Keys locked in the boot

[Steve_K]

Now I'm fully aware how idiot locking your keys in the boot is but it's easier said than done, trust me. Anyway, I've tried getting access through the back of the rear seats but its a solid metal bulkhead behind so no chance there. Short of paying a small fortune for a locksmith or RAC etc, is there any way into the boot? The boot release catch doesn't work in the car. It's a 2006 A6 saloon. Thanks in advance

[gupsterg]

Fold down rear seats is option or std with a quattro saloon, not help you but just for info/thread ...

I thought the Saloon has a lock on the outside? so you have no spare key?

[Steve_K]

I don't have a spare key unfortunately

[gupsterg]

:sad6: mate no other ideas than what you have ...

When you mean boot release switch not work do you mean one on boot lid? or do you have the switch in the drivers door cubby trim?

[Steve_K]

Both dont work unfortunately. I think I've blown a fuse. The only other thing I can think of is removing the switch in the door card, attaching the live to a 12v battery and hoping that it'll release the mechanism

[gupsterg]

I don't have a spare key unfortunately

Do you have the plastic emergency key?

[Steve_K]

I didn't even know there was one to be honest.

[zollaf]

not sure if its the same as an a6 but i got the keys out of a passat (?) once by removing a rear light with a drill. behind the light was a hole in the bodywork through which an arm fitted to retrieve the keys.
a new light cluster was cheaper than a lot more messing around.

[Steve_K]

Thanks for the reply. I've had the light clusters off before and unfortunately it's not the same. There's only a small hole for the wiring and its about the size of a 10 pence piece if I remember correctly

[zollaf]

that wouldn't work then, unless you could fish them out with a piece of wire ? its a tricky one, always is when people do it. i worked for vw assist so have been to plenty of cases like this.

[gupsterg]

Both dont work unfortunately. I think I've blown a fuse. The only other thing I can think of is removing the switch in the door card, attaching the live to a 12v battery and hoping that it'll release the mechanism

Have you seen the wiring diagram? my interpretation by viewing was one side of switch is connected to earth and other to door control unit and via a CAN/other signal when release button pressed boot open ...

[Steve_K]

What do VW assist actually do when people call up with the same problem?

[Steve_K]

I've got Elsawin so could have a look. Thing is, I replaced my CAN gateway when I upgraded to MMI high but I went into VCDS after I did the install and put everything back into my installation list. Thing is, no matter if I select boot electronics or not, neither release switch will operate the boot release

[zollaf]

never had one i couldn't get to but can't think of one that was in a boot like that, other than the passat. i can usually get a wire rod in and press the unlock button on something like a beetle or golf. if your keys are in a known place and accessible, i.e not under a bag then i would probably suggest the rear light option and fish them out with a rod. they are very secure cars and a big problem to break into.
i presume there is no boot release inside the car ? (obviously if there was you would have done this already, but just incase in your panick you havn't ?? ) ...

edit, you beat me to it in you last post ...

[Steve_K]

Yeah I've got a release switch in my drivers door card but typically, it doesn't work

[zollaf]

of course you can't turn the ignition on to get the computer working ??
is this release switch itself broken i wonder, or not working for another reason ?
does it just put 12v to a solonoid in the boot but doesn't have 12v to the switch ? could you bump power into it from a jumper wire. obviously need a wiring diagram and yes this is clutching at straws ?

[Steve_K]

Like I mentioned to gupsterg earlier, I was thinking about removing the boot release switch in the door card, attaching a 12v battery to the live wire from the switch and see if the releases the mechanism

[gupsterg]

I've got Elsawin so could have a look.

View heading "Convenience system" page 10 (104/10) ...

I was viewing the SSP 326 electrics, page 53, under heading "Other functionalities" it says "– Tailgate/boot lid release"

If you connect VCDS and run a basic output test in module 46 will it actuate the boot release? my wife gone with car or I'd check ...

*** edit read below ***


of course you can't turn the ignition on to get the computer working ??

:( no go with VCDS then either :banghead: ...

[Steve_K]

I completely agree mate, I'd be able to operate the boot release through vcds. However I need the ignition on to access the system

[zollaf]

won't he need to turn the ign on though, using the key that locked in the boot ?

[gupsterg]

Yep, I edited post 18 after posting it and perhaps it not show whilst you were viewing Zol :) ...

So as a recap ...

No VCDS options gonna work as no key to switch electrics on ...

There are no accessible holes into boot and the hole behind cluster is too small for key/tool for fishing ...

Electronic boot release are not functioning after CAN gateway changed and coded to car, I've found no coding either for these 'releases' ...

