Key fobs are more than just simple clickers to lock and unlock your car. Modern key fobs are packed with features that many drivers don’t even know exist. Among the array of buttons, the circle button on your key fob, often denoted by a circular arrow, is a key to unlocking some of the most convenient hidden functionalities your vehicle offers. While it might not be explicitly labeled “remote start,” this button often serves exactly that purpose, and sometimes much more. Let’s delve into the secrets your key fob holds, focusing on that enigmatic circle button and other useful, lesser-known features.
Understanding the Circle Button: Remote Start and Beyond
The most common function associated with the circle button on a key fob is remote engine start. Imagine a sweltering summer day or a frigid winter morning – the ability to start your car’s engine from a distance to pre-cool or pre-heat the cabin is a luxury many modern vehicles offer. And often, this magic is initiated by that very circle button.
Typically, activating remote start involves a simple sequence. First, you’ll usually need to press the lock button on your key fob. This is a security measure to ensure your car is locked before remotely starting the engine. Following the lock command, a subsequent press of the circle button activates the remote start. In many models, you need to press and hold the circle button for a second or two to initiate the engine start. Some key fobs might even require a double press of the circle button, often indicated by a “2x” or “x2” symbol near the button itself.
However, manufacturers sometimes like to keep things interesting. BMW, for instance, occasionally hides the remote start function even further. In some newer BMW models with optional remote start, you might need to press the lock button not once, but three times in rapid succession (within one second) to get the engine running remotely. This highlights the importance of consulting your owner’s manual to understand the specific button combinations for your car model.
More Hidden Key Fob Features Beyond the Circle Button
While the circle button often takes center stage for remote start, key fobs are capable of much more. Here are some other hidden functionalities you might be surprised to discover in your car key fob:
Instant Window Lowering
Ever wished you could air out your car quickly on a hot day before even getting in? Many vehicles offer a feature to lower all windows (and sometimes even open the sunroof) simultaneously with a specific key fob button sequence. This is incredibly convenient for quickly cooling down the interior.
The typical sequence for this feature involves pressing the unlock button once, and then pressing and holding the unlock button again. Keep holding it down, and after a few seconds, all your car windows should begin to roll down. This feature isn’t always clearly labeled on the key fob, making it a true “hidden” gem for those in the know.
Automatic Mirror Folding
Large side mirrors are essential for visibility but can be vulnerable in tight parking spaces or narrow city streets. Some cars offer a feature to automatically fold in the side mirrors, often triggered by the key fob. This is especially useful for protecting your mirrors from accidental bumps and scrapes.
For vehicles equipped with remote mirror folding, like newer Chevrolet and GMC pickups, the activation is often linked to the lock button. In these cases, holding down the lock button on the key fob for a second or two beyond the standard locking duration will trigger the side mirrors to fold inwards.
Vehicle Summon (Tesla)
Tesla takes key fob functionality to another level with its minimalist, car-shaped key fobs for models like the Model S and Model X. These key fobs, devoid of traditional labels, offer advanced features like “Summon.” Summon allows you to move your Tesla forwards or backwards remotely while you are standing outside the vehicle – perfect for navigating tight parking spots.
Activating Summon involves pressing the center button (or “roof”) of the Tesla key fob until the hazard lights flash. Then, pressing the front button (“hood” of the mini-car) will move the car forward, and pressing the rear button (“trunk” of the mini-car) will move it in reverse. Pressing the same button again will stop the car’s movement. Tesla key fobs also offer another hidden convenience: pressing the top of the fob can close any open doors, including the liftgate.
The Hidden Mechanical Key
In an age of push-button start and electronic key fobs, it’s easy to forget the traditional mechanical key. However, almost all key fobs contain a hidden mechanical key inside. This key serves as a backup in situations where your car battery or key fob battery is dead, or if the key fob malfunctions. It allows you to manually unlock the driver’s side door.
Accessing the mechanical key usually involves locating a small button or release mechanism on the key fob. Pressing this release allows you to slide out or pull out the mechanical key. The location of the key slot on the car door can vary. Some cars have a visible key slot on the door handle, while others cleverly conceal it behind the handle or under a plastic cap that needs to be removed.
Conclusion
The circle button on your key fob is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the hidden potential of modern car keys. From remote start and window control to mirror folding and even vehicle summoning, key fobs offer a range of features designed to enhance convenience and vehicle usability. Take some time to explore your key fob and consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual – you might be surprised at what hidden functionalities you can unlock and integrate into your daily driving routine. Understanding these features can not only make your life easier but also give you a greater appreciation for the technology at your fingertips, quite literally, on your key fob.
