The quickest answer: you can start the engine from inside the car using the push-button Start/Stop if your Accord has Intelligent Key, or remotely from the key fob if your model is equipped with Remote Engine Start. The exact method depends on your trim and options, so this guide covers both inside and remote starting, plus what to do if the fob battery is dead.
What to know about the 2013 Accord starting system
The 2013 Honda Accord offered an Intelligent Key system with a push-button Start/Stop on many trims, while some models could rely on a traditional ignition key. If your car has the push-button start, you’ll need the key fob inside the vehicle to start the engine. Some Accords also offer Remote Engine Start, allowing you to start the engine from outside the car using the key fob. The exact features can vary by trim and region, so consult your owner's manual for the precise sequence for your vehicle.
Push-button start (Intelligent Key)
Use this method when the fob is inside the car. Follow the steps below to start the engine from the driver's seat.
Before starting with the push-button start, ensure you are seated in the driver's area with the fob inside the vehicle and your foot ready on the brake pedal.
- With the vehicle in Park, press and hold the brake pedal.
- Press the Start/Stop button once to start the engine.
- If the engine does not start, verify the fob is inside the car and the fob’s battery isn’t dead; also confirm the transmission is in Park.
- To stop the engine, press the Start/Stop button again while the brake is pressed, or shift the transmission to Park and press the button.
After following these steps, the engine should start as long as the system recognizes the fob and the car is in a starting condition.
Remote Engine Start: starting from the key fob
If your Accord is equipped with Honda’s Remote Engine Start feature, you can start the engine from outside the vehicle using the key fob. The exact sequence can vary by trim, but the common method is described here. Always exercise caution and avoid remote starting in enclosed spaces like garages.
Before using remote start, make sure the car is locked and that there are no people or pets in or near the vehicle. Remote start is intended to precondition the cabin and engine, not to replace normal starting procedures.
- From outside the car, press the Lock button on the key fob once to arm the system.
- Within a few seconds, press and hold the Lock button again for about 2–3 seconds until the engine starts.
- The engine will run for a pre-set period (often up to about 10 minutes, depending on configuration) and then shut off automatically if you don’t drive off or extend the remote start sequence.
- To drive away, unlock the car with the fob and press the brake pedal, then start normally from inside the vehicle (the push-button Start/Stop, or ignition if your model uses a traditional key).
Remote start is convenient for warming up or cooling down the cabin before you enter, but always ensure you are in a safe, ventilated area and never use it in a closed garage or crowded space.
Troubleshooting common start issues
If the car won’t start, try these basic checks to identify the likely cause before seeking service.
- Confirm the vehicle is in Park (or Neutral for manual transmissions) and that you are pressing the brake pedal when starting with a push button.
- Check the key fob battery. A weak or dead fob battery can prevent the car from recognizing the key inside the vehicle or at the remote start stage.
- Ensure the fob is inside the car if you’re using push-button start; if not, use the spare fob if available.
- If using remote start, verify that the feature is installed on your trim and enabled in the settings; not all 2013 Accords include it.
- If the car still won’t start, consult the owner’s manual or contact a Honda dealer for a diagnostic check of the immobilizer system and battery connections.
In cases of a dead fob battery, the car may still be started by holding the fob close to the Start/Stop button (the fob’s proximity sensor can read the key at a short range). If the fob is physically damaged or the car cannot read it, you may need to use the mechanical key blade stored inside the fob to unlock the door and then follow a backup start procedure if your trim supports it. Replace the fob battery as soon as possible to restore full functionality.
What to do if the key fob battery dies
A dead key fob battery is a common issue. Here’s how to cope and restore normal operation.
- Use the physical key blade stored inside the fob to unlock the driver’s door if needed.
- Place the fob close to the Start/Stop button and attempt the push-button start again, as some vehicles can read a near-field fob even with a weak battery.
- Replace the fob battery (usually a CR2032) and re-sync if your model requires it. Instructions are in the owner’s manual.
- If problems persist, visit a Honda service center to check the immobilizer and fob programming.
Proper maintenance of the key fob battery ensures uninterrupted access to both remote and push-button start features, improving reliability in daily use.
Summary
For a 2013 Honda Accord, you can start from inside using the push-button Start/Stop if your model has the Intelligent Key, or remotely from the fob if Remote Engine Start is installed. If the fob battery is dead, try starting by holding the fob near the Start button or use the mechanical key to unlock doors and then attempt starting. Always follow safety precautions when using remote start, and refer to your manual for trim-specific steps and limitations. In case of repeated start failures, consult a Honda dealer for diagnostic services.