Thread Rating:
  • 0 Vote(s) - 0 Average
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5

Dead battery; doors are locked ...
#1

What to do now?



I had my 92 cab in the garage over the holidays and went to crank it up today only to find the battery dead. I mean so dead the door locks won't open when I turn the key. Guess where my manual and repair books are? In the car!!! (LOL, I have to laugh at myself!)



How do I get in this thing manually???



(Yes, I know that in the future I will have a battery tender on it ...)
Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.
Reply
#2

The door lock should still open when using your key. The only difference I recall when unlocking the door from outside w/ a dead battery is that the passenger side door didn't unlock and slightly more resistance because it's not power assisted.
Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.
Reply
#3

On my 92 coupe I can open the doors even if the battery is disconnected using the key. I think the key can be used to mechanically turn the lock. Maybe you should try the other door? I don't know if the battery is located under the hood on a cab, but on the coupe there is a wire with a loop behind the left (driver side) indicator light which allows you to open the hood from outside the car.



Jaap
Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.
Reply
#4

[quote name='jaap' post='65413' date='Jan 10 2009, 02:57 PM']On my 92 coupe I can open the doors even if the battery is disconnected using the key. I think the key can be used to mechanically turn the lock. Maybe you should try the other door? I don't know if the battery is located under the hood on a cab, but on the coupe there is a wire with a loop behind the left (driver side) indicator light which allows you to open the hood from outside the car.



Jaap[/quote]



Battery is under the hood. I'll check for the wire loop, which would solve the problem. I know it is bizarre that a full turn of the key does absolutely nothing. My battery must be 100% discharged. (Same with both doors) I've had a dead battery before, but not one so dead the door locks wouldn't open.



I guess it is going to turn that "I'll get a battery tender soon" into "I'm going to get that battery tender tomorrow!"
Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.
Reply
#5

Did you try the key in both doors? It will take some strength without the battery.
Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

Current:
2016 Cayman S
Former:
94 968 Cab 6 Spd. Black/Cashmere D1R SC
86.5 928 Garnet Red Metallic
Reply
#6

My car does not open the doors manually using the key either. It is as if there is no mechincal conection between the lock and the handle.



I had the same problem in that my battery went flat and could not open the doors. To fix it I connected a battery charger to the electrical connections on the starter motor. This get enough power into the circuit to open the doors.



Mark
Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.
Reply
#7

The primary operation of the key lock is electrical, but if you turn further (I think it's past 90 degrees) there is a mechnaical linkage as well.
Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

-John



'94 968 Iris Blue

'84 944 Gemini Grey (gone but not forgotten...)
Reply
#8

Try opening the hatch and crawl thru?
Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.
Reply
#9

Just put a 12 volt source to the cables at the starter. That the easiest way to connect an external battery to the car to jump it.

Maybe you have to lift the car a little to access the starter easier.
Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

Ritchie owner of a '92 Coupe Tiptronic with the following standardoptions: C00, 030, 139, 249, 258, 340, 383, 387, 403, 418, 454, 490, 494, 567, 573, 650, 690, 14951
Reply
#10

<!--quoteo(post=65661:date=Jan 15 2009, 12:11 PM:name=jpk)-->QUOTE (jpk @ Jan 15 2009, 12:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->The primary operation of the key lock is electrical, but if you turn further <b>(I think it's past 90 degrees)</b> there is a mechnaical linkage as well.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->


I tried - with NO succes - almost broke the key [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/mellow.gif[/img]


<i>... took the light out and pulled the wired ... </i>

Quicker than jakking up and finding the connections on the starter [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif[/img]


Very strange that this seems to be the only way to open the door(s) or hatch [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/blink.gif[/img]
Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.
Reply
#11

<!--quoteo(post=79890:date=Sep 11 2009, 09:46 AM:name=The_Oz)-->QUOTE (The_Oz @ Sep 11 2009, 09:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->I tried - with NO succes - almost broke the key [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/mellow.gif[/img]


<i>... took the light out and pulled the wired ... </i>

Quicker than jakking up and finding the connections on the starter [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif[/img]


Very strange that this seems to be the only way to open the door(s) or hatch [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/blink.gif[/img]<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->


I just called the locksmith and he opened it for $25. No amount of turning the key is going to open my 1992 if the battery is completely discharged. With my "skills" the locksmith was much cheaper than the damage I would have probably done using one of the other methods! [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif[/img]
Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.
Reply
#12

i swear i remember seeing it, but cannot now find it in the manual - odd - i'll keep looking
Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

