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[markomega25]

I never thought I would need to ask this question, having read similar tales of woe on here but!

Issue:-

Battery stone dead, doors deadlocked, key won't work even after serious twisting.

What I need to know:-

From underneath the bonnet lying on my back, where is the "Alternator positive feed wire" to the battery - so that I can get some charge back in the battery? And how best to attach a charger to this?

Can't look now as it's too dark.

Background:-

My sister moved my car last week, Tuesday. When I came to use it today at about 5pm went straight to the boot to put something in - noticed boot was unlocked - lifted boot but it slipped out my fingers and slammed shut. No problems thought I just unlock it!

Unfortunatley over the 4˝ days being open the battery has drained out completely. Not even a red light on the dash. Must have been the alarm being activated all the time and boot light possibly on too!

I have tried turning the key really hard (clockwise) but it won't budge the deadlock. First turn as normal no response as battery dead, turn another quarter and it clicks, the drivers side internal knob starts to lift but does not move up - turn even harder no movement in lock even tried a spanner on the key fob but it was twisting the key bad.

I think my next option is to put some charge in the battery (as suggested here somewhere on the forum - but can't find it).

How do I get a positive feed to the alternator wire from under the car? do I need to go in through a connector? Can I try finding the bonnet release cable from underneath and giving that a good yank, would that work?

Additional Problem:-

My spare battery, jump leads, torch, Heynes manual, VX manual are all in the car!!

I don't want to break a window unless I have to.

I will have a look tomorrow, but any help in finding where the Alternator + lead is beforehand would be of great help.

My sister has now been sent to coventry - and I've told her it's going to cost her lots!

[Darth Loo-knee]

You should be able to turn the key in the doorlock, although it is hard, almost so you think its gonna break. .
The alternator is on the drivers side bottom front of the engine.
Hope that helps

[markspark]

did you try to open the door as the button dont always lift when you unlock this way

[markspark]

also try the + feed to the starter

[Entwood]

I never thought I would need to ask this question, having read similar tales of woe on here but!

Issue:-

Battery stone dead, doors deadlocked, key won't work even after serious twisting.

What I need to know:-

From underneath the bonnet lying on my back, where is the "Alternator positive feed wire" to the battery - so that I can get some charge back in the battery? And how best to attach a charger to this?

Can't look now as it's too dark.

Background:-

My sister moved my car last week, Tuesday. When I came to use it today at about 5pm went straight to the boot to put something in - noticed boot was unlocked - lifted boot but it slipped out my fingers and slammed shut. No problems thought I just unlock it!

Unfortunatley over the 4˝ days being open the battery has drained out completely. Not even a red light on the dash. Must have been the alarm being activated all the time and boot light possibly on too!

I have tried turning the key really hard (clockwise) but it won't budge the deadlock. First turn as normal no response as battery dead, turn another quarter and it clicks, the drivers side internal knob starts to lift but does not move up - turn even harder no movement in lock even tried a spanner on the key fob but it was twisting the key bad.

I think my next option is to put some charge in the battery (as suggested here somewhere on the forum - but can't find it).

How do I get a positive feed to the alternator wire from under the car? do I need to go in through a connector? Can I try finding the bonnet release cable from underneath and giving that a good yank, would that work?

Additional Problem:-

My spare battery, jump leads, torch, Heynes manual, VX manual are all in the car!!

I don't want to break a window unless I have to.

I will have a look tomorrow, but any help in finding where the Alternator + lead is beforehand would be of great help.

My sister has now been sent to coventry - and I've told her it's going to cost her lots!

It won't .. but at that point try opening the door !!! The pin does NOT lift when unlocked this way .. but the door WILL open ..

[markomega25]

did you try to open the door as the button dont always lift when you unlock this way

Brilliant, just been out to try that, it worked - Bravo that man. Never thought to try undoing it without the knob up! 

Thanks. I have now undone the bonnet and pulled out my remote charging lead (which was tucked inside cause of the bad weather lately). So will put it on the optimate overnight.

Anyone know if it might have done some permament damage to the battery being totally flat for a few days?



Got bonnet open

[markspark]

Good to hear that it worked for you
just give it full charge slowly and see how it goes 

[markomega25]

Good to hear that it worked for you
just give it full charge slowly and see how it goes 

Car Battery was showing 2.8 volts. Had to run extension lead down to car along the lane to get charger connected. Instant ticking from under the bonnet as alarm tried to activate indicators. Connected up my spare bike battery by jump leads and voltage on car varied from 3 to 8 volts wildly at car battery (whilst bike battery still showing 12.5 volts!. Going to leave it on charge overnight and see what happens tomorrow. Could not pull up rear door locks to get to rear seat to pull boot release to see if spare car battery and tools still in boot. Gave up, locked up and left it to charge.

[Andy B]

Some of the 'smart' chargers don't like/are unable to charge a dead flat battery and you may have to get the voktage up a bit using a 'normal' charger for a few hours.  :-/