Cannot get into my C8
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,964
Likes: 1,248
Cannot get into my C8
The battery died in my C8. I wanted to access the front trunk to get to the battery.
Pressing the button under the front facia does not work.
Inserting the key into the side intake does not work.
Pressing the fob unlock does not work.
I cannot access the car.
Any ideas?
Pressing the button under the front facia does not work.
Inserting the key into the side intake does not work.
Pressing the fob unlock does not work.
I cannot access the car.
Any ideas?
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 1,568
Likes: 1,026
From: 31 hours East of Peoria, AZ
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 1,568
Likes: 1,026
From: 31 hours East of Peoria, AZ
Try the key(s) for your trunk (the access hole is under the plate for a 20, 21 and I think the 22 (no access beneath the plate for a 23).
Last edited by JVi; Nov 6, 2022 at 07:35 PM.
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Advanced
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 53
Likes: 21
From: Pflugerville,Texas
When my 22 SR bricked on OTA download a month ago, I laid on my back and reach up into the driver door cylinder with manual key and small flashlight. Easier to see key hole. You have to twist clockwise pretty hard and use left arm/ hand to press exterior door button at same time. It was tricky but will open.took 2 attempts and the door opened. Positioning your body to get to the cable under the brake pedal was even harder. Used a soft mat for knees and worked my body between seat and brake area. Used a 3-4 inch long, 1/2 inch ratchet extension to put through loop in cable to help pull cable. I could not do it with my finger as the cable wants to tear into your finger. After getting frunk opened, jumped battery, took for 30 mile drive to charge up battery. After several days downloaded OTA a second time and it worked. No problems since.
Instructor
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 122
Likes: 64
From: W. PALM BEACH FL
Try key insert insert behind license plate
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,559
Likes: 4,501
From: North Dallas 40 TX
Have you tried to lubricate the side vent door lock? That is the one that baffles me. Makes me want to go out and try mine. 2020 with 20k miles, and I have never tried it. I have used my trunk mechanical lock, so I know it works.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,433
Likes: 873
From: Bay Area CA
I would continue to try getting in using key under driver's door air vent.
Is there a safe way to charge the battery from the rear hatch/engine compartment?
If so, as mentioned, remove rear license plate for key hole access. Unless you have a 2023, then you need a drill bit and you don't want to go thru that process. Thanks GM!
Is there a safe way to charge the battery from the rear hatch/engine compartment?
If so, as mentioned, remove rear license plate for key hole access. Unless you have a 2023, then you need a drill bit and you don't want to go thru that process. Thanks GM!
Last edited by Mike's LS3; Nov 9, 2022 at 05:40 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,433
Likes: 873
From: Bay Area CA
Many cars with trunk batteries (BMW) have provisions in the engine compartment to charge the battery. If the C8 has a safe procedure to charge the battery from the engine compartment that will solve the OP's problem of a dead battery.
Last edited by Mike's LS3; Nov 17, 2022 at 12:09 PM.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 564
Likes: 239
From: Greenville SC
Yeah same here, after reading this seems it would be good practice or have familiarization to these functions so just in case you ever find your self in the predicament with lose of power out somewhere you have the experience.