Jeepboy71UK

Really need some help on this one, my wife hasn't used her 2000 Grand Cherokee 4L (I-6)for a few weeks and i went to drive it today and the battery is completely flat. I can't unlock the doors at all as the battery is dead so have no access to the jeep at all, can't even pop the bonnet (Hood) to charge the battery. Any ideas?

Kazman

Well I am guessing that you cannot use the key to open the door as they are seized from lack of use?? If so, you will need to get some penetrating oil and spray the inside of the tumblers generously. Then let it soak for an 1/2 hour or so. Can you get the key into the lock cylinder at all? If you can get it in all the way, you will have to carefully work the key back and forth, reapply penetrating oil, and keep trying. Be VERY careful to no be to rough on the key or it may break.

Kazman

Also spray all the lock cylinder and try to do the others as well, once you have finally got them all working, be sure to use the actual look to unlock your jeep at least once a week to keep it from happening again.

Jeepboy71UK

There is only one lock on this model that you can put the key in and that is on the drivers door. I was under the impression that when you use the key it activates the central locking and unlocks the doors electrically. if this is not the case i will get out there with the WD40 and give it a go. Earlier i did try the key and it turned freely but the door did not unlock.

Kazman

Turns but does not unlock?? Hm I certainly hope the rod is not off inside the door otherwise your going to have to break into the Jeep, and will most likely need a tow truck company or slim jim kit to do so

Willys55

If you can't get the key to work, use a coat hanger and a small door stopper wedge, even a piece of wood that is shaped like a small slice of cheese. From the top of the door gentle pull it away and slide the wedge between the door and the top of the door jam. then straighten out the coat hanger and slide it down and manually pull the door handle. In is in and you can open the hood again

ol"blue

dar83

not going to help much with a dead battery, cool video though

ol"blue

You can push the lock lever manually also.

Rickgmi

Run jumper cables underside and hook up on starter and frame and your car has power and no chance of damage

Kazman

That is GOOD!! I have never ever thought of that!!! Great idea indeed!!!!

Jeepboy71UK

That is the most helpful suggestion so far, but doesn't the ignition switch interrupt the live feed to the starter, how would the +live feed get back to the battery if the ignition is off? Also can you be sure it won't fry anything. I am an electrician (electrical contractor) and if the cable from the starter back to the battery isn't continuous then how could this work? Or is there a permanent feed to the starter and turning the ignition just engages the solonoid?

ol"blue

Yes there's a hot going to the starter. The solenoid is activated with the ignition switch via the key.

Jeepboy71UK

Cheers for the reply, will try it tomorrow and let you know how i get on!
Never had this with my 1974 cj-5 or my tj wrangler come to think of it. I hate the way cars have gone with being so dependant on electronics. Give me a big engine with a nice fat carb sitting on top any day of the week.

Jeepboy71UK

Right, finally got into the jeep. Managed to free up the lock in the end and got in with the key. Charged the battery and reconnected it now i can't stop the alarm sounding, it sounds continuously as soon as the battery is connected and won't reset with the keyfob.
Is there some procedure i am missing for re-setting the alarm after the battery has been disconnected?