2002 Focus 3 DR Hatchback - keys locked inside

connundrum

Thanks to Storm Frank, the boot lid slammed shut as I stood back to admire my shopping bag arranging abilities... keys inside.

Called Liberty Insurance, they sent out Car Tow. They (2 separate units) tried opening internal door handle, unlocking internal lock, unlocking boot via internal button. No joy.

As we've windscreen cover, my immediate thought would be to get our windscreen replaced - job done. Any other ideas/thoughts?

JohnBoy26

connundrum wrote: »

Thanks to Storm Frank, the boot lid slammed shut as I stood back to admire my shopping bag arranging abilities... keys inside.

Called Liberty Insurance, they sent out Car Tow. They (2 separate units) tried opening internal door handle, unlocking internal lock, unlocking boot via internal button. No joy.

As we've windscreen cover, my immediate thought would be to get our windscreen replaced - job done. Any other ideas/thoughts?

I think the ignition needs to be on for the boot button to work, that's if the button still works, many don't at this stage. Can you not get a key cut at your local ford dealer?

Atlantic Dawn

Normally all glass is covered under windscreen cover. Your windscreen will be 2nd most expensive window to replace after the rear. Cheapest to replace will be the rear passenger windows as there's no electric or manual windows involved.

darragh o meara

A job for a lad handy with a clothes hanger, happened me a few years ago and it was a right pain but eventually got there with a hanger..

Don't bother trying to break the windscreen to get in, they're a lot tougher than you might think and will be a nightmare to get through as they're laminated, if one has to be broken (as a last resort ), try a driver or passenger window.

connundrum

Cheers to all this far.

My logic re windscreen was to call out windscreen company and get them to break it & replace it - surely they get paid either way, the cost is covered by my policy and I get my keys back?

In fairness to the 2 lads from Car Tow - they were at the car for 2 hours last night with a yoke much more pliable and stronger than a coat hanger with no result.

As for the key, I'm really hesitant to get a key done by dealer (3-5 day wait) or by locksmith - bad experience previously trying to get Merc key cut.

Tefral

connundrum wrote: »

Cheers to all this far.

My logic re windscreen was to call out windscreen company and get them to break it & replace it - surely they get paid either way, the cost is covered by my policy and I get my keys back?

In fairness to the 2 lads from Car Tow - they were at the car for 2 hours last night with a yoke much more pliable and stronger than a coat hanger with no result.

As for the key, I'm really hesitant to get a key done by dealer (3-5 day wait) or by locksmith - bad experience previously trying to get Merc key cut.

A lot of locksmiths can make a key based in chassis number but it won't have the immobiliser chip in. Sufficient to open the door but not enough to start the car. Infinitely cheaper!

If your going to smash a window, make sure it's not a bonded one.

Tigger

Agree about the bonded window
If I had to break one I'd ring a breakers and find out which of the moving Windows they had before breaking one
It's a half an hour to change a moving window (one that goes up and down) totally different to change the bonded ones

connundrum

Miracle of miracles.

Car Tow called about an hour ago to say that they kept at it all morning and eventually got it open.

They towed it to my door 10 minutes ago and popped the keys in the letter box.

/Phew

colm_mcm

With the wonderful aid of hindsight, it mightn't be any harm getting another key cut and leave it at home, Even if it's not coded it'd get you back in in future

Noccy_Mondy

Disaster averted so! Just on the smashing of the windscreen job, if it was a heated one, and you smashed it, an insurance company may want to only replace it with a normal non heated one (as they are significantly cheaper). Especially seeing as it's an older car. I've heard of this happening before.

kala85

What's the difference on the bonded window

Noccy_Mondy

kala85 wrote:

What's the difference on the bonded window

Price difference? I'm not sure but there's a hundred or two in it anyway.

Physical difference - there's little heating elements going through the heated window which clear any condensation quickly.