doing pretty much what the entire industry is doing. Hope the vid helped...

[@eldanno5529]

You saved our night. Thanks for the great video!!!

[@DashboardSymbols]

Great. You're welcome.

[@KrissyFaith]

THANK YOU!!!!

[@DashboardSymbols]

You're very welcome.

[@arhamkhan2859]

Thanks

[@DashboardSymbols]

You're welcome...