Looks like my boot release is frozen solid, and battery flat ::)
Does anyone know a point where I might be able to jump start the car other than the engine dept. or be able to get charge back into the battery?
You could jack her up and place a positive charger lead on the nut that connects the lead from the battery to the starter motor. Connect the negative lead to the chassis.
Small fan heater under the bumper should thaw the boot release.
Thanks for the ideas Carolyn, but neither solution possible just now, to far from house to get heater working and road very icy, busy to safely jack up and work under it (would need to remove nappy as well).
I think the best solution is to try and get some charge back into the battery somehow. The battery is at 10.3 Volts, just not enough power to crank over the engine but should not take much to get it fired up if done soon.
Well, you will need to run a mains power lead to the car in order to charge it. So if that can't be done, then I suggest you tow or push the car to a place where that can be done.
There is now where in the frunk that I can identify that would work as a charging point.
I'm fairly confident you can manipulate the black plastic mesh out of the bumper without destroying it which should give you access to the lock mechanism for your de icing method of choice?
Hoping I might have a solution ...
By connecting a Jump start battery pack to the OBII socket, I should be able to top up the car battery, and no I wont try to crank over the engine while it's connected :P
I am sure the OBII has a direct connection to the battery, so the car battery and the battery pack should even themselves out, and with luck, enough power to crank over the engine.
Heavy sleet just now, but forecast for heavy snow and ice over the next few days
Quote from: Call the midlife! on January 13, 2021, 15:36I'm fairly confident you can manipulate the black plastic mesh out of the bumper without destroying it which should give you access to the lock mechanism for your de icing method of choice?
I had a look at it, but could not work out how to get it off, and old plastic become very brittle, so little room for mistakes
Quote from: moredun on January 13, 2021, 15:37Hoping I might have a solution ...
By connecting a Jump start battery pack to the OBII socket, I should be able to top up the car battery, and no I wont try to crank over the engine while it's connected :P
I am sure the OBII has a direct connection to the battery, so the car battery and the battery pack should even themselves out, and with luck, enough power to crank over the engine.
Heavy sleet just now, but forecast for heavy snow and ice over the next few days
that would be putting far too many amps down a very thin wire!
Quote from: moredun on January 13, 2021, 15:39Quote from: Call the midlife! on January 13, 2021, 15:36I'm fairly confident you can manipulate the black plastic mesh out of the bumper without destroying it which should give you access to the lock mechanism for your de icing method of choice?
I had a look at it, but could not work out how to get it off, and old plastic become very brittle, so little room for mistakes
Again, not entirely sure as mine is behind a Zunnsport grille anyway but I think there's 4 little "legs" on the corners that spring behind the bumper.
Come to think of it I think I have a spare one in the garage anyway so let me know if you do need a replacement and I'll send it up North.
Quote from: Call the midlife! on January 13, 2021, 16:54Quote from: moredun on January 13, 2021, 15:39Quote from: Call the midlife! on January 13, 2021, 15:36I'm fairly confident you can manipulate the black plastic mesh out of the bumper without destroying it which should give you access to the lock mechanism for your de icing method of choice?
I had a look at it, but could not work out how to get it off, and old plastic become very brittle, so little room for mistakes
Again, not entirely sure as mine is behind a Zunnsport grille anyway but I think there's 4 little "legs" on the corners that spring behind the bumper.
Come to think of it I think I have a spare one in the garage anyway so let me know if you do need a replacement and I'll send it up North.
DON'T listen to me!!😆 I've just popped the lid and looked from inside, it's the Zunnsport that's hooked in the corners, the plastic is fastened with tags all along the top and bottom. Booger..
Thanks for the offer Call the midlife!, luckily the snow, then the darkness prevented me from having a bash before I saw your undated post ;D Pity, as that could have been the perfect solution.
Round 2 starts tomorrow, weather permitting ::)
just a bit of lateral thought. Is it the catch which is frozen or is it the lid frosted to the frame? if the latter perhaps someone with a lever to gently pry when you pull the release.
In the morning can you go armed with the biggest thermos of hot water you can muster. Pour it around the catch area and cross your fingers!
Quote from: paulj on January 13, 2021, 18:14just a bit of lateral thought. Is it the catch which is frozen or is it the lid frosted to the frame? if the latter perhaps someone with a lever to gently pry when you pull the release.
