Having a dead car battery can be annoying, particularly if it prevents you from entering the car at all.
A totally dead battery can keep you out of a modern car equipped with remote entry or keyless entry and leave you unsure of how to solve the issue.
Thankfully, there are a few ways to replace the dead battery and unlock your vehicle. We will walk you through the process of changing the battery in a car that will not unlock securely and effectively in this post.
Step 1: Check for Manual Key Access
For times like this, the majority of cars with electronic key fobs also contain a conventional key mechanism. Here’s how to get to it:
Search the Key Fob for the Hidden Key: Numerous key fobs include a real key concealed inside the device. Look for a tiny release button or switch on the key fob that enables you to extract the concealed key.
Locate the Keyhole in the Door Handle: On the driver’s side door handle, the keyhole is frequently concealed by a plastic cover. Look for a tiny opening or cover that you can carefully pry open with a tiny tool or the hidden key.
Turn the key to unlock the door when you have gained access to the manual keyhole. Remember that in certain cars, physically opening the door could trigger the car alarm. However, this will stop as soon as the battery is changed.
Step 2: Open the Hood Manually
The next step is to open the hood to access the battery once you have opened the door and entered. Usually found inside the cabin, under the dashboard, or next to the driver’s side floor, is the hood latch release.
If the Hood Release Is not Working: The hood release mechanism could occasionally be impacted by a fully dead battery. Should this occur, you may need to release the hood using a backup technique.
The majority of automobiles have an additional hood release located beneath the front hood. To get to it, extend your arm beneath the front grill section.
Step 3: Jumpstart the Battery from the Outside
Jumpstarting the automobile battery from the outside may be your only choice if you can not get inside or open the hood manually. This is how to go about doing it:
Find the Jump Points or Battery Access Terminals: Some cars have remote jump-start points under the car or near the fenders, especially those with keyless entry systems. These are connections that are directly linked to the battery in case of an emergency. The owner’s manual for the car has information about the location.
Utilize a Different Car or a Jump Starter Pack: Attach the jump points to the jump starting pack or jumper wires from an additional vehicle. Positive (+) is represented by red, and negative (-) by black. Connect the dead battery and start it up.
Enough charge should be provided by this to unlock the automobile and lift the hood.
Step 4: Disconnect the Old Battery
The dead battery needs to be carefully removed after you have gained access to the engine bay
Turn Off All Electronics Before beginning to remove the battery, make sure that all of the electronics in the car, including the radio and lights, are off. use protective Gear to protect yourself from battery acid and corrosion, put on protective gloves and eyewear.
Cut off the negative cable. The first step is to carefully remove the cable from the battery post by loosening the screw on the black (negative) terminal with a tool.
Cut the Positive Cable Off: Proceed with the red (positive) terminal in the same manner.
Remove the Battery: A wrench is required to loosen or remove the clamps or brackets that hold some batteries in place. Lift the battery out of the car once it is loose.
Step 5: Install the New Battery
You are now prepared to install the new battery after removing the old one. Take these actions:
Clean the Battery Terminals: Inspect the terminals for corrosion prior to installing the new battery. If accumulation is present, use a solution of baking soda and water to remove it.
Place the New Battery in Place: Make sure the new battery is seated correctly by carefully placing it in the tray.
Attach the Positive Cable. Initially: Tighten the nut firmly after attaching the red (positive) line to the battery’s positive terminal.
Connect the Negative Cable: Next, tighten the black negative cable after attaching it to the negative terminal.
Make sure everything is tight by reattaching any clamps or brackets that may be used by your car to hold the battery in place.
Step 6: Start the Car and Test
Close the hood and start the car after installing the new battery to ensure everything is working as it should. You can now reprogram any settings (such radio presets or clock settings) that your car may have lost because the battery was unplugged.
Step 7: Check for Alarm and Reset Systems
In certain vehicles, changing the battery could trigger the security features or alarm system. Use the manual method or your key fob to disable the alarm if it goes off. It could be necessary to reset electronic systems like the sunroof, electric windows, and GPS in more sophisticated cars.
For details on how to reset any particular systems impacted by the battery change, consult the owner’s manual.
Conclusion
When your car would not unlock, changing the battery may seem like a difficult task, but if you follow the appropriate procedures, you can get back in and change the battery quickly.
Whether you physically open the hood, utilize the secret manual key, or jumpstart the battery from the outside, these techniques will enable you to get your car running again as soon as possible. It would be easier to stay out of such circumstances in the future if preventive precautions are taken and a backup option is kept handy.