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How can I open a Ford Escape if the battery is dead?
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19 answers
★ Top Answer
If your Ford Escape's battery dies while the car is locked, you can unlock it by using the regular key in the driver's side door. Insert the metal key and turn it counterclockwise to open the door. Since the car's battery is dead, the central locking system won't work, so only the driver's side door will unlock with the key. You'll need to open the other doors from the inside. If you have jumper cables, this may be the quickest way to get back on the road temporarily. It's wise to keep a set in your trunk at all times.
More answers
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The key won't turn in the lock. Seriously?! This system is such a joke. Can't access the car to pop the hood and jump-start it, so now I'm stuck. Thanks a lot, Ford!
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I try turning the key to the left, but it won't unlock. It seems like it requires battery power to open. No matter what I do, the door stays locked. I attempt to use a slim Jim through the window to push something that seems like it will release the handle and open the door, but the door remains locked.
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Can you solve it?
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To open a Ford Escape with a dead battery, simply use the door lock key. Put the key into the driver's side door and twist it until the door unlocks.
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It seems like no one was able to provide a solution for the issue I'm currently facing. It appears that the only solution may be to contact a locksmith. I find it difficult to believe that this is the only option, so I think we should work together to try and solve the problem.
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I'm experiencing a similar problem. I brought it to a locksmith who disassembled the door but couldn't get the key to work. There's no physical mechanism inside, only a circuit board. The locksmith doesn't know how to solve it. The Ford dealership suggested that the key may not be for that specific car, even though it fits the lock and ignition. However, the key still doesn't unlock the door despite being able to turn in both directions.
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Just use the standard key to unlock the door by turning it to the left. For other doors, you'll have to open them manually from the inside.
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I drive a 2013 Ford Escape Titanium. After leaving it parked for about two months, the battery died. I found a manual metal key on the back of the key fob, above where you replace the battery, which I almost missed because it's hidden. You can only use the metal key on the driver's door. Despite trying to turn it counterclockwise as others suggested, the door wouldn't open - it turned freely that way. However, when I turned the key clockwise, I felt some resistance. By gently holding the key in place in the clockwise position, I was able to open the door. So, encountering resistance when turning the key clockwise is normal.
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I faced the same problem with my Escape. Even if you try to unlock the door handle with a wire, it won't open the door. Eventually, I managed to resolve the issue by using a long, sturdy wire. I purchased an inflatable shim air bag for $18 from Home Depot, inserted it between the top of the door, and reached the hood release. It took me around 20 minutes, but I was successful in popping the hood. After that, I jumped the battery for a minute, allowing me to use the metal key or press unlock on the key fob.
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I'm having trouble accessing my 2011 Ford Escape because the battery is dead and I can't afford a locksmith. Any tips on how I can unlock my car in this situation?
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I experienced a problem with a lock earlier this week in May 2023. A locksmith acquaintance suggested spraying the lock with PB Blaster or WD-40, inserting and removing the key multiple times, and then attempting to turn it counterclockwise. Following these steps solved the issue! The locksmith explained that there was probably a stuck pin inside the lock causing the problem.
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So, if somebody only has keyless entry and doesn't have a traditional metal key with a keyhole, then there's no solution? Good job thinking that through, FORD.
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After a month of inactivity, my 2012 Escape's battery died, rendering the key fob and key useless. Panic set in until I came across Brent's advice to give WD-40 a chance by squirting it generously into the keyhole, applying it to the key, and vigorously wiggling it for about 30 minutes. Following his instructions, I persevered with the key, turning it in both directions, pulling on the door handle, and to my amazement, the door finally opened. I can attest to the effectiveness of Brent's tip, shared above, in resolving this issue caused by potentially stuck manual lock tumblers. Huge thanks to Brent for sharing this solution that most of us overlook due to heavy reliance on key fobs. - Martin
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When I have access to the interior of the vehicle, I plan to connect a wire from the positive terminal of the battery to a location accessible from outside while the hood is closed. This will allow me to charge the battery.
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My phone is out of battery and my car keys are inside, and the car is locked.
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My 2015 Ford Escape's battery is completely drained, to the point where the keypad entry system is not working and the key won't unlock the driver's side door. I believe I have used the key before, but now I am locked out due to the dead battery.
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In 2013, I set a combination of numbers to unlock the door, but unfortunately, the combination is placed inside the vehicle, which I can't access. I forgot to write down the numbers on paper and place them in my wallet or other locations.
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I'm dealing with the same issue. Did you manage to solve it?
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