In the morning can you go armed with the biggest thermos of hot water you can muster. Pour it around the catch area and cross your fingers!
Recently my
daily weekly* drivers door stuck and needed a good pull to open.
When we lived in Staffordshire my company car doors froze such that I had to resort to hot water.
* That is typically how often I use the car now for our weekly Tesco click and collect run.
Quote from: Joesson on January 13, 2021, 18:52Quote from: paulj on January 13, 2021, 18:14just a bit of lateral thought. Is it the catch which is frozen or is it the lid frosted to the frame? if the latter perhaps someone with a lever to gently pry when you pull the release.
In the morning can you go armed with the biggest thermos of hot water you can muster. Pour it around the catch area and cross your fingers!
Recently my daily weekly* drivers door stuck and needed a good pull to open.
When we lived in Staffordshire my company car doors froze such that I had to resort to hot water.
* That is typically how often I use the car now for our weekly Tesco click and collect run.
Try talcum powder on the seals, prior to the bad weather (if that's not too personal) :o
Quote from: paulj on January 13, 2021, 18:14just a bit of lateral thought. Is it the catch which is frozen or is it the lid frosted to the frame? if the latter perhaps someone with a lever to gently pry when you pull the release.
The release lever works ok, so not the cable.
There is plenty of movement on the lid apart from the very center where the catch is. My guess is the striker is frozen to the release mechanism.
Round 2 will start with either deicer or anti freeze (which every is in the shed) being sprayed through the mesh grill on the offending parts ...
Quote from: moredun on January 13, 2021, 19:25Quote from: paulj on January 13, 2021, 18:14just a bit of lateral thought. Is it the catch which is frozen or is it the lid frosted to the frame? if the latter perhaps someone with a lever to gently pry when you pull the release.
The release lever works ok, so not the cable.
There is plenty of movement on the lid apart from the very center where the catch is. My guess is the striker is frozen to the release mechanism.
Round 2 will start with either deicer or anti freeze (which every is in the shed) being sprayed through the mesh grill on the offending parts ...
Remember that " anti freeze, as used in cooling systems, can strip paint.
Quote from: SV-3 on January 13, 2021, 19:15Quote from: Joesson on January 13, 2021, 18:52Quote from: paulj on January 13, 2021, 18:14just a bit of lateral thought. Is it the catch which is frozen or is it the lid frosted to the frame? if the latter perhaps someone with a lever to gently pry when you pull the release.
In the morning can you go armed with the biggest thermos of hot water you can muster. Pour it around the catch area and cross your fingers!
Recently my daily weekly* drivers door stuck and needed a good pull to open.
When we lived in Staffordshire my company car doors froze such that I had to resort to hot water.
* That is typically how often I use the car now for our weekly Tesco click and collect run.
Try talcum powder on the seals (if that's not too personal) :o
It does stop chaffing, but not sure if it would help if the parts were frozen.
Quote from: Joesson on January 13, 2021, 19:29Quote from: SV-3 on January 13, 2021, 19:15Quote from: Joesson on January 13, 2021, 18:52Quote from: paulj on January 13, 2021, 18:14just a bit of lateral thought. Is it the catch which is frozen or is it the lid frosted to the frame? if the latter perhaps someone with a lever to gently pry when you pull the release.
In the morning can you go armed with the biggest thermos of hot water you can muster. Pour it around the catch area and cross your fingers!
Recently my daily weekly* drivers door stuck and needed a good pull to open.
When we lived in Staffordshire my company car doors froze such that I had to resort to hot water.
* That is typically how often I use the car now for our weekly Tesco click and collect run.
Try talcum powder on the seals (if that's not too personal) :o
It does stop chaffing, but not sure if it would help if the parts were frozen.
A favour vaseline but have to be careful not to get it on your trousers...
I cannot believe that nobody has mentioned pouring hot water into the catch mechanism.
Quote from: Alex Knight on January 13, 2021, 21:10I cannot believe that nobody has mentioned pouring hot water into the catch mechanism.
Please see #11, 12
Quote from: Joesson on January 13, 2021, 22:02Quote from: Alex Knight on January 13, 2021, 21:10I cannot believe that nobody has mentioned pouring hot water into the catch mechanism.
Please see #11, 12
I stand corrected. That'll teach me to skim read!
