How to unlock a car when battery is dead

It’s every driver’s nightmare to go to their car and find out that the battery is dead, especially when you’re in a rush or stranded in a remote location. A dead battery can make it impossible to unlock your car using the remote, but unlocking a car with a dead battery is not an impossible task. In this article, we’ll share some tips on how to unlock a car when the battery is dead.

If you have a car key with a manual lock, you can unlock the car doors the traditional way. Use the key to manually unlock the driver’s side door and enter the car. Once inside the car, you can turn on the ignition to recharge the battery or jump start the car.

If you don’t have a manual key or the lock is jammed, you can try using a coat hanger or a slim jim. These tools are specially designed to help people retrieve keys locked inside a car. However, it’s important to note that using these tools requires finesse and patience, and it’s best to have a professional unlock your car if you’re not experienced with these tools.

Another option is to call for roadside assistance or a locksmith. They can arrive at your location and use specialized tools to unlock your car without causing any damage. Though this option can be more expensive, it’s a safer and more reliable option than using a coat hanger or trying to unlock the doors yourself.

In conclusion, unlocking a car with a dead battery is possible, but it requires a bit of skill and patience. It’s always best to have a backup plan in case your battery dies, such as carrying a manual key or having the contact information of a professional locksmith or roadside assistance service.

How to Unlock a Car with Dead Battery

1. Use the key

If your car has a traditional key entry, you can still manually unlock the door with your key even if the battery is dead. Insert the key into the lock and turn it to unlock the door.

2. Use the manual lock

If your car has manual locks, you can unlock the door from the inside even if the battery is dead. Open the door and locate the lock and unlock mechanism. It is usually located near the door handle. Pull or push the mechanism to unlock or lock the door.

3. Use a slim jim

A slim jim is a tool used to unlock car doors. It is a long, flat piece of metal with a hook at the end. Slide the slim jim between the window and the weatherstripping and hook it onto the lock mechanism. Pull up to unlock the door.

4. Call for help

If you are not able to unlock the car with the above methods, call for roadside assistance or a locksmith. They can unlock the car with specialized tools.

Remember to be cautious when attempting to unlock a car with a dead battery. Some methods, such as using a slim jim, can damage the car if not used correctly.

Understanding the Problem

Dead Car Battery

One common cause of a car being unable to unlock is a dead battery. A car’s keyless entry system requires power from the car’s battery to operate. If the battery is dead, the car’s keyless entry system will not function, meaning the car cannot be unlocked from the outside.

Difficulty accessing car

Another problem that can prevent a car from being unlocked is difficulty accessing the vehicle. For example, if the car is parked in a garage with no access to the door handle, or if the key is locked inside the car with no spare key available, the car may not be able to be unlocked from the outside.

Possible solutions

There are several solutions to unlock a car when the battery is dead. Some of these include using a key fob or a physical key, boosting the car’s battery, or using a slim jim to access the car’s locking mechanism. Depending on the situation, some methods may be more effective than others. It is important to choose a safe and effective solution for unlocking the car in order to avoid damaging the vehicle or putting oneself in danger.

Using the Manual Key

Locate the Manual Key

Most modern cars come with a remote key fob that allows you to lock and unlock the doors from a distance. However, if the battery in the key fob dies or the remote keyless entry system fails, you can use the manual key to unlock the doors.

The manual key usually looks like a small, rectangular piece of metal. It can be found on the back side of the key fob. In some cases, the manual key may also be located under a cap on the driver’s door handle or in the glove compartment.

Unlock the Door

To unlock the door with the manual key, simply insert it into the keyhole on the door handle and turn it clockwise. Make sure to apply a little pressure as you turn the key to unlock the door.

Once the door is unlocked, you can open it and access the interior of the car. If the battery is dead, you may need to jump-start the vehicle or replace the battery in the key fob in order to start the engine.

• Locate the manual key on the back of the key fob or in the lock of the driver’s door handle
• Insert the key into the keyhole on the door handle and turn it clockwise
• Apply pressure as you turn the key to unlock the door

Jumpstarting the Battery

What you need:

Jump-start cables and a vehicle with a working battery are needed to perform a jump start. Make sure both vehicles are in close proximity and parked with the handbrakes on before you begin.

• Jump-start cables
• A vehicle with a working battery

How to jump start a car with a dead battery:

1. Connect the red jump-start cable to the positive terminal of the dead battery and the other end to the positive terminal of the working battery.
2. Take the black jump-start cable and attach one end to the negative terminal on the working battery and the other end to an unpainted metal surface on the car with the dead battery, such as a bolt or a nut.
3. Start the engine of the car with the working battery and let it run for a few minutes.
4. Try to start the car with the dead battery. If the car does not start, wait another minute and try again.
5. Once the car has started, remove the cables in reverse order: first the black cable from the car with the dead battery, then the black cable from the car with the working battery, followed by the red cable from the car with the working battery, and finally the red cable from the car with the dead battery.

It is important to follow these steps carefully and connect the cables in the correct order. Failure to do so can damage your car’s electrical system or cause injury.

Calling Professional Help

Auto Locksmith

If you have exhausted all other options and still cannot unlock your car, it may be time to call for professional help. An auto locksmith can provide assistance in situations where your car battery is dead and you cannot get into your car. They have the expertise and tools to unlock your car without causing any damage to your vehicle. Auto locksmiths are available 24/7 and can usually arrive at your location within an hour of your call.

Roadside Assistance

In addition to locksmiths, most roadside assistance programs also offer lockout services. If you are a member of a roadside assistance program, you can call the provider and request help unlocking your car. They will dispatch a technician to your location to unlock your car. Keep in mind that most roadside assistance programs have limits on the number of times you can use their services within a specific timeframe.

AAA

AAA is one of the most well-known roadside assistance programs in the US. If you are a member of AAA, you can call their toll-free number and request help unlocking your car. They will send a technician to your location and help you get back into your car. AAA has different levels of membership, so make sure you have a membership that includes lockout services.

When calling for professional help, be prepared to provide the make and model of your car, your location, and any other relevant information to help the technician help you. Keep in mind that professional help may come with a cost, especially if you do not have a roadside assistance program or membership with an auto club. Make sure you ask about the cost of the service before agreeing to accept help.

• Auto locksmiths and roadside assistance programs can help you unlock your car when your battery is dead.
• AAA is one of the most well-known roadside assistance programs in the US.
• Be prepared to provide information about your car and location when calling for professional help.
• Professional help may come with a cost, so make sure you ask about the price before accepting help.