94 Midnight Metallic Blue Cab Porsche 968 w/deviating cashmere/black interior and WAY too many mods to list - thanks to eric for creating www.968forums.com



"It isn't nearly as expensive to do it right as it is to do it wrong."
Reply
#13

After spending the past day or so fixing a hard to pull handle on a 944, I got a retty good understanding the how the work. There are two ways it locks and unlocks, one is with a microswitch on the backside of the lock that triggers the central lock, the other is thru a plastic rod on the backside of the lock to a metal arm on the lock assembly. If that arm has broken or popped off, then you would only have the power assist left.
Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

Current:
2016 Cayman S
Former:
94 968 Cab 6 Spd. Black/Cashmere D1R SC
86.5 928 Garnet Red Metallic
Reply
#14

<!--quoteo(post=79891:date=Sep 11 2009, 09:51 AM:name=LongTines)-->QUOTE (LongTines @ Sep 11 2009, 09:51 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->With my "skills" the locksmith was much cheaper than the damage I would have probably done using one of the other methods! [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif[/img]<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->


You mean you can't even unscrew to philips-head screw from the indicator and the light in the left side of the front-bumper [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/blink.gif[/img]

Anyway - I'm really curious if there's an easier solution ... <i>and then I'm not talking about throwing a brick through one of the side windows [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif[/img] </i>
Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.
Reply
#15

<!--quoteo(post=79903:date=Sep 11 2009, 02:29 PM:name=The_Oz)-->QUOTE (The_Oz @ Sep 11 2009, 02:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->You mean you can't even unscrew to philips-head screw from the indicator and the light in the left side of the front-bumper [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/blink.gif[/img]

Anyway - I'm really curious if there's an easier solution ... <i>and then I'm not talking about throwing a brick through one of the side windows [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif[/img] </i><!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->

What do you mean,OZ?
Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.
Reply
#16

<!--quoteo(post=79903:date=Sep 11 2009, 02:29 PM:name=The_Oz)-->QUOTE (The_Oz @ Sep 11 2009, 02:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->You mean you can't even unscrew to philips-head screw from the indicator and the light in the left side of the front-bumper [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/blink.gif[/img]

Anyway - I'm really curious if there's an easier solution ... <i>and then I'm not talking about throwing a brick through one of the side windows [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif[/img] </i><!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->


Actually, that was not an option presented before I need to get in the car. Trust me -- the way car was in there, the locksmith was the thing to do. Anything else I can help you with?
Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.
Reply
#17

My 94 will open if batt is dead. When I first got it the pass side would not open w/key. Took door panel off and found the clip disconnected. Now both doors open w/key.
Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.
Reply
#18

>After spending the past day or so fixing a hard to pull handle on a 944, I got a retty good understanding the how the work. There are two ways it locks and >unlocks, one is with a microswitch on the backside of the lock that triggers the central lock, the other is thru a plastic rod on the backside of the lock to a metal >arm on the lock assembly. If that arm has broken or popped off, then you would only have the power assist left.

One thing I'm finding a lot of lately is white lithium grease that, after 18 years (I have a 92 Cab) is turning into the consistency of dried chewing gum. First my trunk latch wouldn't close, then my right headlight wouldn't raise. More to that in my post in electrical gremlins, but the grease on the heim joints was almost solidified. I would advise anyone doing anything on their cars to clean and re-grease everything within arm's reach.

This thread is also a subtle remimder to stop procrastinating and install the tail for my Battery Tender to the outside of the car. During the course of fixing the two issues above I've drained my battery twice (Keep forgetting the courtesy lights with the hatches open. [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/mad.gif[/img] ) Luckily the car was in the garage, unlocked, both times. [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tongue.gif[/img]
Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.
Reply
#19

Take out the left indicator in the front bumper - and the fog-light too!
There you see a small wire which you can pull - it unlocks the hood [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/cool.gif[/img] ..

This is quicker than jacking up the car and much cheaper than a lock-smith or a new window [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif[/img]
Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.
Reply


Possibly Related Threads…
Thread / Author Replies Views Last Post
Last Post by timo944
07-05-2023, 01:55 PM
Last Post by Waylander
03-17-2023, 08:06 PM
Last Post by snova
01-20-2021, 03:43 AM
Last Post by tejon007
07-15-2017, 10:53 PM
Last Post by pbc1548
08-23-2014, 10:50 AM

Forum Jump:


Users browsing this thread: 1 Guest(s)