What's the Best Choice?
Home / Guides / Answer
PRACTICAL GUIDE · OUR RECOMMENDATION

Keyless car won't unlock because the battery is flat

The answer

Check whether the key fob contains a hidden mechanical blade and locate the emergency door lock specified in your owner's manual.

What to do next

  1. Check whether the key fob contains a hidden mechanical blade and locate the emergency door lock specified in your owner's manual.
  2. Some vehicles can start with a discharged fob at a designated backup location, but this is vehicle-specific.
  3. If that fails, contact roadside assistance or the manufacturer; do not pry body panels or force the ignition.

Recommended service or product

RAC roadside assistance

RAC roadside assistance is a relevant starting point for this task because it offers the official service, tool or product category used in the steps above.

Open RAC roadside assistance — official website

What to check before deciding

Some vehicles can start with a discharged fob at a designated backup location, but this is vehicle-specific. If that fails, contact roadside assistance or the manufacturer; do not pry body panels or force the ignition.

Explore finance: Upcoming IPOs · Trading platforms

Frequently asked questions

What details should I verify about keyless car won't unlock because the battery is flat?

Check whether the key fob contains a hidden mechanical blade and locate the emergency door lock specified in your owner's manual.

What should I do next if the issue with keyless car won't unlock because the battery is flat remains?

Some vehicles can start with a discharged fob at a designated backup location, but this is vehicle-specific.

What is a sensible follow-up for keyless car won't unlock because the battery is flat?

If that fails, contact roadside assistance or the manufacturer; do not pry body panels or force the ignition.

What should readers understand about keyless car won't unlock because the battery is flat?

RAC explains hidden physical backup keys; emergency-start procedure varies by car