Locked Keys in Car
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 988
Likes: 7
From: Sarasota Fl
Locked Keys in Car
'91 L98 'vert. Someone (not me) locked the keys in my car and I don't have a spare nearby. The one time I locked them in the car, they used an inflatable 'air-wedge' at the window and went in through the old vertical portion of the convertible top weatherstripping. However, I now have all new weatherstripping and a new top.
What is the proper technique that the locksmith should use to unlock the car without damaging anything? I'm calling around now...
Thanks,
Jonathan
What is the proper technique that the locksmith should use to unlock the car without damaging anything? I'm calling around now...
Thanks,
Jonathan
Last edited by janarvae; Jan 15, 2009 at 09:19 AM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 988
Likes: 7
From: Sarasota Fl
How did that work out? I have some wire, I might try and push the automatic unlock and try that before the locksmith comes. They said they'll 'evaluate' the situation when they get here. To me that says, "I haven't worked on your car before." I'm going to try the wire and my mechanics pick-up tool first.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 696
Likes: 18
From: Jenkintown PA
'91 L98 'vert. Someone (not me) locked the keys in my car and I don't have a spare nearby. The one time I locked them in the car, they used an inflatable 'air-wedge' at the window and went in through the old vertical portion of the convertible top weatherstripping. However, I now have all new weatherstripping and a new top.
What is the proper technique that the locksmith should use to unlock the car without damaging anything? I'm calling around now...
Thanks,
Jonathan
What is the proper technique that the locksmith should use to unlock the car without damaging anything? I'm calling around now...
Thanks,
Jonathan
Good Luck!
SAVE THE WAVE
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 988
Likes: 7
From: Sarasota Fl
I have a spare, but it's an hour away. Guess I'll get another spare now that will be stored closer.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,043
Likes: 8
From: Tampa Florida
That only works for the 93 and up with the PKE. Locksmith used an air wedge on the passenger side window and a long, STIFF metal rod to manually unlock it. Same thing I was trying to do with a flimsy coat hanger. Bye, bye $75.
I have a spare, but it's an hour away. Guess I'll get another spare now that will be stored closer.
I have a spare, but it's an hour away. Guess I'll get another spare now that will be stored closer.
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Pro
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 696
Likes: 18
From: Jenkintown PA
That only works for the 93 and up with the PKE. Locksmith used an air wedge on the passenger side window and a long, STIFF metal rod to manually unlock it. Same thing I was trying to do with a flimsy coat hanger. Bye, bye $75.
I have a spare, but it's an hour away. Guess I'll get another spare now that will be stored closer.
I have a spare, but it's an hour away. Guess I'll get another spare now that will be stored closer.
Just a suggestion sort of like "Hide a key"...had a door key cut and carry it in my wallet....only used it once put well worth it!
SAVE THE WAVE
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 12,182
Likes: 1
From: Partying with the Cowboys cheerleaders in Mt. Olive, New Jersey
That only works for the 93 and up with the PKE. Locksmith used an air wedge on the passenger side window and a long, STIFF metal rod to manually unlock it. Same thing I was trying to do with a flimsy coat hanger. Bye, bye $75.
I have a spare, but it's an hour away. Guess I'll get another spare now that will be stored closer.
I have a spare, but it's an hour away. Guess I'll get another spare now that will be stored closer.
When I did that back many years ago, I pried open a crack between glass and weatherstrip, then used a fishing pole to stick in and poke the lock switch. Took a while, but worked. It's easier with someone's help, preferrably someone who's not laughing at you while holding the crack open. 
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 988
Likes: 7
From: Sarasota Fl
Not too bad, considering. Hope you've learned your lesson. When I did that back many years ago, I pried open a crack between glass and weatherstrip, then used a fishing pole to stick in and poke the lock switch. Took a while, but worked. It's easier with someone's help, preferrably someone who's not laughing at you while holding the crack open.
When I did that back many years ago, I pried open a crack between glass and weatherstrip, then used a fishing pole to stick in and poke the lock switch. Took a while, but worked. It's easier with someone's help, preferrably someone who's not laughing at you while holding the crack open. 
Yea, the one time I let a woman drive the car, she leaves the keys in the ignition.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 576
Likes: 0
I've had great luck poping into cars with a slim jim. My 90 Camaro was too easy. I got into a 2005 Caddy DTS (the dog stepped on the power door lock switch). I haven't tried the Vette, but it's a matter of time. The rule of the thumb is just that, keep a finger or thumb on the lock cylinder while you're working around. Also keep the door handle up. When your probing around, you'll feel the probing on the lock cylinder, that's when you know you're in the neighborhood. Don't do anything in a hurry and don't go jerking stuff around, 'cause that's how you break stuff.
