Locked Myself Out

[split1atom]

Hello. I was getting ready to go to work this morning and my neighbor comes over and starts talking. I finally get out of the car and when I lean up against the door, I guess I hit the right sequence of numbers on the "door pad lock" to activate it! The only key and fob that came with the car was in the ignition. I bought the car from a salvage yard that had impounded it. No one knows the number to unlock it. Ive recently went through a divorce and would prefer not to spend the money if anyone has any idea how I can get this open. The car is a 2001 Gran Marq.

Thanks in advance for any help!
Bob

[IPreferDIY]

I figured something out in recent years after taking off the door panels to change speakers, but I don't recall the details. I think there is a horizontal rod connected to the part that goes up and down at the top of the door panel, though the horizontal rod itself might be much lower down. I was able to use a straightened wire coat hanger with a hook on the end to pull up on the horizontal rod and unlock the door. You basically have to stick the wire through the seal at the bottom of the window and fish around. I don't want to promote theft, so maybe someone should delete this post when you've solved your problem.

[split1atom]

Thanks DIY. I'll have to give that a shot. I called the Ford dealership and they said its too old for them to get the number any longer. She said it was up under the dash, but that isn't a whole lot of help right this second. I know a retired police officer. I may see if he still has his jocklock too.

[sly]

I typically use an unbent hanger with one end looped and pull the door back off the car at the top. hook the door handle with the loop and pull. At least that works on my 93.

I don't get locked out of my cars any more though... I carry a spare set of keys on another key chain in my pocket at all times. Key in the ignition isn't an issue... door key is in the pocket.

[IPreferDIY]

I always carry my spare key too. Another benefit is being able to leave the car running with the doors locked when you do brief tasks.

[Piece-it pete]

I locked myself out of my old 87 but the window was cracked open slightly.

The boxes have that front door lock that slides side to side and I spent at least 20 minutes trying to hook it before going D'OH! and pressing the power lock button.

If you can pull the top of the door back far enough, just hit the power door button with a hanger

Pete

[gadget73]

if you have spare keys to the trunk, the key code is usually on the trunk hinge on the driver's side. Probably not much help at this point tho.

and pressing the 7/8 and 9/0 buttons together will lock the doors.

[split1atom]

Thanks for all the input. I like to do stuff myself, but after spending and hour and not being able to find a metal hanger (I knew I should have kept a couple) I found a guy to open it and build me a spare key for $45. Took him 2 minutes to complete, but was well worth it. Im 47 and never locked myself out of a car, but here we are.

For anyone looking in the future, I did learn something worth passing on since so many of these cars are out there and no one knows about the lock.

1) The original code was on a card in the glove box, on a sticker on the trunk lid or hinge and on the electronic that controls the locking mechanism (in the trunk or driver side dash depending on age)
2) At least on the 2001, pushing the 7-8 and 9-0 button at the same time lock the doors (what I accidently did)
3) Once you put in the 5 digit open code, you can push the 3-4 button to unlock the other doors
4) Once you put in the 5 digit open code, you can push the 5-6 button to pop the trunk.

Hope it helps someone on their future searches.

Bob

[IPreferDIY]

I certainly don't want to contribute to theft, but I'm dying to know how he got in

[jaywish]

probably put an air bag under the window. (Note you can use a blood pressure cuff) then used a rod to hit unlock button.

[tjc78]

probably put an air bag under the window. (Note you can use a blood pressure cuff) then used a rod to hit unlock button.

Yep, it takes all of a minute.

[Mainemantom]

Keep a spare key behind the rear license plate or belong to AAA

[split1atom]

To follow up with the definitive answer.....He shoved a plastic wedge in the back top corner of the door. Then as several said, slipped an air bag, that looked just like a canvas blood pressure cuff in and down the back side of the door glass frame. Pulled the shim, pumped up the cuff and had a cool flexible rod about the diameter of a dime. Dropped it down and hit the button. In the car in minutes. Thanks guys!