Experiencing a frustrating “Button For Driver Assistance System Defective” error and finding your car won’t start? You’re not alone. Many drivers have encountered this issue, and while a permanent fix requires professional diagnosis, a helpful workaround has emerged from online communities. This article details a user-reported method to potentially get your car started when faced with this error, along with additional insights from users experiencing this problem.
One user, Jake H, shared a troubleshooting step that has proven successful for some in bypassing this error and starting their vehicle. This workaround involves manipulating the instrument cluster’s connection while the car’s electrical system is partially engaged. Here’s the process, as described by Jake H:
- Turn the ignition to the ‘on’ position, activating the car’s electrical systems but without fully starting the engine (turn the key halfway).
- Disconnect the instrument cluster.
- Turn the car off and then back to the ‘on’ position again, with the instrument cluster still disconnected.
- Reconnect the instrument cluster while the electrical system is still running.
- Remove the key from the ignition.
- Attempt to start the car fully.
According to Jake H, this sequence has successfully resolved the starting issue for him. It’s reported that this error, and the need for this workaround, might reappear after disconnecting the car battery.
Another user, building upon Jake H’s initial post, shared their experiences and further observations. They confirmed the effectiveness of Jake H’s workaround in getting their car started. Interestingly, they noticed a correlation between temperature and the occurrence of the problem. The starting issue seemed more prevalent on cooler days, especially in the mornings or late evenings. On warmer days, the car reportedly started without any problems.
Further experimentation led this user to suspect the CAN bus gateway might be involved. After experiencing repeated starting failures on a cool day, they tried warming up the CAN bus gateway by placing it in their pocket for about 20 minutes. Upon reinstalling the warmed gateway and performing Jake H’s instrument cluster workaround, the car started on the first attempt.
While this observation is anecdotal, it suggests a potential temperature sensitivity issue with the CAN bus gateway or related components in certain vehicles experiencing this “button for driver assistance system defective” error.
Important Safety Note: While disconnecting the instrument cluster as described in the workaround, it’s generally advisable to disconnect the car battery first to minimize the risk of electrical issues. Although the user in the forum reported disconnecting the gateway with the battery connected multiple times without incident, best practices often recommend battery disconnection before working with automotive electrical components.
To investigate the potential CAN bus gateway issue further, the user plans to replace their current gateway with a second-hand unit. They intend to update the forum thread with their progress and findings, which could provide valuable information for others facing similar problems.
In conclusion, if you’re experiencing a “button for driver assistance system defective” error preventing your car from starting, Jake H’s user-reported instrument cluster workaround might offer a temporary solution. Temperature sensitivity and potential issues with the CAN bus gateway are also emerging as possible factors in this problem. Remember that this workaround is not a permanent fix, and professional diagnosis is recommended to address the root cause of the error. Always prioritize safety and consider disconnecting the battery when working with electrical components in your vehicle.