I've just been viewing info on rear lid removal etc and saw this





4 -Bowden cable for emergency release




*

Country-specific version - not fitted to all vehicles




I can't find info where the operating point is for this release (if fitted to UK cars) I have an Avant owners manual so not have some of Saloon info do you have owners manual?

The above bowden cable is separately shown than the one going to lock cylinder on boot, item 14 this diagram ... Link:- http://www.jimellisaudiparts.com/showAssembly.aspx?ukey_assembly=751269&ukey_make=1081

[Steve_K]

I can't really work it out either, judging by the diagrams. There must be some way of gaining access to it. Thanks for posting that gupsterg. It might be worth a punt with the 12v battery on the live wire. Surely it just sends a current to the motor in the release catch

[gupsterg]

I don't think it does ...

The release switch plugs into door control module, door control module via CAN talks to J393 the convenience system module (J393 is in the boot :() this in turn talks to the lock ...

View 'Bus topology' SSP 326 page 6 & 7 ...

I have my fingers crossed for you though ...

The emergency release for the lock on fuel filler cover is located in boot behind trim on right a red chord...
The emergency release for boot lid must be somewhere in the interior area, if fitted ...

I swear I just found a post about a red chord under rear seats or in that area and can't now find it or am I imagining it :confused: ...

[Steve_K]

Im going to have a proper look for an emergency boot release now. I didn't even know there was one. I'll see what google throws up

[Whippy53]

I had a similar problem on my 05 passat where the boot release simply wouldn't work (door or bootlid) the emergency release was on the underneath of the bootlid. Not much use if you can't get the seats down however. Hope you sort it.

[Steve_K]

Thanks Whippy. I've just called out recovery that I've got through my bank and they're going to try and get access through the manual lock on the boot lid. Failing that though, I'm starting to consider the idea of cutting a hole in the metal bulkhead behind the rear seats. I can't think of any other solution to be honest

[johnsimcox]

Im going to have a proper look for an emergency boot release now. I didn't even know there was one. I'll see what google throws up
Don't think this is fitted in the UK. In the US it is a requirement that the boot can be opened from inside the boot in case you happen to lock someone in it and there is a strap hanging of the inside of the boot lid to achieve this. Unfortunately you would have to be inside the boot to get to it

[gupsterg]

Mine have a emergency boot unlock mechanism, as all Avant's seats fold you gain access to boot area then there is a small trim on boot lid trim which you remove and use a screwdriver to release lock, it is shown in owners manual as well ...

Has anyone got UK A6 Saloon (4F) owners manual?

[Guest 2]

I'm pretty sure mine has an emergency release thing but I'm still in work and I'll look when I leave.


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[Guest 2]

Also first thing to do when you do get your keys back is to get a spare asap!!


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[Steve_K]

Cheers for your help guys. If the emergency boot release is actually in the boot then I've definitely got issues

[Steve_K]

Yeah i couldn't agree more Chris. That's first on my agenda as soon as all this is sorted

[gupsterg]

Chris may have as he has quattro saloon thus can fold seats to gain access, at least we'll know after he checks :fing02: ...

So I'm guessing Steve you have no owners manual?

[Steve_K]

I do have an owners manual but i work away from home so I'll have to ring home and get her to check

[Steve_K]

I've just had her check it and it doesn't mention anything other than the obvious methods.

[daveplyjeep]

Hi

If you power up the lock circuit the boot should open on its own because the keys are inside.

Dave

[MarkTM]

No boot release in mine that I'm aware of (07 saloon quattro) I've just folded down the seats and removed stuff when I couldn't get the key out of the ignition a few weeks back.

[Steve_K]

Thanks Dave. Any idea how to go about that?

[gupsterg]

If you power up the lock circuit the boot should open on its own because the keys are inside.

Dave you have advanced key/keyless entry, which have that feature and it would not allow the boot to lock in the first place, Steve not have advanced key/keyless entry :) ...


I've just had her check it and it doesn't mention anything other than the obvious methods.

Sorry to hear that :rolleyes: ... so how are breakdown guys getting on?

Earlier you were suggesting feeding 12v to the wiring of release switch, I think you would be making the wire on switch which connect to door module connect to earth to make release happen, what do you think? ref the wiring diagram ...

You may have to wake the car by say closing/opening door via handle or switching on/off MMI, that's also if car hasn't started to switch thinks off due to how it monitors battery power draw and lack of charging ...

[johnsimcox]

This exploded parts diagram (http://www.jimellisaudiparts.com/showAssembly.aspx?ukey_assembly=751269&ukey_make=1081) may help you. Relates to a US spec but in the main should be the same as for the UK, except we do not have the remote cable release

[gupsterg]

Yep linked that earlier in Link:- post 21 (http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?149021-Keys-locked-in-the-boot&p=833538#post833538) ... can't seem to find any info on where the chord would be :confused: regardless of country/fitted or not ...


