Locked Out… No Key Access from Outside


That chrome piece looks like an aftermarket add-on, kinda like this: https://www.americantrucks.com/f150-door-handle-covers-gloss-black-dh6331blk.html.

It might just be stuck on with adhesive, so you could try removing it. You probably have white handles underneath.

Check underneath the handle… there’s usually a notch or a hole that lets you pop off the chrome cover.

Yeah, those covers should pop right off. Just pull the handle out and lift the thicker side up and down—it should come loose.

Just pop off the chrome cover, should be easy.

You don’t even need to go under the hood for this… just access the starter from underneath the truck.

Silas said:
You don’t even need to go under the hood for this… just access the starter from underneath the truck.

Exactly! Funny how people downvote stuff that actually works. This method also works on the alternator charging lead or any other constant 12V hot wire.

Try hooking a jumper cable to the battery lead post on the starter—should give enough power to use the key fob.

Poppy said:
Try hooking a jumper cable to the battery lead post on the starter—should give enough power to use the key fob.

That would work, but how’s he supposed to get inside to pop the hood if the key cylinder isn’t accessible?

@Layla
Not sure about all cars, but usually, the starter is underneath.

@Layla
Yeah, you go in from underneath. I’ve done this plenty of times with cars that have been sitting for a while.

Might be a good idea to hide some leads somewhere for backup power in case this happens again.

Andrew said:
Might be a good idea to hide some leads somewhere for backup power in case this happens again.

Just replace the battery and you won’t have to deal with this for another 10 years or so.

@Maximus
Batteries don’t last that long here, 3 to 5 years max.

Toby said:
@Maximus
Batteries don’t last that long here, 3 to 5 years max.

What do you mean? Southwest Florida? Never heard of it.

My last battery died after my car sat in -12°C weather because I forgot to turn off my dashcam.

Edit: I’m in western Germany, so my car goes through -20°C winters and 40°C summers.

Toby said:
@Maximus
Batteries don’t last that long here, 3 to 5 years max.

Are you talking about Southwest Florida? If so, I live somewhere with worse conditions (southern Colorado). My batteries usually last 7-10 years.

Just last week, it was -20°F, and my 6-year-old battery started my car fine after sitting outside overnight. Summers get over 100°F, too.

@Malik
That’s a typical forum response.

I’m not a battery expert, but I know how often we have to replace them here. Google ‘how long do car batteries last in Florida’ and you’ll see the same answer everywhere.

Next thing you know, you’ll delete your comment like you never said it.

@Maximus
Man, I wish I could get that kind of battery life… mine barely lasts 4 years.