Locked out, keys inside and battery is dead...

02TrailBlazer

Original poster
Member
Jan 22, 2013
64
I'm not sure if this is the correct spot for the subject but here goes nothing.

So while I was busy installing my new negative battery terminal after my last one completely stripped out (the reason for the dead battery), I accidentally shut my already locked door when I went out to compare suspension height so now the question is:
1. Is there an easy way for me to charge the battery from some point on the bottom of the engine compartment, I've heard that the starter may be a viable option.
2. Does anybody here have experience in unlocking their doors or rear lift gate with any DIY method, I'm open to suggestions lol
3. I guess I could always call a locksmith but I would really like to save some money and do it myself.

Some info:
No spare key yet, I do however have an extra FOB (hence the reason why I could just charge the battery)



Any help is appreciated, even if it's "Don't forget that your keys are in there next time"
 

Phantom

Member
Jun 17, 2012
277
Don't know if the cops would help. I know here in iowa you call the police and they will come unlock your door, or at least try. My wife locked my keys in my trailblazer when she took it and they came and unlocked it for her.
 

02TrailBlazer

Original poster
Member
Jan 22, 2013
64
Phantom said:
Don't know if the cops would help. I know here in iowa you call the police and they will come unlock your door, or at least try. My wife locked my keys in my trailblazer when she took it and they came and unlocked it for her.

Oops, nice catch. I forgot to mention that the police around here do not offer that.
 

signalnc

Member
Dec 28, 2012
249
I would try to backfeed the battery from the starter with 12 volts, just make sure you get the polarity right.
 

Grimor

Member
Mar 28, 2013
954
you can do it off the alternator plug if you can reach it, but you should actually be able to reach the hot wires off the battery from under the vehicle (if you have long arms) you can also pop your locks with a couple of needles and a battery if you can get to the wire harness.

signalnc said:
I would try to backfeed the battery from the starter with 12 volts, just make sure you get the polarity right.
I wouldn't
 

signalnc

Member
Dec 28, 2012
249
I also thought there was a way to get into the rear hatch....I think there might be a relay in between the starter and the battery that is powered from the ignition, but I'm not positive. So backfeeding from the starter might not work anyway, but I don't think it would hurt anything to try.
 

Grimor

Member
Mar 28, 2013
954
signalnc said:
I also thought there was a way to get into the rear hatch....I think there might be a relay in between the starter and the battery that is powered from the ignition, but I'm not positive. So backfeeding from the starter might not work anyway, but I don't think it would hurt anything to try.

you are correct, otherwise the starter would "crank" whenever the battery was connected to the vehicle instead of when the key is turned. (I guess it could have an internal relay.. I haven't really looked at the wiring on mine)
 

The_Roadie

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Nov 19, 2011
9,957
Portland, OR
The starter has an internal solenoid. Put your jumper ground on the frame and the 12v wire to the starter feed stud. Not sure it's easy to reach. If the truck was set up for towing, you could use the trailer connector to backfeed the battery, but only if the "red ring lug wire" was hooked up to the fuse block.

The manual liftgate release is inside the vehicle. No help there.
 

Tallman

Member
Jan 3, 2012
6
Get the Vin # (By looking through windshield or off owners card) and go to a GM Dealer and have them make you a key. You will need proof of ownership and possibly your drivers license. Might be a small fee. Been there done that.
Ken
 

signalnc

Member
Dec 28, 2012
249
the roadie said:
The starter has an internal solenoid. Put your jumper ground on the frame and the 12v wire to the starter feed stud. Not sure it's easy to reach. If the truck was set up for towing, you could use the trailer connector to backfeed the battery, but only if the "red ring lug wire" was hooked up to the fuse block.

The manual liftgate release is inside the vehicle. No help there.


so no relay in between, just the solonoid on the starter; good to know.:wink:
 

The_Roadie

Lifetime VIP Donor
Member
Nov 19, 2011
9,957
Portland, OR
I suppose paying a locksmith is out of the question? AAA is (in my humble opinion) a good idea. I never lose my key plus my 3 spares, but whenever I buy a used vehicle with only one key, I stop at the key shop on my way home from the dealer. AAA is for when I'm on a business trip and Mrs. Roadie misplaces HER keys and is separated from her spares.
 

WarGawd

Member
Sep 2, 2012
468
02TrailBlazer said:
Oops, nice catch. I forgot to mention that the police around here do not offer that.

Just a thought but if the police COULD do it, they'd probably be using one of those thin metal strips that slide down beside the window to unhook the lock ? My last trip to NY I saw those for sale at Autozone for like 8 bucks IIRC....

Also, last time I locked my keys in my Montana, the local dealership was able to cut me a key from my VIN #, and delivered it to me in under an hour for $6...not sure how typical that is but may be another option
 

DDonnie

Member
Mar 26, 2012
2,631
View attachment 27829


In all seriousness, check with your insurance company. A lot of them have roadside assistance included.
 

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Boricua SS

Member
Nov 20, 2011
3,080
Ohio
AAA has gotten me out of jam more then once... they just put that little air bag at the top of door.. slightly pump it up, and the reach in with some sort of rod and hit the unlock buttons or unlock the door manually and open it...
 