If you power up the lock circuit the boot should open on its own because the keys are inside.

I earlier checked SSP 326 regarding what module the lock would be connected to ...

J393 Convenience system module (this is located in boot) and wiring diagram show:-

F123 - Rear lid contact switch for anti-theft alarm system

F124 - Contact switch in lock cylinder for rear lid, anti-theft alarm system, central locking system

F248 - Release button for rear lid lock cylinder

V53 - Rear lid central locking motor

V155 - Tank filler flap locking motor

Now only way I can see anything opening is via a signal over the CAN system, which at this moment can't see how can be initiated with the only key to car locked in boot ...

I think best route maybe Steve how earlier you suggested cutting metal behind rear seats, connecting the release wiring in front door to earth may not work as modules have not responded to switches, which are not faulty as you said they stopped responding due to CAN gateway swap ...

[zollaf]

pour acid on the boot lid then claim off the anti corrosion warranty :)

sorry, i will go now.

[size12]

Seriously pay £40-£50 and get a autolocksmith there to pick the lock it would be open in a few min's and probably do a spare key while he's there.

For future reader the boot release won't operate unless the car was unlocked with remote or they see a programmed key in the ignition.

[royclark]

Now I'm fully aware how idiot locking your keys in the boot is but it's easier said than done, trust me. Anyway, I've tried getting access through the back of the rear seats but its a solid metal bulkhead behind so no chance there. Short of paying a small fortune for a locksmith or RAC etc, is there any way into the boot? The boot release catch doesn't work in the car. It's a 2006 A6 saloon. Thanks in advance

Could you get the local Audi dealership to code you a new key ?

[size12]

Could you get the local Audi dealership to code you a new key ?

1) how does he get the car to them?
2) he would have to wait a couple of days for the key to be ordered.

[royclark]

1) how does he get the car to them?
2) he would have to wait a couple of days for the key to be ordered.

I thought they did it from the VIN. I kinow, anyone could walk in with a vin and ask for a key, the same as anyone could ask a keysmith to open etc. etc.
I didn't know it took two days to code a key. :rolleyes:
It was just a thought. I have not been in this position so never had to order one.
When the car was purchased it should have had a plastic key as well to open doors etc.

[size12]

The coding only take a few minutes but the dealers have no way of cutting you a key they order it to vin number already cut.

[gupsterg]

I thought they did it from the VIN. I kinow, anyone could walk in with a vin and ask for a key, the same as anyone could ask a keysmith to open etc. etc.

You'd be surprised Roy when I wanted a Peugeot key done at dealer they actually ask for ID, proof of ownership before they order/cut/code key ...

I would think a real auto locksmith would also want such info ...

And dealer said 2-3 weels for ignition barrel/door locks/key ...


When the car was purchased it should have had a plastic key as well to open doors etc.

If car bought second hand like this one and you never knew and bought car ....

[johnsimcox]

Could you get the local Audi dealership to code you a new key ?
Based on my experience with our 2006 Polo, the VW had to order a cut key from VAG in Milton Keynes and then they coded it with the car at the dealer. As gupsterg says they needed the V5 before they would order the key. A while later I used a mobile locksmith to repeat the process as a key had been lost. They were able to cut the key from the existing key and then code it in my driveway but I appreciate it is a risky process and you need to be sure of who you are dealing with. The coding process of a new key erases the car's knowledge of all existing keys and therefore you need to have all the keys there and have them coded if you want them to do anything other than unlock the door

[johnsimcox]

I thought they did it from the VIN. I kinow, anyone could walk in with a vin and ask for a key, the same as anyone could ask a keysmith to open etc. etc.
I didn't know it took two days to code a key. :rolleyes:
It was just a thought. I have not been in this position so never had to order one.
When the car was purchased it should have had a plastic key as well to open doors etc.
The plastic key will also start the car as it has an immobiliser chip in it

[Lukenkarl]

Hole saw and fishing rod :scared:

[A6H**]

1) how does he get the car to them?
2) he would have to wait a couple of days for the key to be ordered.

I would have thought Audi would be able to get a key cut from the vin number of the car and then would need the car at the dealership to code the key in (that's what I did when I needed a new key for my Vauxhall Vectra). but surely the op would still be able to open the boot manually using the key hole on the boot to open the boot with a new key and recover his existing key without the coding having to be done?

The coding is only required to either unlock the car via remote central locking and to start the car.... right?

[Lukenkarl]

:sleeping:So is the problem solved yet?? if it is ..How?