27 replies to this topic

[lilpidge]

Hi Guys, I've been working away for 7 of the last 8 weeks, so haven't used my new toy much - a superb VXT bought from a forum member. Before I went away, I was wondering whether to leave the car locked, or unlocked in my garage (unlocked = uninsured, locked = pain in the backside when I get home!), and it seems I've made the wrong choice. Handbrake is also on (another bad choice!), so can't easily pull it out of the garage. Any ideas how I pop the bonnet externally (so I can get it on charge), or persuade the car to let me in, without doing any damage... Any other ideas would be appreciated! (I've checked the key-fob batteries - and they are all good, so I'm as sure as I can be at this stage that the car battery is run-down). Thanks chaps!

[starlight]

If you hold down the button near the rear number plate and operate the key fob, you should be ok to get in. If that does not work, then you will have to try and get the front bonnet open, maybe tripping the alarm... Note there is a guide on changing the central door lock back up battery in the guides section

Edited by pjohn151, 09 September 2011 - 08:05 AM.

[lilpidge]

Thanks for that - just found the magic button... Held it down and tried the key fob (both of them), and no joy. Not a sausage! I'll search out the back-up battery replacement and give it a go! Thanks for your swift reply! Cheers!

[lilpidge]

Ah ha - backup battery replacement requires getting in to the boot. Any ideas how to do that surreptitiously?! I don't really want to put a Stanley knife though the soft-top!!!

[FLD]

To get in the bonnet is a pain but it can be done. I'd recommend the pass side but you can get via both. Its a case of front wheel off, arch liner off and operate the latch with a long stick. Not too challenging, just a pain. Beware that when you do that the alarm siren will be quite close to your ears!

[lilpidge]

Thanks for that. I can see how my morning is panning out... I wish I had a little more space in the garage though...  IMAG0315.jpg   130.15KB   10 downloads Hmmm...

[slindborg]

IF you are really really stuck, you can take the middle (rear) undertray off and disconnect the handbrake cable at the Yoke (its an R clip and pin removal). Then you can roll the car out and do what you need to do.

[starlight]

But you really want to get into the front bonnet to charge the main car battery - looking down from the windscreen towards the washer jets you'll see the plastic guttering. If you get a long screwdriver, you may be able to reach the catch and release the bonnet

[lilpidge]

I'm in!! Thanks everyone for all your help. I won't explain how I got in - but it seems my youth was wasted being honest! I could have made a fortune!!! Now at least I can get the car out of the garage, the bonnet open, battery on charge, and replace the back-up battery whilst I'm at it!! Thanks again!

[Zoobeef]

We really need to find out if 1. the back up battery gets charged from the alternator when running. If not need to make it so. 2. if it does get a charge then a relay to discconect it from the rest of the car apart from the locks for when the engines not running

[lilpidge]

Yep - I'll do that as part of this job - I'll let you know... I saw that pjohn151 has kindly posted a wiring diagram, so I'll check that out and see if it's doing what it says on the tin! I've pushed the car as far out of the garage as I can (which is enough!), and the main battery is showing 1.75V! I'm no genius, but I reckon that's not enough to start a 2.0l Turbo engine!!!

[lilpidge]

Backup battery sitting at about 7V, then when I press the magic button and put the battery under load, it drops to about 3.5V. Learning lots of lessons today!!!! So, solar powered trickle-charger mounted outside the garage, or just leave the engine bay open when I leave the car unused for a while???

[starlight]

We really need to find out if
1. the back up battery gets charged from the alternator when running. If not need to make it so.
2. if it does get a charge then a relay to discconect it from the rest of the car apart from the locks for when the engines not running

As I recall, it is disconnected from the main battery with ignition off - even though though the wiring diagram said permanent connection.
The newest original batteries will be about 7 years old so not much hope of them holding out this long.

[2.2_na]

Ah - the joys of the NA....no central locking!

[starlight]

Ah - the joys of the NA....no central locking!

Well there has to be one!

[Macanear]

I'm in!!

Thanks everyone for all your help.

I won't explain how I got in - but it seems my youth was wasted being honest! I could have made a fortune!!!

Now at least I can get the car out of the garage, the bonnet open, battery on charge, and replace the back-up battery whilst I'm at it!!

Thanks again!

[Macanear]

Lilpidge, I have the same problem with flat battery on na model which has central locking added as aftermarket.Cannot open doors or gain bonnet access. Can you pm me with the solution that worked for you Many thanks Macanear

[Macanear]

If any other member can assist with flat battery and locked doors I would appreciate it Thanks Macanear

[spuk87]

Lilpidge,
I have the same problem with flat battery on na model which has central locking added as aftermarket.Cannot open doors or gain bonnet access. Can you pm me with the solution that worked for you
Many thanks
Macanear

Try PMing him as well, if he isn't subscribed to this thread he will probably not see your post

[slindborg]

3 post wonder asking how to get into a locked VX......... Hmm,