Happened to me recently. The charging port on the Mercedes was frozen shut. Bit of quite hot water did the trick instantly.
Maybe if hot water is struggling to get to it, a blow dryer?
Quote from: shnazzle on January 13, 2021, 23:23Maybe if hot water is struggling to get to it, a blow dryer?
The one that comes in the toolkit?🤓
Quote from: shnazzle on January 13, 2021, 23:23Maybe if hot water is struggling to get to it, a blow dryer?
The OP couldn't get mains power to the car.
I could when I needed to remove the plastic shell cover of the wing mirror on my daily. It was freezing but it "needed" to be done then so
carefully used my hot air gun.
Quote from: Carolyn on January 13, 2021, 16:26Quote from: moredun on January 13, 2021, 15:37Hoping I might have a solution ...
By connecting a Jump start battery pack to the OBII socket, I should be able to top up the car battery, and no I wont try to crank over the engine while it's connected :P
I am sure the OBII has a direct connection to the battery, so the car battery and the battery pack should even themselves out, and with luck, enough power to crank over the engine.
Heavy sleet just now, but forecast for heavy snow and ice over the next few days
that would be putting far too many amps down a very thin wire!
The cigaret lighter plug should be able too take enough to charge a bit rapidly if not enough to stárt.
No need for mains as simply connecting a charged battery overnight should do the trick to crank the engine over.
Starting is almost the equivalent of shorting the battery, which is why it goes over a relay and not a fuse.
Quote from: Petrus on January 14, 2021, 11:25Quote from: Carolyn on January 13, 2021, 16:26Quote from: moredun on January 13, 2021, 15:37Hoping I might have a solution ...
By connecting a Jump start battery pack to the OBII socket, I should be able to top up the car battery, and no I wont try to crank over the engine while it's connected :P
I am sure the OBII has a direct connection to the battery, so the car battery and the battery pack should even themselves out, and with luck, enough power to crank over the engine.
Heavy sleet just now, but forecast for heavy snow and ice over the next few days
that would be putting far too many amps down a very thin wire!
The cigaret lighter plug should be able too take enough to charge a bit rapidly if not enough to stárt.
No need for mains as simply connecting a charged battery overnight should do the trick to crank the engine over.
Starting is almost the equivalent of shorting the battery, which is why it goes over a relay and not a fuse.
Doesn't the ignition have to be on for that to work?
Having seen how cold my car was inside the cabin at the weekend, I would try some hot water bottles in the car too just in case the cable pull has frozen in the car rather than just at the catch area.
Yeah, have just checked on mine, no volts without ignition. But if get can get into the cabin and ignition on, then maybe one of these...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12V-Cigarette-Lighter-Socket-Jump-Starter-Charger-Emergency-Booster-CAR-to-CAR-/292209177460
Quote from: Carolyn on January 14, 2021, 11:55Doesn't the ignition have to be on for that to work?
Yes, but that should still charge the battery.
Quote from: 11891952 on January 14, 2021, 12:03Yeah, have just checked on mine, no volts without ignition. But if get can get into the cabin and ignition on, then maybe one of these...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12V-Cigarette-Lighter-Socket-Jump-Starter-Charger-Emergency-Booster-CAR-to-CAR-/292209177460
I´d still try slow charge it a bit first. The cigaret lighter is fused and ány charge in the battery will lower the currrent over the lighter.
Quote from: Petrus on January 14, 2021, 12:14Quote from: 11891952 on January 14, 2021, 12:03Yeah, have just checked on mine, no volts without ignition. But if get can get into the cabin and ignition on, then maybe one of these...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12V-Cigarette-Lighter-Socket-Jump-Starter-Charger-Emergency-Booster-CAR-to-CAR-/292209177460
I´d still try slow charge it a bit first. The cigaret lighter is fused and ány charge in the battery will lower the currrent over the lighter.
Ok if you're on private property - keys in and ignition on when parked on the street ain't the best idea. Insurance wouldn't pay out if it got nicked.
Quote from: Carolyn on January 14, 2021, 12:19Ok if you're on private property - keys in and ignition on when parked on the street ain't the best idea. Insurance wouldn't pay out if it got nicked.
True although hoodlums can´t start it either ;-)
...and it can still be locked no?!
Anyhow, téchnically it´s a solution.
