[denverpete]

Others have used the lighter option to at least get the hood open. For whatever reason, I couldn't get the lighter charger to work for more than a few seconds. But, it was enough to pop the hood and put in a new battery. I seriously doubt the lighter jump-starters will work well enough to revive a completely dead battery.

I'd get the lighter charger to get the battery out. Don't lock the hood. Yank the battery and charge/maintain it at home. Replace when needed.

The dealer should not have to get involved with your radio unless you don't have the radio code. Entering it is easy - just push the necessary buttons (1-9).