locked Freelander with flat battery.

[dickymint]

My mate can't get into his Freelander as the battery is flat. Could I shove 12volts through the tow bar wiring socket then use the key/fob to open it? Or is there another method? Thanks in advance as i would love to get it off my flipping drive!!

[sunbeam_alpine]

Can't you open the driver's door manually with the key?

[vincenz]

if its an FLII you need to remove the cover by the door handle (procedure is in the manual)

It just pops off

[dickymint]

sunbeam_alpine said:

Can't you open the driver's door manually with the key?

Not according to my mate - he says it still needs power to open with the key!

[peterperkins]

12v through tow bar wiring is quite a good idea but use something to limit the current or set battery charger to 12v low output. You may blow the onboard vehicle fuse otherwise, especially if you just connect a battery to it. I would say allow max 5-10 amps.

Due to the low state of charge of the onboard battery it will/may try to draw lots of current from anything you attach to it.

[kVA]

dickymint said:

sunbeam_alpine said:

Can't you open the driver's door manually with the key?

Not according to my mate - he says it still needs power to open with the key!

No it doesn't... Extract the metal blade from the key fob and use it to pop the cover off the front passenger door handle trim. You will then find a key-hole to unlock the passenger door mechanically. Then you're in!

Get jump leads and Bob's your Uncle...

[dickymint]

kVA said:

dickymint said:

sunbeam_alpine said:

Can't you open the driver's door manually with the key?

Not according to my mate - he says it still needs power to open with the key!

No it doesn't... Extract the metal blade from the key fob and use it to pop the cover off the front passenger door handle trim. You will then find a key-hole to unlock the passenger door mechanically. Then you're in!

Get jump leads and Bob's your Uncle...

Is this so? if so excellent - it's an 03 Freelander.

[120a]

if its 03 then just unlock it with the key on the drivers door, pop the bonnet and jump start it. you dont need anything other than the key to get into an 03my freelander

Edited by 120a on Tuesday 28th April 10:23

[dickymint]

dickymint said:

kVA said:

dickymint said:

sunbeam_alpine said:

Can't you open the driver's door manually with the key?

Not according to my mate - he says it still needs power to open with the key!

No it doesn't... Extract the metal blade from the key fob and use it to pop the cover off the front passenger door handle trim. You will then find a key-hole to unlock the passenger door mechanically. Then you're in!

Get jump leads and Bob's your Uncle...

Is this so? if so excellent - it's an 03 Freelander.

Had a look at a newer Freelander earlier - I see what you mean, there's a "lock symbol" on the handle that i assume is where the hidden lock is. Therefore my mates is an earlier model

[dickymint]

120a said:

if its 03 then just unlock it with the key on the drivers door, pop the bonnet and jump start it. you dont need anything other than the key to get into an 03my freelander

Edited by 120a on Tuesday 28th April 10:23

Key does not work in either the rear door or drivers door. Seems I either zap 12 volts up the tow hitch socket or smash a window - Happy days

[kVA]

dickymint said:

120a said:

if its 03 then just unlock it with the key on the drivers door, pop the bonnet and jump start it. you dont need anything other than the key to get into an 03my freelander

Edited by 120a on Tuesday 28th April 10:23

Key does not work in either the rear door or drivers door. Seems I either zap 12 volts up the tow hitch socket or smash a window - Happy days

Is it stolen then?

[A.J.M]

dickymint said:

120a said:

if its 03 then just unlock it with the key on the drivers door, pop the bonnet and jump start it. you dont need anything other than the key to get into an 03my freelander

Edited by 120a on Tuesday 28th April 10:23

Key does not work in either the rear door or drivers door. Seems I either zap 12 volts up the tow hitch socket or smash a window - Happy days

Thats strange!
Mine works fine but then mine does'nt have a flat battery. You tried both keys?

I was going to take to tow hitch socket off my 04 but think i'll leave it on now

How long has it been left standing for?

[120a]

there is something majorly wrong if the key doesnt open the lock. you will not need power to open the drivers door with the key, it makes no difference weather the battery is flat or not it will still open if you have the right key

[Skyeman]

Hi there, I currently have the same problem as the OP. Just wondered if charging through the towbar worked?

[Trevor450]

Unless you have caravan electrics (white socket) using the tow bar connection will not supply power to the vehicle as there is no permanent 12v on a standard tow bar socket.

[LSE4.2]

Why not connect your charger to the fat one on the starter motor.

[Gafferjim]

LSE4.2 said:

Why not connect your charger to the fat one on the starter motor.

This is the best way of doing it, the thickish lead to the starter comes directly from the battery normally, and will take the current, whereas the wire via the tow socket may fry, but could also be through a relay if wired correctly and wouldn't work anyway.