Locked out! :(

[StuartieG]

1999 Puma 1.7 - the (3 button, radio) beeper battery has been struggling a bit at times lately but stopped responding completely this morning (I know, should've replaced it earlier!). I have two other regular keys cut and coded for the car, but unfortunately all the locks are completely seized up with rust (been like that since I bought car ) - spent a few days (on off for about a month!) earlier in the year trying to clear them with WD40 and cotton buds etc but no joy.

The passenger electric window is partially stuck (see my other thread from earlier in the year), I may be able to force it down manually and then gain access to the car... but as far as I understand the alarm would be triggered either when I tried to unlock the car using the handles from inside, or by putting the key in the ignition and trying to start it? Or will it just be as simple as starting the engine with the key, unlocking the doors with the handles, and recoding the beeper after fitting a new battery? I wasn't going to start messing around and possibly set the alarm off at 5am this morning, don't think the neighbours would've been too pleased!

Any ideas, or am I best leaving this to an auto locksmith??

 

[martinthrapston]

you should be able to put a new battery in with out having to recode it again

 

[StuartieG]

Hi, tried changing the battery but can't get the remote to work still. Everything seems ok inside the remote as far as I can tell. Reading the forums here this morning I'd read this might happen.

I'm going to give a shot of getting the window down and using the key to start the ignition - however I'm concerned the alarm will go off and the car won't start at all, never mind allow me to recode the beeper key.

Can anyone tell me if I can start the engine with the alarm set or not?? Will the alarm go off when I try and get into the car anyway?

Appreciate any help!
Thanks,
Stuart

 

[Patch]

If the car is locked and alarm set and you start the engine yes the alarm will go off

 

[StuartieG]

Thanks. Any idea if I can reprogramme the remote when the alarm's still set, as the instructions seem to say that I just need to flick between position 1 and position 2?

Think it's looking more and more like a Ford dealer or auto electrician.

 

[Anonymous]

I can't comment for any other year of car, but on my 1998, opening the door (say from inside) while the alarm is set, will set the alarm/horn off.

I also found that, while alarm is activated, the engine will start normally and it was possible to drive the car. Althoug,h I did get a few strange looks while driving around the estate with the alarm and indicators going off!!

 

[StuartieG]

Thanks. I think I could force my passenger window down (motor etc is broken and slides easily!) and climb inside through the window. My plan of attack would be (without unlocking the car from inside) to re-code the key in the barrel, then use that key to unlock the car, and voilla, problem solved!

I'm just not sure that having the key at position 1 or 2 as required for recoding will set the alarm off or not. Anyone care to check for me lol?

Have spoken to an auto locksmith I've used previously, he's going to phone me tomorrow and come and fix it in the afternoon (unless I'm able to sort it first obviously!)

By the way topmansparkie, I tried your fix for the electric window from a few months back, was going great but the cable wasn't lining up or moving properly. Thanks for the guide though!

Stuart

 

[StuartieG]

Ok, I'm going to attempt to get into the car through the dodgy window, disable the alarm in case something goes wrong, and recode the remote key and then reinstate the alarm.

Reading online there is a fusebox at the steering column, says alarm is fuse 15a in slot f8 (bottom, fourth from right)
Also read there is a module to the right under the carpet, if I pull out the top plug there it will disable it. Which is right, both?? Any advice gladly taken! I'm a bit worried I'll get stuck with the alarm going off! :roll: