A man demonstrated how a secret nook inside Ford vehicles can be used to help start them, even with a dead key fob. Kentucky-based DIY influencer Ceith Griffith (@jgriffith34) posted a Facebook video showing that some Ford vehicles offer this backup starting procedure. "In your vehicle, lift this little plastic piece up," he says, demonstrating how to remove the textured insert from the small cubby area. Upon doing so, he reveals a smooth surface beneath the accessory, with a small indentation. He says that this section is where drivers can lay their dead key fobs to start their vehicles. Furthermore, this small section can also help drivers reprogram their key fobs if they ever get out of sync with their vehicles. "Place your key fob to reset your key fob if it stops working or if the battery is dead. You can use this to start your vehicle with a dead key fob," he says before the video comes to a close. Different Ford Models Can Be Started With A Dead Key Fob Dashboard Symbols has compiled a list of the various Ford models that allow drivers to place their Intelligent Access key fobs in backup slots. Depending on the year, make, and model of the car, the location of these backup slots can vary greatly. For instance, Taurus, Expedition, and Flex drivers with model years before 2018 can find their slot in the center armrest console. After popping open the top, they’ll find this cranny situated toward the back of the armrest cubby. There’s just enough space to place the fob inside it. Once it's in, drivers should press their car's brake and hit the vehicle’s Start/Stop button to get the engine running as usual. Dashboard Symbols writes that if this fails to get the car going, drivers should reverse the fob's position so its buttons face a different direction. However, updated 2018 Expeditions and 2025 Explorers "with bucket seats" have this backup slot located in the car’s "front cup holder," the site says. Similar to Griffith’s video, drivers will have to remove a small plastic insert in order to place their key fob inside it. They’ll have to ensure the buttons are "facing the back of the vehicle" to make it work, Dashboard Symbols noted. If you drive a newer Ford Ranger, like the 2025 Expedition, you can locate the backup key fob alcove under the front cupholder insert. Ford Edge vehicles have situated this recessed area in the front armrest cubby; however, it’s positioned right toward the front and provides just enough room to hold the Intelligent Access key. The same goes for the 2018 Ford Escape. However, the 2017 model year for the same vehicle has the backup slot placed in "the small tray at the front of the center console," the website states. For the exact usage scenario delineated in Griffith’s video, folks driving Bronco, Maverick, and Transit vehicles manufactured from 2024 will find their backup slots beneath the front bay located beneath the car’s dash. Remove the small plastic tray; that small groove is where their key fob needs to be placed to start their cars. The outlet also showed another key fob backup slot location on different Explorer and Fusion models. This little nook is located at the bottom of the car’s center auxiliary/USB/power port section. According to the write-up, the buttons on the fob should be "facing out" with its key ring aimed upward. The same write-up indicates that whenever these Ford models are started using this method, the fob needn’t stay in its backup slot. Folks can remove the fob as they would when it’s functioning properly and go on their merry way driving. Other Dead Fob Starting Methods According to The Daily Automotive, many auto manufacturers employ similar fail-safe practices that allow push-to-start vehicles to get turned on with a dead fob. Many manufacturers pack their key fobs with physical key inserts. Often, these keys can be used to pry open a portion of their car’s door handle, revealing a physical locking mechanism. Car owners can then use these backup keys by inserting them into the "secret" cylinders to access their vehicles' interiors. Once inside, all they have to do is touch their car’s push-to-start button located near the steering wheel with the dead key fob. An RFID or NFC chip inside the fob will allow drivers to get their engines revving, even if the battery is dead. Despite the lack of power, this technology operates without an internal fob battery. The site explains, "This chip doesn’t have its own power source. Instead, it gets energized for a moment when it’s brought very close to a reader inside your car … the car sends out a low-power signal, the chip responds with a unique code, and the car verifies it’s the correct key." If you have a push-to-start car, it’s a good idea to check the user manual to see how to start your vehicle if your key fob isn’t working. Furthermore, battery replacements for fobs are often a simple DIY fix. This YouTuber demonstrates how to do so on 2017–2025 Ford Intelligent Access keys. He says they use CR2450 batteries, so having some on hand could save you some headaches down the line. With this and a mini screwdriver, the fob can be easily taken apart, have its battery swapped, and should be working again in no time. Motor1 has reached out to Ford via email and Griffith via Facebook direct message for further comment. We will update this story if either party responds. We want your opinion! What would you like to see on Motor1.com? 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