02TrailBlazer

Original poster
Member
Jan 22, 2013
64
Tallman said:
Get the Vin # (By looking through windshield or off owners card) and go to a GM Dealer and have them make you a key. You will need proof of ownership and possibly your drivers license. Might be a small fee. Been there done that.
Ken

Definitely going to try this, there is a dealer up here somewhere... hopefully they don't need a ton of paperwork because most of that's in the glove box lmao
 

02TrailBlazer

Original poster
Member
Jan 22, 2013
64
Thanks a lot for all the helpful advice, the dealer up here near my college says they can cut me a new key for $15 which I'm happy to pay rather than call a locksmith. It's too bad though I kinda wanted to try my hand with a clothes hanger. :rotfl:
 

Phantom

Member
Jun 17, 2012
277
02TrailBlazer said:
Thanks a lot for all the helpful advice, the dealer up here near my college says they can cut me a new key for $15 which I'm happy to pay rather than call a locksmith. It's too bad though I kinda wanted to try my hand with a clothes hanger. :rotfl:

Its actually not that hard. I've had to do it a few times back when I was younger.
 

jeffro312

Member
Oct 4, 2012
442
East Haven,Ct
Get something to wedge into door door jams work things you use hold door open. Get clothes hanger or thicker similar price of metal and pop the lock open or pull the handle or press power.

I do it all the time when I see people stuck on malls
 

02TrailBlazer

Original poster
Member
Jan 22, 2013
64
jeffro312 said:
Get something to wedge into door door jams work things you use hold door open. Get clothes hanger or thicker similar price of metal and pop the lock open or pull the handle or press power.

I do it all the time when I see people stuck on malls


I would try this but I really need a new key anyway, and if my battery wouldn't suck I would be fine with just my extra FOB.
 

Porkins

Member
Dec 5, 2011
6,960
Glad you found a way in. FYI for other who may read this thread. You can get some of those plactic door/window shims at Home Depot (or plastic tree felling wedges), wedge them at the top of the door and use a coat hanger. ALSO if you have painters tape use some where the paint and shims meet to prevent scratching.
 

PennTB02

Member
Jan 26, 2012
24
02TrailBlazer said:
Definitely going to try this, there is a dealer up here somewhere... hopefully they don't need a ton of paperwork because most of that's in the glove box lmao

You might have a bill from your insurance company somewhere in your house. Most likely it has your VIN on it and your address matches the one on your driver's license. You should bee able to convince the dealer you are not payiing for insurance on a vehicle you do not own.
 

The_Roadie

Lifetime VIP Donor
Member
Nov 19, 2011
9,957
Portland, OR
Everybody should run right out and attach their ring lug red wire to the threaded stud next to it on the front fuse block with an M6 wingnut. Then you could slowly recharge your battery by way of the trailer connector.

megafuse1-orig.jpg
 

DDonnie

Member
Mar 26, 2012
2,631
Speaking of, what's this dangling red wire???
 

c good

Member
Dec 8, 2011
643
DDonnie said:
Speaking of, what's this dangling red wire???

If you tow a trailer and you want to keep the house batteries charged it connects to the trailer/towing plug/harness.
 

DDonnie

Member
Mar 26, 2012
2,631
c good said:
If you tow a trailer and you want to keep the house batteries charged it connects to the trailer/towing plug/harness.

Thanks, but i was just trying to get roadie going :biggrin:
 

02TrailBlazer

Original poster
Member
Jan 22, 2013
64
the roadie said:
Everybody should run right out and attach their ring lug red wire to the threaded stud next to it on the front fuse block with an M6 wingnut. Then you could slowly recharge your battery by way of the trailer connector.

I thought about doing something of that nature... I've always had this dream of mounting a cheap battery charger under the hood and putting a legitimate 120V AC extension cord somewhere...
 

The_Roadie

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Nov 19, 2011
9,957
Portland, OR
DDonnie said:
Thanks, but i was just trying to get roadie going :biggrin:
A tactic with very low long term success rate. :raspberry: Vertical Scope tried - look where that got 'em. :rotfl:

The "what's this red wire?" question used to drive a hundred noobs a year to Google for and find trailvoy. A great recruiting noob question if there ever was one. :thumbsup:
 

Porkins

Member
Dec 5, 2011
6,960
the roadie said:
A tactic with very low long term success rate. :raspberry: Vertical Scope tried - look where that got 'em. :rotfl:

The "what's this red wire?" question used to drive a hundred noobs a year to Google for and find trailvoy. A great recruiting noob question if there ever was one. :thumbsup:

Just did a google search on "Trailblazer Red wire" and GMTN is now the top two along with your images in second.
 

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tblazerdude

Member
Dec 4, 2011
321
02TrailBlazer said:
Definitely going to try this, there is a dealer up here somewhere... hopefully they don't need a ton of paperwork because most of that's in the glove box lmao


surely you do not keep the title in there, and thats all you would need. maybe DL and proof of insurance.
 

DDonnie

Member
Mar 26, 2012
2,631
Grimor said:
Just don't stick it under the vehicle under drivers side door or rear bumper, those are the most common places and people stealing cars know that.

Yea, i would never trust leaving a spare anywhere on my car. I have three keys for each vehicle; a set for me, a set for the wife, and a spare set.
 

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