How to unlock a dead car with a driver door that can’t open from the outside?
Posted by FrequentCamel@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 37 comments
So I have a 2008 Honda cr-v that I haven’t turned on since I had surgery 3 weeks ago. It is now dead. Only my drivers side door has a manual key hole, which will only unlock the driver door…. The door that I can’t open because the actuators slipped after installing new ones and I haven’t gotten around to fixing it. Is there any way to get into my car or open the hood without pulling the internal release? There’s no key spot on the trunk either.
SuitableGain4565@reddit
Jump the battery via the starter
Occamsrazor2323@reddit
How do you get to the hood release?
SuitableGain4565@reddit
You don't. You jack up the car and go from underneath. I don't know the position of your starter, but on most cars they are underneath
Occamsrazor2323@reddit
Thanks -- I could see myself in OP's situation and wouldn't have had a clue.
Orcapa@reddit
That's a good idea. I was wondering if it would be possible to supply electricity through a trailer connector, but all of that goes through switches.
RobertISaar@reddit
Should go through switches. If someone took a shortcut or two here, it may be a viable option.
optigrabz@reddit
I did so using a 6volt lantern battery attached with alligator clips to my license plate light in my 2004 Volvo wagon.
leftfootshorter@reddit
That's some MacGyver level wizardry right there. Please tell me you used a papaer clip.
HeavyDutyForks@reddit
Slim Jim or a metal coat hanger will make short work of it
fuckadickbag@reddit
This. You can usually pull top of doorframe out enough, or pry it out with a variety of flat tools (screwdriver, pry bar), to slip a straightened-out metal clothes hanger in there to pull/press on an unlock button inside. Might have to shape the end of the clothes hanger to something that will push/pull unlock button for your specific car.
Fluffy_Chance7164@reddit
Have you tried turning the key twice in the door to see if it unlocks all the doors? Might be worth a try since that trick worked on most cars in the 2000s that required a key to open the door. First turn unlocked the driver's door, and the second turn unlocked all doors.
FrequentCamel@reddit (OP)
Tried that. I thought it used to, but it definitely doesn’t now
Longjumping-Log1591@reddit
Rear hatch has a keyhole
dangerclosecustoms@reddit
Check your insurance they might offer lockout service. I called for my car to get unlocked several times I kept locking my keys in it.
ToddtheRugerKid@reddit
Fuck man. Your choices are break a window, buy a kit and try to get ibto it yourself, or call a locksmith.
Familymanjoe@reddit
Just use the key in the driver door. The actuator has nothing to do with unlocking the door using the key.
FrequentCamel@reddit (OP)
I tried. Idk what is disconnected then because it will unlock but the outside handle doesn’t work. I’ve been lazy for the past 9 months and haven’t fixed it. I’ve just been leaving the window cracked enough so I could stick my hand in to open it from the inside or I go through the passenger side
durango_unchained@reddit
Amazon lockout kit or a locksmith/AAA
break a window
FrequentCamel@reddit (OP)
Breaking a window has crossed my mind. I think it’s time to call AAA
Special-Original-215@reddit
You have AAA and this wasn't the first thing you would do?
FrequentCamel@reddit (OP)
Honestly forgot I had it until someone commented. I only have the roadside assistance with them since it was like $30 for the year but I haven’t had to use it
AussieDran@reddit
Mate had his van automatically lock with his keys, phone and wallet on the passenger seat. Turns out his Transit would only stay unlocked if the driver door opened, not any other. Worked out it was cheaper to smash a window than pay someone to break into it for him, but it was a Saturday night.
Orcapa@reddit
One thing I've learned, driving older cars, is that AAA is worth the money.
upsidedown-funnel@reddit
Look up some YouTube videos for breaking into a crv.
Golden-trichomes@reddit
I bet $100 I could open that car with some cardboard a screw driver and a something long enough to tech the lock / door handle lol
series-hybrid@reddit
Research which window is the cheapest and easiest to replace. That's the worst-case scenario. It might be the windsheild.
TheDude-Esquire@reddit
Windshield is the hardest to break.
durango_unchained@reddit
I'm sure the former options will be the best/quickest/cheapest/easiest. broken glass isn't fun to clean up and unless there's a dog or baby in the car, there's not enough rush to break the window and deal with replacement and cleanup
UsefulCollection5038@reddit
AAA has saved us so much time just for lockouts. They get an airbag into the door enough and inflate it and crack open the door and use a stick to manipulate the lock. Just as quick as a mobile locksmith, but certainly a lot cheaper.
superdak05@reddit
You can actually suction cup a toilet plunger to the window and push it down. Just be careful though.
greenbaron76@reddit
I can break into most cars with a wooden door wedge and a coat hanger
One-Bodybuilder309@reddit
AAA, or most tow companies. They can get in, and a jumpstart at the same time. Faster and cheaper than a locksmith or a broken window.
Orcapa@reddit
Are you sure there's nowhere you can use a key for the trunk? Maybe a hidden key slot up by the license plate lights?
clintj1975@reddit
Looks like the only manual release is on the inside behind a panel.
LimeDry7124@reddit
Look for slot on the door handle that you can slip a small screwdriver and detach. You might find a manual keyhole behind it.
Double_Pay_6645@reddit
Wedge and coat hanger. Go for the door handle not the lock.
conservitiveliberal@reddit
With some duct tape you can typically pull a window down