SOS...car won't open!

[BobtheBruce]

Hi folks

I'm hoping someone can urgently help? I'm just back from a three week holiday and returned to my car parked at the Park & Ride but it won't open! I've tried the physical key as well but without success :-(

I replaced the battery on the key this year so it can't be the battery, but that still wouldn't stop me from being able to open the car with the physical key.

Anyone any ideas?

 

[t-tony]

Remind us what car? Do you have a spare?

Tony.

 

[Duncodin]

Last time this happened to me I was stood by the wrong car. Probably not the problem you're having though. Zeds aren't that common.

Really wierd that the phyiscal key in the lock doesn't work. You didn't say whether the key opened the boot.

 

[BobtheBruce]

Hi folks.... it's an E89 35is. I do have a spare but that's at home and I'm pretty much stranded here at the Park & Ride. The boot doesn't open either. In the last three weeks I must have passed through about a dozen airport scanners and I'm wondering if that's somehow affected the key? Bit weird though I can't open the door physically.

I've called the AA who are on their way and they've since called and reckon it might be something to do with the car battery?

I'll keep you posted about the issue and if any solution is found.

 

[Duncodin]

Is the e89 all electric where the physical key just flicks an electric switch instead of a real physical lock linkage.

If it all electric then sounds like a totally dead battery.

 

[B21]

I suspect your battery ran down, the car is dead locked and AFAIK you need power to allow dead locks to be released..the normal trick is to get access to the engine bay and apply power to the red jump post near the windscreen at the back of the engine bay…

Of course opening the bonnet with no internal access is problematic…

Locksmith or other professional I fear..

 

[BobtheBruce]

Oh dear....but thanks guys for your help/advice. The AA is on its way and hopefully they're able to open the bonnet then if that's the issue.

Again, I'll let you know how I get on (once I finally get home and have sunk a few glasses of wine)!

 

[t-tony]

I would be inclined to agree that the issue is a totally dead battery. Hope you get sorted quickly and get on your way home. Do you have far to get home.

Tony.

 

[BobtheBruce]

Hi Tony.... thanks. It's only a 15min drive but hope they'll be able to sort it. If not, they'll hopefully give me a free ride home

Bob

 

[BobtheBruce]

Well....that was a bit embarrassing! Although I attempted it several times, clockwise, anti-clockwise, in tandem with the handle, the AA guy managed to open the door with the physical key first time and with no problem. Yikes, those magic fingers again!

Anyway, that only meant he didn't have to break into the car which was a relief, to try and fix it. As suspected, or as you all suspected, it was a flat battery and in 10mins I was on my way. The wine folks, is absolutely flowing!!

Thanks to all again, what a wonderful bunch you all are, and wishing everyone a cool Yule!

 

[t-tony]

Glad it was an “easy” fix after all.

Tony.

 

[Pond]

Well....that was a bit embarrassing! Although I attempted it several times, clockwise, anti-clockwise, in tandem with the handle, the AA guy managed to open the door with the physical key first time and with no problem. Yikes, those magic fingers again!

Anyway, that only meant he didn't have to break into the car which was a relief, to try and fix it. As suspected, or as you all suspected, it was a flat battery and in 10mins I was on my way. The wine folks, is absolutely flowing!!

Thanks to all again, what a wonderful bunch you all are, and wishing everyone a cool Yule!

It would be a good idea to get a new battery now (and make sure it is registered to the car). Chances are your existing battery is now compromised. E89s DO NOT like anything but a very healthy battery. They tend to start throwing up random faults if the battery is not 100% good.

 

[BobtheBruce]

Thanks Pond. He (AA) did measure it and said it was only an unhealthy 54Ah at max, but still better than a really unhealthy 20Ah which would be the bare minimum. So if you're saying my car prefers something really healthy, I'll certainly get a new one. And you're right, I have had a few battery indicators flash up over the past few months. That car (obviously) ain't stupid!

Thanks again for the advice