Can't get into car!

[ScarletPimpernel]

I am hoping that one of our resident experts can help...

 

I have a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Never had any problems with it. It's been standing for about a week and when I went to get into it, I couldn't open the doors, either with the remote, or the key. The key turns normally in the lock. I suspect that the battery may be flat (no alarm indicator), but have no idea why.

 

How can I get into the car to open the bonnet and do the necessary?

[dx100uk]

strange?

the key should manually open the door lock of the drivers door even without power..

try the boot lock thats manual too.

 

are you sure its the right key?

 

it might work the ignition but if the barrel has been changed it wont do the doors.

 

had it from new?

 

dx

[ScarletPimpernel]

Not had it from new, but the key has previously worked in the locks. I haven't tried the tailgate yet - will do it after work.

[dx100uk]

ok

 

i assume that the key in the lock made the central locking work and thus unlock it.

 

it might be the machanical arm linkage is dropped off or is stuck.

 

quite common.

 

nobody ever realises it until they get a flat battery!!

 

dx

[wheelergeezer]

I could get in. You would need to call Autoglass just after though

[Mrs E Blackadder]

Are you a member of something like RAC or AA? If you have the homestart or equivalent then they might come and look at the problem for you.

[stuscfc1883]

my wife has a Grand Cherokee and this same problem has happened to us . . . you can still open the door with the key, normally the alarm would go off as you haven't deactivated it, however due to the flat battery that won't happen . . . it's also a pain to disconnect the battery as it has 2 larger than life long screws which hold it down in position . . . fortunately i have off road parking and trailed my extension cable to the car battery charger . . . remember if you do this. ensure you disconnect the red and black contacts from the car, heard it damages something . . . once the battery is charged you will be able to use the remote to lock and unlock . . . if it happens again after a week, get a new battery

[patdavies]

I have a GC and have also experienced the totally flat battery syndrome.

 

The initial attempt at unlocking remotely does not work - the car remains locked and the interior lights do not come on.

 

It does allow me to unlock the drivers door (only) with the key.

 

That's how it is supposed to work. If yours isn't, then I guess that you will need AA/RAC or a locksmith to get the door open.

 

Otherwise, it may be possible to reach up from underneath the car to release the bonnet at the catch.

[stuscfc1883]

It does allow me to unlock the drivers door (only) with the key.

 

yes i meant to say that too . . . it's only the drivers door you can unlock, but that's all you need to get the battery charged up . . .