How do you start your T1 with a dead RKE fob?

PhilB · February 23, 2019

I was wondering about this the other day. I have the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) on my '19. There is a key hidden in the fob for use in the event the fob is dead. You can use it to unlock the door on the truck. My question is - how do you start the truck if the fob is dead? I have been looking in the owner's manual but do not see anything addressing this issue. I contacted my salesman about it. He thinks there is a place to use the key to start the truck, but doesn't know where it's at.

Does anyone know how to start the truck if the fob is dead?

fish_guru · February 23, 2019

Owners manual page 39...

Starting the Vehicle with a Low Transmitter Battery

If the transmitter battery is weak or if there is interference with the signal, the DIC may display NO REMOTE DETECTED or NO REMOTE KEY WAS DETECTED PLACE KEY IN TRANSMITTER POCKET THEN START YOUR VEHICLE when starting the vehicle.

It also shows you where the transmitter pocket is depending on whether you have bucket seats or not.

Had the same question when I got my truck.

fish_guru · February 23, 2019

The manual also states the DIC will tell you when the transmitter battery is getting low.

Might make sense to keep a spare CR2032 battery stashed in the center console just in case.

PhilB · February 23, 2019

Yes - I know the manual addressed the low battery situation. Thanks for the replies.

I am thinking more along the lines that it gets wet and quits operating. Say you go hiking and while crossing a creek you slip and fall into the creek. The fob gets wet and doesn't operate anymore. Or what if the fob gets damaged by accidentally dropping it in the dark and then stepping on it while looking for it. Accidents happen. I'm sure you can think of other situations where you have dropped your keys while getting something out of your pockets.

Keeping a spare battery in the vehicle is a good idea and I think I'll got get a couple. I think there should be a fail-safe for when the fob is dead and you are not near home or a store.

texasaggies16 · February 23, 2019

Thats a bit nerve racking there is no manual bypass if I say so myself. Do all push start vehicles normally not have one?

Dougie86 · February 24, 2019

The fob works the same as the tap feature on some credit cards or gate pass cards if you get what I mean. So it don't require any power, so I would like to think if it was wet or even smashed up a bit it will still work. Only Time will tell. Haha

PhilB · February 24, 2019

I did some further searching on the internet. While I didn't find anything specific to the '19 Silverados, I did see some results pertaining to GM vehicles with push to start. They all stated that even if the battery were dead, you can put the fob in the transmitter pocket and the vehicle can be started. So there must be an RFI chip in the fob, like Dougie86 said. I guess as long as the chip is not damaged if the fob were to be damaged, then the vehicle could be started. GM should add the dead remote instructions to the owner's manual with the low battery information

MadCaddie · March 4, 2019

I've had a GM keyless remote since 2011 and have never totally destroyed a fob to the point that I wouldn't get it to work by placing it in the intended pocket. Even wet, I could still get the car to start, and unless you're stomping on it, I don't see how you're gonna crush it enough to destroy the board inside.

I've driven multiple vehicles (non gm) that are the same way.

Another thing to take note of, is your neutral over ride. I have to check if we even have one on these, but if you ever need a tow and the truck isn't turning on, it's a good idea to know how to put it in neutral so it doesn't have to be dragged.

Philipgonzales3 · January 30, 2020

This is the pocket on my 2019 1500 with middle jump seat. Notice I am using a key without a fob, I had some extra keys cut since my tonneau cover (Extang Encore) is keyed to my trucks little key inside the fob. Didn't want to fumble around with trying to get that little thing out when I wanted access to the front section of the tonnea cover. Was able to program these keys to be able to start the truck which is sweet to have some inexpensive spares.

This was the keys I bought, you can actually find them on other sites for cheaper if you want to shop around. OP, sorry I know you already know about the transmitter pocket but may be useful info to others.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00Y1HUMS8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Edited January 30, 2020 by Philipgonzales3

EXSlider400 · January 31, 2020

https://gm-techlink.com/?p=11125

Just in case you are unsure where you’re key pocket is...

Fltmech · January 31, 2020

On 2/24/2019 at 5:16 PM, PhilB said:

I did some further searching on the internet. While I didn't find anything specific to the '19 Silverados, I did see some results pertaining to GM vehicles with push to start. They all stated that even if the battery were dead, you can put the fob in the transmitter pocket and the vehicle can be started. So there must be an RFI chip in the fob, like Dougie86 said. I guess as long as the chip is not damaged if the fob were to be damaged, then the vehicle could be started. GM should add the dead remote instructions to the owner's manual with the low battery information

It is in the owner's manual. That's how most of us know about it.

PhilB · January 31, 2020

2 hours ago, Fltmech said:

It is in the owner's manual. That's how most of us know about it.

Then you must have a different owner's manual than I do. My manual doesn't say anything about a dead fob battery, just low battery. Can you send me a picture of the page from your manual that says if the battery is dead, put the fob in the pocket?

EXSlider400 · February 1, 2020

5 hours ago, PhilB said:

Then you must have a different owner's manual than I do. My manual doesn't say anything about a dead fob battery, just low battery. Can you send me a picture of the page from your manual that says if the battery is dead, put the fob in the pocket?

Easy to test. Take the battery out of the remote then place it in the pocket and give it a try.

Edited February 1, 2020 by EXSlider400

PhilB · February 1, 2020

8 hours ago, EXSlider400 said:

Easy to test. Take the battery out of the remote then place it in the pocket and give it a try.

Not disputing that. Fitmech said it's in the owner's manual. I'm just asking where it says in the owner's manual that if the case of a dead battery in the fob, you can still start the vehicle.