Hmm, tricky one. Have you tried something soft and thin (something like a trim removal tool) under the lip of the bonnet and encouraging it up while somebody pulls the release lever? Wouldn't use too much force obviously, but might be enough to pop it up...
Finally got the boot lid open today ;D
Yesterday I managed to spray PlusGas over the striker and release mechanism through the rear grill. This was tried a few times during the day, but without success.
Today, after a few pulls of the release cable and I little help from this tool, I got it open ::)
Jump started first time, so all's well with life again
tool.jpg
Glad you got it open and started. Have got me thinking about other potential workarounds now. :))
The best work-around is to lubricate the release mechanism occasionally, and ensure that it operates smoothly by making any adjustments as needed.
Best to consider it as part of routine maintenance.
By the time one gets to the 'Oh hell, I can't open it' situation - it's been left a little too long??
It's a handy reminder for the rest of us, so thanks for that ;D
Glad to hear you got in OK at last.
As I am not using my GT86 much at the moment and they are known for going so flat if not used that you cant open the door with the keyless entry, I connect my charger to the battery, run the lead out under the bonnet and leave the plug sitting on top of the tyre. This way, when I charge it, I just have to run a lead out to it and plug in the plug from outside the car. No chance of me not getting in that way.
Might be worth trying if you think you wont be using the car again for a while?
(Obviously you do have to remember its there and not drive off without disconnecting it though!).
There is much written on here about hand brake cables. The OP got locked out of his car by a problem with the engine cover release cable, it and/ or the lid froze up.
It would seem from the responses there isn't an established method to get access into the engine compartment if the cable became inoperative.
This is necessarily a secure area and access needs to be restricted, but what if?
Maybe there is, or we could invent a work around or make some preparation for such an event?
Preventive maintenance, such as some lubricant of choice applied to the cable and catch might be a starting point.
NB.
Elsewhere and previously the adjustment of engine lid stops has been discussed, these when correctly adjusted give the lid a little help in popping up.
Quote from: Carolyn on January 15, 2021, 17:48The best work-around is to lubricate the release mechanism occasionally, and ensure that it operates smoothly by making any adjustments as needed.
Best to consider it as part of routine maintenance.
By the time one gets to the 'Oh hell, I can't open it' situation - it's been left a little too long??
It's a handy reminder for the rest of us, so thanks for that ;D
@househead That means you lol
Quote from: 1979scotte on January 15, 2021, 18:01Quote from: Carolyn on January 15, 2021, 17:48The best work-around is to lubricate the release mechanism occasionally, and ensure that it operates smoothly by making any adjustments as needed.
Best to consider it as part of routine maintenance.
By the time one gets to the 'Oh hell, I can't open it' situation - it's been left a little too long??
It's a handy reminder for the rest of us, so thanks for that ;D
@househead
That means you lol
I did quite a bit of work on the lid release on the yellow beast, btw, Scotte!!
The BM has jumper terminals in the engine compartment as the battery is buried in the boot behind the rear wheel, maybe a terminal in the frunk or bolted to the subframe?
Quote from: Carolyn on January 15, 2021, 18:24Quote from: 1979scotte on January 15, 2021, 18:01Quote from: Carolyn on January 15, 2021, 17:48The best work-around is to lubricate the release mechanism occasionally, and ensure that it operates smoothly by making any adjustments as needed.
Best to consider it as part of routine maintenance.
By the time one gets to the 'Oh hell, I can't open it' situation - it's been left a little too long??
It's a handy reminder for the rest of us, so thanks for that ;D
@househead
That means you lol
I did quite a bit of work on the lid release on the yellow beast, btw, Scotte!!
Thanks for that although it never caused me an issue and it isn't stock is it?
Quote from: 1979scotte on January 15, 2021, 18:36Quote from: Carolyn on January 15, 2021, 18:24Quote from: 1979scotte on January 15, 2021, 18:01Quote from: Carolyn on January 15, 2021, 17:48The best work-around is to lubricate the release mechanism occasionally, and ensure that it operates smoothly by making any adjustments as needed.
Best to consider it as part of routine maintenance.
By the time one gets to the 'Oh hell, I can't open it' situation - it's been left a little too long??
It's a handy reminder for the rest of us, so thanks for that ;D
@househead
That means you lol
I did quite a bit of work on the lid release on the yellow beast, btw, Scotte!!
Thanks for that although it never caused me an issue and it isn't stock is it?
