HELP. URGENT. Locked out of car with a flat battery - Benzworld.org - Mercedes-Benz Discussion Forum

SeanyT · 12-09-2012, 10:54 PM

Guys,
I arrived back in Berlin last night after a weekend home in the UK.
There has been an awful lot of snow and daytime temperatures of -8 degrees.
As I walked to my car in the airport car park, pressed the keyfob remote ... nothing!!
The battery in the fob is good as it I only changed it a few months ago and the led is bright, I'm guessing the cold has zapped the car's battery.
So, I take out the skeleton key and try it in the door and boot (trunk) and it just won’t turn, I don't think the locks are frozen but I can't be 100% sure, it was late at night and I just wanted to get back in the warm.
So my question, if the key won't work, how can I get into the boot (trunk) to get to the battery to either jump start or replace it??
Thanks in advance,
Sean.

E55-SAMMY · 12-10-2012, 04:40 PM

Hi yes the cold weather wont help the battery. when was it last replaced ?

It could also be your EIS (Electronic Ignition Switch) as when they start to go bad they also don’t like the cold weather.

But first place to start is the battery of course. let me know how you get on

Check Codes · 12-10-2012, 04:49 PM

Your first step is to get past the frozen locks and get the door open.

Then pop the hood and you can attach a jumper source to the studs under the hood (the positive one is found under a little cap with a red + sign on it). Once you have power to the studs you can then use the unlock button on the remote (the alarm may start going off when you connect the leads) and then pop the trunk. If you're going to jump it, I'd do it from the battery, but be sure to keep the key in your pocket until the jumper is attached, then insert the key and try to start it.

Good luck.

SeanyT · 12-10-2012, 11:47 PM

Thanks for the replies.
I went back to the parkplatz yesterday afternoon and couldn't even get into the car.
I tried the key in the door lock and boot (trunk) lock and after an initial bit of resistance the key just rotates 360 degrees without unlocking either the door or boot.
I am wondering if it is the correct key or if the mechanism has frozen.
I have a spare key in the UK that I will collect this weekend and give that a try.
I cannot understand why car manufacturers don't have an external battery hook up, even if its just for unlocking. It’s the first thing I will be fitting when I eventually get into it.
Please keep the ideas coming, I don't want to have to revert to breaking a window, not that I think that is an option as they are double glazed.
Cheers,
Sean.

eric242340 · 12-11-2012, 03:01 AM

Have the car rear end up and towed to a workshop, they can lift the car lower the under panels and connect a jump wire to the back of the alternator.

SeanyT · 12-11-2012, 05:34 AM

Does anyone know if I can use a Slim Jim (lockout tool) on the CL?
Understandably I appreciate that you won't want to post details of such a process online but if it's possible could you PM me with details?
Cheers,
Sean.

calgary · 12-11-2012, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eric242340

Have the car rear end up and towed to a workshop, they can lift the car lower the under panels and connect a jump wire to the back of the alternator.

Agreed, that's exactly what I had to do - no other way to get into the trunk if the trunk key does not work. This key is another "so so" affair. You almost have to have a pair of plyers to turn that key and push it in at the same time...

SeanyT · 12-13-2012, 02:02 AM

If I remove the rear number plate can I then remove the panel behind it from the outside?
I know it's a bit of a long shot but that may give me access to the locking mechanism ..

eric242340 · 12-13-2012, 03:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeanyT

If I remove the rear number plate can I then remove the panel behind it from the outside?
I know it's a bit of a long shot but that may give me access to the locking mechanism ..

No, that plate is bolted from the inside;

SeanyT · 12-13-2012, 07:38 AM

Thank you eric242340 .... maybe I could cut a hole in that panel to access the lock mech then replace the panel once I'm up and running? ...
My trouble is, the car is at an airport carpark and not easy to get to, we've had lots of snow and I'm not a member of a recovery service here in Germany.
I don't mind cutting a hole if that will give me access to the lock ...