Car Battery Dead - Doors Won't Open: Solving and Preventing the Problem

Many of us have experienced the frustration of having a car battery die, only to find that the doors won't open either. This is because when the car battery is dead, the power locks no longer have any electricity to operate.

Dead car battery highlights

• Average lifespan:4 - 5 years
• Voltage range:less than 10 volts
• Symptoms:no crank, no lights
• Reasons:complete discharge, age, hard use
• Prevention:regular charging
• DIY fix:possible
• How much to fix?$0 - $250

How do power locks operate in a car?

Power locks in a car are operated by an electronic system that uses actuators to automatically lock and unlock the doors. The system is powered by either a 12-volt battery or an aftermarket power source. Depending on how the vehicle is equipped, there may be individual switches for each door or one centralized switch for all doors.

When the switch is activated, the actuators move a rod that either locks or unlocks the door. In some vehicles, the power lock system can be programmed to unlock all doors when the vehicle is shifted into Park or turned off. Power locks are generally used on newer model vehicles, although some older models may have them as well.

They are more convenient than manual locking and unlocking of the doors, as it can be done from inside the car or from outside with remote control. Power locks also provide additional security for vehicles by making it difficult for unauthorized persons to open the door.

Many new cars come equipped with advanced locking systems that feature an array of sensors and electronic components, such as central locking systems, remote keyless entry systems, and even fingerprint scanners. These advanced locks offer an added layer of security and convenience, allowing you to access your car without having to manually unlock the doors.

What to do when your car battery is dead, and the doors will not open

There are several solutions to this problem, depending on the type of car you have. Let's take a look at a few of the most common methods:

1) Replace the battery

This will usually involve purchasing a new battery, then opening the hood and disconnecting the old battery before connecting the new one. It can be tricky to do this without assistance if you are not familiar with car mechanics.

2) Try to recharge the battery or jump-start the car

If you have access to a battery charger, then you can try to recharge the dead battery. Connecting it to the charger may allow it to start up again. However, there is no guarantee that this will work, as each battery is different.

If you have another vehicle with a working battery and some jumper cables, you can use it to jump-start your car. This involves connecting the two cars together with the jumper cables and running for a few minutes in order to transfer power from one battery to the other.

3) Try unlocking manually

Sometimes, it may be possible to unlock the car manually without the use of a key. This will depend on your car model, but some models have a manual lock in the trunk, doors, or by the front seat that can be used to open the doors.

Also, you may find a metal key inside your key fob and also the key hole under some plastic covers on the door handle on the driver's side. You may use these to open the door and then deal with the battery.

4) Call a locksmith or call a tow truck

If none of these methods work, you may need to call a locksmith to open the doors. They will use specialized tools to open the car without damaging it.

You may need to call a tow truck in order to get your car back home. Make sure that you have all the details ready such as your address and phone number and the make and model of your car. This will help the tow truck driver to locate you quickly and get you back on the road as soon as possible.

Once you get the door open, it is important to find the cause of why your car battery died in the first place. This could be due to something as simple as leaving your headlights on overnight or due to a more severe issue, such as a faulty alternator that needs to be replaced. It's important to identify the cause so that you can take steps to prevent it from happening again in the future.

How to prevent this problem from occurring?

The best way to avoid and prevent this problem is to keep your car battery in good working order. The best way to prevent your car battery from dying is to make sure that you keep it adequately charged. This means regularly checking the charge level and topping up with distilled water if necessary.

You should also avoid leaving headlights, interior lights, or other electrical equipment on when not in use, as this can cause the battery to drain. It is important to check the battery terminals for corrosion and clean them regularly, as this can cause a poor electrical connection.

Lastly, making sure that the alternator is working correctly is essential to keeping your car battery charged. Regular servicing will help keep the alternator in good condition, ensuring it is able to supply adequate power to the battery.

It's also a good idea to keep an emergency car kit in your vehicle, including jumper cables and a flashlight, so that you will have the necessary tools if the need arises. Keep your emergency key with you at all times, and familiarize yourself with the manual lock of your car model in case you ever need to use it.

Lastly, always be prepared for any situation by keeping your contact information on hand or stored in your phone, so you can easily contact a locksmith or tow truck if required.

By following the steps above, you can solve the problem of having a car battery that is too dead to open your doors and, more importantly, prevent it from happening in the future. So don't let this frustrating problem stop you from enjoying your next road trip - get prepared and know.

What are other possible reasons for the car's power lock not working?

Other possible reasons for a car's power lock not working could include a faulty switch, a blown fuse, worn wiring or contacts within the door mechanism, or even an issue with the actuator. In some cases, dirt and debris that have built up over time can also cause problems with power locks. If there is corrosion or damage to the wiring leading to the power locks, this could also be a cause of the malfunction.

If none of these issues are present, it is possible that the power lock module itself may have gone bad and will need to be replaced. Additionally, if the vehicle has an alarm system installed, it may also need to be checked, as any issues with the alarm may be causing the power locks not to work properly. A professional technician should be consulted to diagnose and repair any power lock-related issues.

Bottom Line

Having a car with power locks that do not work can be very frustrating, as it prevents you from being able to get into or out of the vehicle. Thankfully, there are several potential solutions to this problem, ranging from jump-starting the battery or unlocking manually to calling a tow truck or locksmith.

If all else fails, it is likely that the power lock module itself has gone bad and needs to be replaced. Taking preventive steps such as regular battery maintenance and keeping an emergency car kit will help you avoid this problem in the future.