Can't unlock my car

Stan_Lite · 15-04-2011, 20:19

Bit of a weird problem.

Some weeks ago, my car battery was flat so I took it out to recharge it. Because I've been away a lot for work and when I have been home, I haven't needed the car, I haven't got round to putting it back in. I tried to unlock the car with the key today but it won't open. I'm assuming that because the battery has been out for so long, there isn't enough juice left to operate the lock mechanism.

What's my best bet? Locksmith, garage, police? - any other options? Thankfully, I have the registration documents etc. in the house so I can prove the car belongs to me to anyone who can unlock it.

Mark · 15-04-2011, 20:23

Not that I should know about such things being a non-driver, but...

You got home start or similar? They'll sort it.

If not, garage. No reason for the police to be involved and locksmith is only good if they have the right skills.

Stan_Lite · 15-04-2011, 20:24

Only got AA roadside assistance - never got round to upgrading

The reason I mentioned the police is because I read that they can do it free of charge.

Del Lardo · 15-04-2011, 20:27

Isn't the lock mechanical when you are using a key? Central locking may not work but if you have the key surely the door should unlock?

Stan_Lite · 15-04-2011, 20:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Del Lardo

Isn't the lock mechanical when you are using a key? Central locking may not work but if you have the key surely the door should unlock?

That's what I thought but it doesn't work.

volospian · 15-04-2011, 20:58

As Del Lardo says, won't the key work in the lock? The only car I've owned where there is no physical key was the Cerbera, which has a special way to get in if the battery goes flat...

volospian · 15-04-2011, 21:00

OK, after reading your last post... if you clamber under the car, can you see the positive battery terminal, and if so, can you reach it with anything?

Clip a jump lead onto that, and the other end onto the battery, clip the other jump lead onto the negative, and anywhere on the body...?

Stan_Lite · 15-04-2011, 21:04

Opinion on the MR2OC forums is that the locks are mechanical but probably seized through lack of use. They've suggested some silicon spray to try to free them up. I'll get some tomorrow and give that a try.

Can't get to the battery terminals - the battery sits in the front boot which is closed in (mid-engined).

volospian · 15-04-2011, 21:20

Ah, yeah, make sense now I know the car

Jonny69 · 16-04-2011, 08:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stan_Lite

Opinion on the MR2OC forums is that the locks are mechanical but probably seized through lack of use. They've suggested some silicon spray to try to free them up. I'll get some tomorrow and give that a try.

Just use WD40. Silicone can cause problems later on with your paint.

What a pain in the bum. I'm glad there are no locks on mine.

15-04-2011, 20:19	#1
Stan_Lite Stan, Stan the FLASHER MAN! Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: In bed with your sister Posts: 5,483	Can't unlock my car Bit of a weird problem. Some weeks ago, my car battery was flat so I took it out to recharge it. Because I've been away a lot for work and when I have been home, I haven't needed the car, I haven't got round to putting it back in. I tried to unlock the car with the key today but it won't open. I'm assuming that because the battery has been out for so long, there isn't enough juice left to operate the lock mechanism. What's my best bet? Locksmith, garage, police? - any other options? Thankfully, I have the registration documents etc. in the house so I can prove the car belongs to me to anyone who can unlock it. __________________ Just because I have a short attention span doesn't mean I...

15-04-2011, 20:24	#3
Stan_Lite Stan, Stan the FLASHER MAN! Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: In bed with your sister Posts: 5,483	Only got AA roadside assistance - never got round to upgrading The reason I mentioned the police is because I read that they can do it free of charge. __________________ Just because I have a short attention span doesn't mean I...

15-04-2011, 21:04	#8
Stan_Lite Stan, Stan the FLASHER MAN! Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: In bed with your sister Posts: 5,483	Opinion on the MR2OC forums is that the locks are mechanical but probably seized through lack of use. They've suggested some silicon spray to try to free them up. I'll get some tomorrow and give that a try. Can't get to the battery terminals - the battery sits in the front boot which is closed in (mid-engined). __________________ Just because I have a short attention span doesn't mean I...

15-04-2011, 20:23	#2
Mark Screaming Orgasm Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Newbury Posts: 15,194	Not that I should know about such things being a non-driver, but... You got home start or similar? They'll sort it. If not, garage. No reason for the police to be involved and locksmith is only good if they have the right skills.

15-04-2011, 20:27	#4
Del Lardo Absinthe Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Cambridge Posts: 2,539	Isn't the lock mechanical when you are using a key? Central locking may not work but if you have the key surely the door should unlock?

15-04-2011, 20:58	#6
volospian Vodka Martini Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 786	As Del Lardo says, won't the key work in the lock? The only car I've owned where there is no physical key was the Cerbera, which has a special way to get in if the battery goes flat...

15-04-2011, 21:00	#7
volospian Vodka Martini Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 786	OK, after reading your last post... if you clamber under the car, can you see the positive battery terminal, and if so, can you reach it with anything? Clip a jump lead onto that, and the other end onto the battery, clip the other jump lead onto the negative, and anywhere on the body...?

15-04-2011, 21:20	#9
volospian Vodka Martini Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 786	Ah, yeah, make sense now I know the car