It's been moved around a bit. It was very stiff to operate. Still needs a bit more fettling but it's much better!!
Makes me think I might need to run out and maybe start the mr2s and get all the moving parts moving a bit.
Both been stood in thr freezing cold for weeks now
Quote from: Call the midlife! on January 15, 2021, 18:26The BM has jumper terminals in the engine compartment as the battery is buried in the boot behind the rear wheel, maybe a terminal in the frunk or bolted to the subframe?
I was thinking something along those lines. Though I'll admit I might be less likely than some to have that problem down on the sunny south coast. :-) Maybe I'll just lubricate it.
Just as a footnote, all hinges, strikers, battery terminals, locks etc had a good coating of Castrol LM grease last autumn. so maintenance was not an issue here.
Maybe my choice of grease and prolonged freezing conditions are at fault, but where the striker and the release mechanism meet, it will always be the weak link with the "rubbing" affect due to opening and closing the engine cover.
I have now fitted a 10 amp fused cable from the battery to the passenger bin terminating in a cigarette plug. This is a cheap, easy solution to boost the battery if required using my jump start battery pack. The added benefit, no need for ignition to be on and concealed inside the bin -)
Have you ever compared the operation of your release lever with another car?
Mine was unpleasant to use compared to partner's. I thought it must be the cable. Working the mechanism seemed fine. A repacement cable made no difference.
I got a used mechanism from D. Sloan & was much nicer to use. Probably the hook/lid interface as you suggest.
Quote from: moredun on January 17, 2021, 10:46Just as a footnote, all hinges, strikers, battery terminals, locks etc had a good coating of Castrol LM grease last autumn. so maintenance was not an issue here.
Maybe my choice of grease and prolonged freezing conditions are at fault, but where the striker and the release mechanism meet, it will always be the weak link with the "rubbing" affect due to opening and closing the engine cover.
I have now fitted a 10 amp fused cable from the battery to the passenger bin terminating in a cigarette plug. This is a cheap, easy solution to boost the battery if required using my jump start battery pack. The added benefit, no need for ignition to be on and concealed inside the bin -)
Will 10 amps be enough if you're actually going to be cranking the engine on it?
How well does your engine lid "pop" up normally? The rubber stops have a screwthread so are adjustable, you can add a bit of bounce by adjusting them up.
Quote from: paulj on January 17, 2021, 16:54How well does your engine lid "pop" up normally? The rubber stops have a screwthread so are adjustable, you can add a bit of bounce by adjusting them up.
This is a good point.
People screw them down for better panel gaps and then wonder why it won't open.
Quote from: 1979scotte on January 17, 2021, 17:02Quote from: paulj on January 17, 2021, 16:54How well does your engine lid "pop" up normally? The rubber stops have a screwthread so are adjustable, you can add a bit of bounce by adjusting them up.
This is a good point.
People screw them down for better panel gaps and then wonder why it won't open.
Only some people.
Quote from: Call the midlife! on January 17, 2021, 16:24Will 10 amps be enough if you're actually going to be cranking the engine on it?
It is just to top up the battery, not for jump starting the car.
My battery pack can output 8A/hr so a 10 AMP fuse is enough. This will allow me to keep the battery topped up even when not using the car for long periods without having to remove the battery to charge it.
Any pictures of where you ran the cable through to the bin? ;D
Quote from: 11891952 on January 18, 2021, 09:06Any pictures of where you ran the cable through to the bin? ;D
Just pulled it through the existing main wire loom, there is a rubber grommet surrounding the main wire loom that you can distort with a flat headed screwdriver to push the cable through. Just be careful not to damage the other cables.
if I get time, I will remover the bins to get a photo later on
Don't on my account! But thanks for the explanation. :)
Also useful for charging stuff/chilling the champagne. (I'm only likely to do one of those, guess which! :)) )
Quote from: 11891952 on January 18, 2021, 15:29Don't on my account! But thanks for the explanation. :)
Also useful for charging stuff/chilling the champagne. (I'm only likely to do one of those, guess which! :)) )
Take a step back what's useful for chilling champagne?
I mean this car stuff is fun and all but thats a really important life skill.
Having a 12V cigarette socket in the luggage bins. ;D In this case for trickle charging the battery, but I'd say just as useful the other way around for powering things in the bins. Or have a missed something? (wouldn't be the first time! :)) )