Locked out of car

[jamesson]

Hello all,

Not sure if this is the best place for this question, but here goes.

I have a 2004 Audi A3 (8P) with a flat battery. The car is locked and will not unlock with the fob. The metal blade of the key will not open the driver's door as the lock is a bit dodgy leaving me with no way of getting in to the car to open to bonnet to put a booster pack on so I can start the car.

I hope that makes sense so far!

What would be the best way to get in? I thought about the coat hanger through the top of the door frame to pull the internal door handle but it doesn't look very easy. There's a strong seal round the top of the door and ideally I wouldn't want to damage the top of the door.

Are there any DIY solutions anyone can recommend or is my best bet to call out a locksmith?

Thank you all in advance for any suggestions. Much appreciated.

[Super Sonic]

This may be a stupid question but does the passenger door have a keyhole?
Or the tailgate?

[Huzzah]

This ^^^^^^^

Alternatively jack the car up, remove the undertray and find somewhere to apply power, cable from battery to starter perhaps.

[jamesson]

No keyhole in the passenger door or the tailgate and the battery is in the boot!

[finlo]

You could supply power via the starter motor terminals if accessible.

[Mammasaid]

With some VAG cars, the passenger door lock is there, but hidden behind a cover at the rear part of the door handle.

If you look from below, you'll see a slot for putting a screwdriver in to lever the cover off.

[the-norseman]

Yep the lock on passenger door is likely covered. A common mod was to also cover the drivers door lock by buying a LHD cap.

[Caddyshack]

If you have to break a window then do the windscreen as you then get the benefit of a new windscreen and that might have just broken on the road…..

[Wacky Racer]

Caddyshack said:

If you have to break a window then do the windscreen as you then get the benefit of a new windscreen and that might have just broken on the road…..

Have you every tried getting in a car through a broken windscreen?

[RGG]

My 2007 A6 had a key operated lock hidden under the boot handle - if I remember correctly.

Get down on your hands and knees and see if yours has one.

[RGG]

That's for a 99 A3 - your 2004 could well have one as well

[jamesson]

Thank you all for the suggestions so far. Unfortunately there is no secondary key hole under the passenger door handle and the boot is just a micro switch.

Looks like I’ll have to go the undertray off route and see if I can reach the starter motor.

Very grateful for everyone’s time and advice.

[DaveF-SkinnysAutos]

Its not going to help you get in tonight, but one of these airbag wedges in the top corner of the door usually gives enough room to get the coat hanger in and try to open the internal handle.

Good luck.

https://www.screwfix.com/p/winbag-inflatable-air-w...

[GreenV8S]

Any car locksmith and most recovery / assistance drivers would have the door open in a couple of minutes.

[Derry Rhumba]

Several videos on YouTube..... but wont let me post as a new poster.

Search "use masking tape to open car window".

Some people use much more tape than others, more horizontal strips to reinforce the vertical "pulerl"

If you have the suction cups that you lift glass with, they work as well, attach at widest point of window.

Or a couple of plungers. Windows pull down easier than you think.

Hope that helps.

[GreenV8S]

Derry Rhumba said:

Windows pull down easier than you think.

Nonsense.

[Ryyy]

This may sound daft bit I'd keep trying the key in the lock. That age of vag is quite known for the dodgy locks.

[OldGermanHeaps]

Jump leads on the starter or alternator terminals. Or backfeed the towbar wiring if fitted.

[fourstardan]

Thought about getting a lock picker in? Maybe they can sort the stuff they do then you replace the 20 year old lock thats knackered

[A500leroy]

Rac will get you in.