Dead, help!

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Dec 28, 2010 | 10:22 PM

FedorC3

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Dead, help!

This has happened once before. I couldn't get the doors open after a very cold night. Said forget it, and took my other car. After i came back from work they opened fine.

So today i come back from work and needed to get something out of the vet('80). Once again cant open the doors! I try an hour lated a finally get the one open, but i notice the interior light is not on

. So pretty much its dead. Oh yeah its been raining HARD the whole day and she lives outside. Why?

Dec 28, 2010 | 10:50 PM

markids77

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From: Savannah GA

Sounds like your battery has gone to heaven. I have to ask though... do you have a key for the car which has an oval shaped head, instead of the rectangle shape for the ignition key? That oval key works the manual door lock located below your door handles... needs no electricity at all.

Dec 28, 2010 | 11:17 PM

FedorC3

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Quote:

Originally Posted by markids77

Thats all i use. I don't have a key less opener. I think the power issue has to do with the weather (rain). Why would the doors be hard to open? Are power locks controlled by the battery?

Dec 29, 2010 | 07:58 AM

markids77

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From: Savannah GA

Yes, power locks need 12 volts from the battery. I don't know if using the key to unlock your doors activates the power lock poppers or not... can anyone else who's watching this thread say for sure? If yes, you have an electrical issue in that circuit which needs diagnostics. If no then I have no idea why getting wet affects your door mechanisms.

Dec 29, 2010 | 03:03 PM

Easy Mike

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From: Southbound

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Put a light coat of dielectric grease on your door main weatherstrips. That way, they won't freeze to the car when the weather gets cold.

Dec 29, 2010 | 03:37 PM

CA-Legal-Vette

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From: Scottsdale Arizona

Quote:

Originally Posted by markids77

No. The key mechanically unlocks the door. You should be able to unlock it with the battery disconnected.

The linkage for the power locks is pretty extensive and there is a pivot mechanism in the bottom, rear of the door. It wouldn't take much for this to get rusty and stiff. You'll have to remover the door panel to get at it but it'll make everything work more smoothly if you clean and lube that part.

The locking latch mechanism is the next most likely culprit but that's a bit of an ordeal.

Dec 29, 2010 | 07:23 PM

FedorC3

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I think you're right. The parts are getting rusty.

I did figure out what killed the battery! I lock the door with the power switch, and lately it's been getting stuck in the down position. The night before I just left it down thinking it will pop back. So I think the switch drained the battery.

Dec 30, 2010 | 02:51 PM

FedorC3

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I tried to jump it today and all i heard was clicking sounds! The headlights wont go up, and all gauges jump around when i have the key turned. The RPM gauge turned all the way to the right and now is stuck there. Please help. I have no idea whats going on.