Dead battery, can't unlock, black key won't turn but gray key does... - Toyota 4Runner Forum

AngryHumanoid · 12-31-2024, 05:51 PM

I searched and can't find an issue quite describing mine.

Battery is totally dead, all doors are locked and hood is down. I can insert the black key but it will not turn. I can insert the gray key and it WILL turn, but it is not unlocking the driver door. I've tried 3 in 1 lubricant with no luck.

I'd like an option that doesn't involve additional damage to the vehicle and/or paying someone to break in, but I'll do what I have to do at this point. I'm willing to go get a locksmith set (wedge, airbag, lock pole) but how easy are those to use on a 4Runner?

4R005 · 12-31-2024, 07:45 PM

Check YT vids on how to use a slim jim to snag mechanism (rod) to unlock door. Believe this is method used by locksmith if you should call on one to unlock your car door.

AuSeeker · 12-31-2024, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4R005

Check YT vids on how to use a slim jim to snag mechanism (rod) to unlock door. Believe this is method used by locksmith if you should call on one to unlock your car door.

A SlimJim is not going to work on a 4th Gen T4R, the locking linkage is setup different than the old days, those only work on much older vehicles where the lock button was pushed down to lock and pulled up to unlock.

I had to have a locksmith come and unlock my 2004 T4R, he used the wedge, airbag and pole to get mine unlocked, took him about 10 minutes...cost $80

I was going to buy those for myself until thinking about it a bit, if I had to unlock mine using them they would most likely be locked in the vehicle with the rest of my tools, LOL.

Hungryhawk · 01-01-2025, 11:33 AM

I assume you tried rear hatch too?
What is temperature? Cold batteries output lowest, warm batteries output more voltage.
Perhaps if you warm up the truck- you might get it to unlock?

4R005 · 01-01-2025, 06:12 PM

Do a search for 'Hood release cable' in this forum. There were several that mentioned pulling on the cable from beneath vehicle. Also another mentioned removing splash cover (flexible) behind front passenger wheel to expose positive cable ( V8 not sure where V6 alt's location ) and charge battery using this connection. FWIW for my '05 4R and '21 Taco I've charging clamps on battery posts with a short pigtail to back of hood to connect to solar ( 4R ) and 2 amp trickle charger ('21 Taco) for this 'doomsday' scenario. Good luck.

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