The Kia Sorento is a great midsize SUV. It is also equipped with a lot of technological features that come in handy! But if you're wondering how to start this without a key fob, you're in the right spot. We did the research to get the answers to you.
To start the Kia Sorento without a keyfob, all you need to do is step on the brake pedal and press the engine's Start/Stop button until the engine comes alive.
One thing the Kia Sorento guarantees is a user-friendly system that grants you the convenience of starting the engine, without having to panic and fumble for your keys. Keep reading if you want to learn more about starting the Kia Sorento without the key fob.
Guidelines To Start The Kia Sorento Without Key Fob
Key fobs inevitably go bad. This is usually caused by dead batteries or remote malfunction. Alternatively, key fobs can also be misplaced and lost for good. Because of this, you have to take these alternatives below to start your vehicle, especially in the event of emergencies:
Use The Kia Connect App
Kia Connect technology helps you gain control over your car with your mobile smartphone.
It provides you access to remote features like door control, climate control, charging, stolen vehicle recovery, navigation, and even your vehicle's status.
All you need to do is download the application and register to be all set with the Kia Connect.
For your advantage, it's best to set this up while you still have a working key fob to be 100% ready. Doing this on the latter part will require a PIN set up and will cause you inconveniences.
If you want to know more about Kia Connect, watch this video below:
Push Start
Thankfully, Kia Sorento provides a keyless ignition that grants you the support you need. To start the engine, follow these three basic steps:
- Ensure that the vehicle is in (P) Park or (N) Neutral.
- Step on the brake pedal.
- Press the Start/Stop button until the engine starts.
For further details on the Kia Sorento's push/start button, take a look at this video:
What To Do With A Low Battery Key Fob?
Before anything else, it's important to guarantee that your key fob's battery never runs low. But in the event that this happens, here are some of the techniques you can do:
Start The Car
Simply hold the key fob to the remote start button and use the key to push the button to start.
Access the Kia Sorento's Mechanical Key
In the event that your key fob batteries die completely, you have the opportunity to use the mechanical key that is located on the back of your key fob.
Replace The Batteries
When all else fails, the most evident thing you can do is replace the batteries. You can visit the nearest Kia Service Center near you or you can do this all by yourself! Just ensure that you are equipped with the right tools and battery to do so.
To replace Sorento's key fob batteries, follow these steps:
- Look for the small button at the bottom of the key fob to release the emergency key blade.
- Take the emergency key blade out.
- Locate the slot at the bottom of the fob that matches the size of the emergency key blade.
- Insert the key blade into the slot and slowly turn it. This should open the key fob's casing.
- Pull the two sides of the key fob apart.
- Locate the old batteries and gently remove them.
- Place new batteries into the slot.
- Put two sides of the key fob back together and carefully squeeze them until they reconnect.
Tips For Key Fob Owners
Over time, key fobs can wear down and will need some replacement. Here are a few tips that will help lengthen the lifespan of your key fob:
Do Your Assignment
The moment you purchase your vehicle, it's crucial to do your research about it without delay.
Understand the key fob programming and every possible function the Kia Sorento has. Doing this helps you better understand how to operate with consistency and accuracy.
Be Prepared For Emergencies
You have to be decisive and provide a backup plan in the event that you lose your key fob or in case it completely malfunctions.
One of the best preparations to start with, as we have discussed above, is to install Kia Connect on your smartphone and ready your key controls for the vehicle. You might also want to store key fob batteries with you as another alternative for low batteries.
Keep A Transponder Key
To avoid being locked in, keep a mechanical blank key or a transponder key.
These keys have microchips that transmit low-level signals from a key read through a remote receiver. These microchips are mostly programmed by manufacturers and integrate unique serial numbers on them.
With the radio frequency identification, the receiver located near the ignition detects the serial numbers that match the one programmed in the car, which immediately open or unlock your car doors.
Replace Batteries Every 1-2 Years
Pushing down key fob buttons hardly multiple times in a row can cause your fob to wear down quicker, which maximizes the possibility to replace them sooner than expected.
To prolong your fob's lifespan, it's best to replace its batteries every one to two years, instead of doing it when the batteries completely die.
Key Fob Placement
Where your key fob is stored matters. If you put your fob in your car or somewhere near it, this drains your battery much faster than necessary because the fob will continuously communicate with the vehicle.
Clean The Keyhole
Wipe out dust and debris to prevent the keyhole from freezing up, making it inoperable.
Regularly turn to lock and unlock your vehicle to monitor if the locks are working mechanically.
What Are The Signs That Your Key Fob Needs Replacement?
If you had newly replaced batteries and you notice some malfunctions with your key fob, this could mean that it's time to replace the whole key fob itself.
So how do you know your key fob needs replacement? Look for these three common signs:
Decreased Signal Range
Key fobs have a signal range between 30 to 60 feet. If you have observed that your key fob requires you to be closer to your vehicle, this means it's no longer transmitting the signal unlike before.
However, this could be caused by low batteries. Although weather, like rain and snow, may also play a part in affecting the signal range.
Inconsistent Clicks
If you have to click multiple times before your vehicle accepts the signal, this is a sign of bad batteries. If you're unlocking doors or starting the engine with several presses, this is the key fob's fault.
Delayed Unlocking
If you're experiencing two-second delays before hearing your car unlock, this means that your fob's batteries are wearing out or your key fob is going bad.
For key fob replacement, you might want to have a look at this key fob below. This product matches any Kia vehicle's remote control mechanics.
How Do You Program A Kia Sorento Key Fob?
To program your Kia's key fob, here are four steps to follow:
- Close all car doors and insert the key into the ignition.
- Simultaneously turn the key off and then on until the doors lock cycle. End this step with the key turned on.
- Press the unlock button on the fob. If the doors lock, the fob is programmed.
- Turn the ignition off.
In Closing
Now that you know how to start a Kia Sorento without a key fob, you'll surely figure out what ways serve your interest the best. Be safe on the road and if possible, try not to lose your key fob!
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