Locked Out of Car? How to Unlock Your Car with a Dead Battery (Key Fob Not Working) #cardiy #cartok, by Car Fixology on YouTube. 1 min 34 s.
- Video length
- 1 min 34 s
- Time to do it
- 15 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Press the button on the fob and watch for a small light or listen for the door locks. If nothing happens, the fob battery or the car battery is flat.
Look for a small release button or slot on the back or side of the key fob. Press it and pull out the hidden metal key blade.
Find the keyhole on the driver's door. Many cars hide it behind a small plastic cap on the door handle, so pry the cap off gently with the tip of the key.
Push the key blade into the lock and turn it to the driver's door. Turn firmly but stop if you feel solid resistance.
Pull the hood release lever under the dashboard, then lift the safety latch under the front edge of the hood and prop it open.
Clamp the red jumper cable to the positive battery terminal, marked plus. Clamp the black cable to the negative terminal or a bare metal ground point.
Wait a minute or two so the car picks up power, then press the button on your fob to open the remaining doors.
Disconnect the black clamp first, then the red one. If the car still will not start or lock, charge or replace the battery.
Tips and common mistakes
Keep the red and black jumper clamps apart so they never touch each other.
Batteries give off flammable gas, so never lean over one with a cigarette or naked flame.
Store the plastic door handle cap somewhere safe, since replacements can be hard to find.
If the metal key turns but the door will not open, the lock linkage may be broken, so call a locksmith instead of forcing it.
Questions
Can I the car with a completely dead battery?
Yes, the metal key blade works without any power at all. Only the central locking and the fob need electricity, so the physical lock still opens the driver's door.
Will a jump starter the doors without starting the engine?
Usually yes. Once the pack sends 12V to the battery, the central locking often has enough power to respond to the fob button, even if the engine will not crank yet.
Where is the hidden key on my fob?
Most fobs have a small release button or a slot on the back or side. Press it or slide the cover, then pull the blade out by hand.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
