Battery is in the trunk (boot). It is dead. The doors as well as the trunk has an electronic locking system that needs the battery to function. So I'm stuck, can't open the trunk without battery power and can't boost the battery without opening the trunk. Any workarounds?

 

The trunk has a lock that can be opened with a key.

 

Tried that but still won't open. I think the electronic lock must somehow override the manual lock.

 

No, it's probably just stiff from lack of use. Apply some spray lubricant, and persist.

Another plan is, if you can open a door and then open the hood, is to apply a battery charger using the bulkhead pos terminal, left side .

 

The key turns freely but the latch can't be moved. I know its not sticking because up until yesterday it was working fine. Then I used the remote to lock the car and all doors and the trunk locked. The doors will open with a key, but not the trunk. The battery is so dead that the remote won't even lock or unlock the doors anymore.
I will look to see if I can find the bulkhead terminal.

 

Battery tender with cigarette lighter adapter? Trickle charge it for a while, see if you get enough power.

Padre

 

The key is a bit weird, I think it has to be in the middle of the travel to be unlocked. Mine has the newer style key, so might be a bit different, but it's not all the way left or right, those are both locked positions.

I store mine for the winter with no battery in it, and I can easily open it with the key. On a 94 anyway no power is needed. If you have it, read the owners manual carefully to get the key in the correct position and it should open.

 

Just a thought..
You are turning the key full to the left or right then back to the middle again?
I'm not sure if its left or right turn that allows the lock to open manually or central locking.

 

Try turning key 90° so it is vertical in the lock.

 

Do the "cigar" sockets have a continuous 12v supply ?

 

I'm not certain. Seems to vary by model.

If not, turn the ignition key. However, in my experience, all the other accessories will try to come on when the charge is received and the battery won't be charged. So, simple solution: turn off what you can (like radio), then pull the other fuses as needed.

Padre

 

No.

 

The linkages are pretty simply on these cars. If you call a "pop-a-lock" type person, they should be able to get the car open.

Idk about the newer models, but if you have long-reach pliers, you can unscrew the mirrors from older models and pretty easily actuate the linkage at the door handle.

 

I can think of at least 3 places you can attach a battery charger :

1) Starter motor + terminal (thick wire, not the solenoid)
2) Bulkhead + terminal under the hood
3) One of the fuse holders on a non-ignition-switched feed

 

Thanks to malc4d, warrjon & Jagboi64 for insight about the lock.
Leave it to British engineers to come up with a totally non-intuitive way to operate something as simple as a lock.