Locked keys under hood, alarm engaged

[YogiB]

It's actually the alarm system that disables the release buttons for the frunk and trunk. The situation might surely be different between various versions of the car (reminder: ours is a 2001 S).

The headlight trick might be great to extend the emergency release cable ourselves, but there's no way to take it out when you're stranded keyless, like what happened to us last weekend.

An extra key is definitely on the shopping list. But hiding it in the body of the car, then you're seriously compromising the security of the car. Rather make sure that two people both have a copy of the key, so if one person loses it/gets his or her bag stolen, the other one saves the day. Leaving key #2 at home is alright if you're caught at the groceries store, but on vacation two days driving from home, it'll make you swear big-time!

Any way, I'm glad that several people got a wake-up call over our 'situation'. Thanks again for all the input! Un grand merci from up north!

[thom4782]

My 2 cents...

Relocate the FRUNK emergency cable to behind the tow hook cover. Do this by removing the front bumper cover. It's easier that way and you can clean the radiators at the same time.

If you ever have the rear cover removed, relocate the TRUNK emergency cable to behind the driver side bumperette.

Why do these mods? It's simple. If you're 100 miles from home, a spare key has little value. Second, if the cables are relocated, you don't need to fool around with pulling off tires, wheel well covers, hooking spare batteries, etc.

BTW: one needs a Trox driver to remove the rear umperette. I keep one in the tool bag in the FRUNK, which makes opening the rear a 5 minute several step process- open FRUNK, get driver, remove bumperette, open rear trunk.

[BFeller]

Originally Posted by YogiB

The headlight trick might be great to extend the emergency release cable ourselves, but there's no way to take it out when you're stranded keyless, like what happened to us last weekend.

Yes - It was a suggestion of something to do now. To prepare for the next scenario - like a dead battery - because you may never see the key locked in the frunk again.