Dead battery
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Murfreesboro, TN
Dead battery
I had my battery go dead yesterday on my 2013 base. Luckily I had the hood open to access the battery. I tried the key to open the back hatch but it wouldn’t turn. Key fit fine. Unfortunately I have only one fob so no other key to try. What’s the best way to get a second fob and how do I get the manual key cut to open the hatch? Thanks for any help.
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 91
Likes: 43
From: PNW
I bought an extra FOB from Ebay, came with a blank key and had it copied from my original, of course my key worked. Its probably not the key, did you try WD40 in the key slot. It probably hasnt been in years.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 4,243
Likes: 1,133
From: North Myrtle Beach SC
A good thing for all new corvette owners is to make sure that they have two working, programmed fobs that both have working keys in them.
then make sure the key will open the back hatch. Then make sure you know where the door release is in the back. Then make sure you know where the door release is inside the car. Way too many posts about people having problems without checking this stuff before hand.
then make sure the key will open the back hatch. Then make sure you know where the door release is in the back. Then make sure you know where the door release is inside the car. Way too many posts about people having problems without checking this stuff before hand.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 53,803
Likes: 5,632
From: Plantation Florida USAF(Retired) 1966-1990
U.S. Air Force
St. Jude Donor '05 thru '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I bought my extra FOB from Amazon, cause for some reason it doesn't work, easy to get refund.
I programed it on the first try, easy!
I programed it on the first try, easy!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 771
Likes: 399
2022 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
My key would not turn the lock also.... I had two things on my list to take care of that NEEDED that lock to work.
1st is of course getting into the car if the battery is dead and
2nd is programming my new fob ( I also only had one )
1st problem was resolved by removing the outer drivers tail light (1 trq screw), drilling a hole and running a wire to the emergency door release in the hatch area. I then mounted a hide a key on the frame with the socket and extension needed to remove the trq screw.
access problem solved
2nd problem is when you program a new fob, you have to use the trunck key ( turn it four or five times ) to get into program mode for the new fob. I removed the rear hatch liner and exposed the lock mechanism.... I then reached in and pulled the latch (4 -5 times) that is attached to the tumbler and the car went into program mode.
Do a search on these and you will see pics and other useful info.
1st is of course getting into the car if the battery is dead and
2nd is programming my new fob ( I also only had one )
1st problem was resolved by removing the outer drivers tail light (1 trq screw), drilling a hole and running a wire to the emergency door release in the hatch area. I then mounted a hide a key on the frame with the socket and extension needed to remove the trq screw.
access problem solved
2nd problem is when you program a new fob, you have to use the trunck key ( turn it four or five times ) to get into program mode for the new fob. I removed the rear hatch liner and exposed the lock mechanism.... I then reached in and pulled the latch (4 -5 times) that is attached to the tumbler and the car went into program mode.
Do a search on these and you will see pics and other useful info.
Last edited by blownbayou; Aug 2, 2021 at 10:04 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 11,123
Likes: 673
From: SE Pennsylvania
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
Oldtimer
One of the first things I did last October when I bought my 07 base was to put in a new battery in each fob. Don't want to wind up with a lost FOB and no substitute, their pretty cheap and necessary with these electric hungry cars !
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Murfreesboro, TN
The story gets worse. New battery installed and everything works. Take title to the local Chevy dealer to get another fob and a key cut per the key code. They look up my VIN in the GM database and it’s not there. It was there a one point but not now. It is a clean title, not rebuilt. I little agitated right now.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski