'If This Is True...': Man Claims There’s a Secret Way to Start a Car Without a Battery in the Key Fob. Then He Tries It

“I’m gonna be daggum mad."

Man Claims There’s a Secret Way to Start a Car Without a Battery in the Key Fob. Then He Tries It

Photo by: Dustin Hadley & Kool C

Steve Ecker

By: Steve Ecker

Nov 11, 2025 at 6:00pm ET

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A man has revealed a secret way to start your push-to-start a vehicle when the key fob battery is dead.

In a video that’s generated over 4 million views as of this writing, Dustin Hadley (@dustinhadley.98) showcases two ways to start your vehicle when the key fob battery is dead.

No Key Fob Battery, No Problem

In the Facebook Reel, Hadley goes to explore his vehicle for a key fob holder that can start the car when the battery is dead.

Hadley includes a clip from Ceith Griffith revealing that GMC cars have a key fob holder inside the center console that can start the car when the key fob battery is dead.

“If this is true, I’m gonna be daggum mad. I probably won’t be able to see straight,” Hadley says.

Hadley mentions that his key fob battery recently died on a busy day and he had no way to get a new battery until his wife got home from work.

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“I mean, you’re telling me that there is a slot inside my vehicle. I just stick it in. No. Ain’t no way,” Hadley says.

Hadley then checks the center console of his Toyota Tacoma.

“In my console, there is no slot,” he reveals.

Hadley consults Google to see if there is another way to start your car when the key fob battery is dead.

“Google says that any vehicle that has one of these push to start will either have a designated slot or you can take your dead key fob and hold it up against the little button and it’ll work,” he says.

To test what he discovered on Google, Hadley takes the battery out of the key fob.

“Battery out. Maybe I just stick it to my forehead so y’all can see the battery is not in it,” he reveals.

With the battery still stuck to his forehead, Hadley tests this new way.

“I’m gonna try and start it without doing anything. Y’all can see it doesn’t start,” he says.

The Tacoma doesn’t start. So then he tries the hack.

“Take your key fob. Touch that spot. It just made a little clicking noise. Now start it,” he instructs.

Hadley then places the key fob onto the push to start button and presses the button. Sure enough, it starts.

“My vehicle is on. That’s insane,” he says.

“If you have a push to start, there is some way that you can still drive as long as you have your key fob. Try the push to start. Look into your console. Check the owners manual,” he concludes.

Viewers Weigh In

Viewers took to the comment section to reveal their knowledge about key fobs.

“There is also a key inside the fob,” one wrote.

“I'm more curious how you made the battery stick that long,” another said.

Some viewers shared information about how to start different vehicles without a working key fob.

“Mine is in the glove box. I found that out when my car wouldn't start and was telling me to insert the fob into the glove box,” one said.

“We have a Nissan and we can just insert the whole fob into the place on the dash. Also, it has a hidden key that opens the car door,” another added.

“In GM cars, place the dead fob in the front cup holder,” a third replied.

How Do You Start Your Car With a Dead Key Fob?

While key fob batteries will occasionally die, your car’s ignition is still able to start. This is why car manufactures have designed various ways to start up your vehicle without a key fob.

According to CarParts, here are some ways to start up your car without a key.

Use the Screwdriver-Hammer Method: This can disable the lock pins on the ignition lock cylinder by using a screwdriver and hammer.
Locate the Secret Switch: The switch is usually located in the steering column. Remove the plastic lid cover and utilize the screwdriver-hammer method.
Hotwire the Engine: This popular way to start a car is done by cutting the battery and power wires. Then you remove the plastic underneath the steering wheel and twist and connect the wires.
Look for the Red Coil Wire: This method is complex and requires extensive vehicle knowledge. To do this, connect the red coil wire to the positive battery terminal with jumper cables.

What do you think?

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Additionally, remote start can be done through mobile apps, Capital One reports. Some of these can even replace the fob and act as a digital key.

Motor1 has contacted Hadley via Facebook and Instagram direct message. This story will be updated if he replies.