Locked Out

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duggiesmith
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Locked Out

Post by duggiesmith » Tue Nov 25, 2025 8:30 pm

Any suggestions as to how to to get into an Elise (S2) if both locks fail?
When I press the button on the fob, I can hear the central locking motor and the 2 pins (not sure what the correct name is for things that pop up) move a fraction, but not enough to open the doors. The hazard lights flash and the alarm will sound if I open the boot with the key.
I've checked the battery and charged it fully, but it makes no difference.
Typically, I put the hard top on a couple of weeks ago, which makes it even harder to get any wires in to try and manually lift the pins

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Duggie

There are 3 types of people in the world. Those that can add up and those that can't.

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DJ
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Re: Locked Out

Post by DJ » Wed Nov 26, 2025 9:42 am

What happens when you try the key in the door lock?
I once used that thin, flat plastic strip stuff you get on boxed parcels to slip between the window and rubber seal to lift a door pin once (on a Nova!) when I was locked out. Might be easier than wire??
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duggiesmith
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Re: Locked Out

Post by duggiesmith » Wed Nov 26, 2025 11:57 am

The key isn't linked to the central locking. You can lock the doors with the key, but they're not linked to the pins. Only the central locking mechanism works on them. Typical Lotus logic.
I'll try wires and various other "tools" at the weekend, but my plan B is to drill a small hole in the side window and use a screwdriver to prise the pin up. Then seal the hold with clear resin.
Duggie

There are 3 types of people in the world. Those that can add up and those that can't.

Aubergine Elise S
Plum Crazy Exige 410 Sport

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Dominic
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Re: Locked Out

Post by Dominic » Wed Nov 26, 2025 12:03 pm

You probably need a universal key*. I have one at home if you want to borrow it? Or you'll probably find someone more local has one.








* Universal key AKA a brick.
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1999 Lotus Elise Sport 135'99

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duggiesmith
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Re: Locked Out

Post by duggiesmith » Wed Nov 26, 2025 12:37 pm

Dominic wrote:
Wed Nov 26, 2025 12:03 pm
You probably need a universal key*. I have one at home if you want to borrow it? Or you'll probably find someone more local has one.








* Universal key AKA a brick.
:damnfunny
Not sure how that'll fit between the door and the window :?
Duggie

There are 3 types of people in the world. Those that can add up and those that can't.

Aubergine Elise S
Plum Crazy Exige 410 Sport

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Dominic
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Re: Locked Out

Post by Dominic » Wed Nov 26, 2025 12:48 pm

duggiesmith wrote:
Wed Nov 26, 2025 12:37 pm
Dominic wrote:
Wed Nov 26, 2025 12:03 pm
You probably need a universal key*. I have one at home if you want to borrow it? Or you'll probably find someone more local has one.








* Universal key AKA a brick.
:damnfunny
Not sure how that'll fit between the door and the window :?
Sorry, not much help.
http://www.dsaccountancy.com

1999 Lotus Elise Sport 135'99

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campbell
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Re: Locked Out

Post by campbell » Wed Nov 26, 2025 5:40 pm

Uncle Craig will know

a) what’s failed
b) how to open the car without WMDs
c) what needs done to fix

http://www.rathmhor.com | Coaching, training, consultancy

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duggiesmith
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Re: Locked Out

Post by duggiesmith » Thu Nov 27, 2025 10:13 am

Recent experience has shown that speaking to Uncle Craig can seriously damage your bank balance ;-)
No doubt, it will end up there though.
Duggie

There are 3 types of people in the world. Those that can add up and those that can't.

Aubergine Elise S
Plum Crazy Exige 410 Sport

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campbell
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Re: Locked Out

Post by campbell » Thu Nov 27, 2025 5:26 pm

I’m finding it depends more on the age of your vehicle.

And whether it’s a Lotus or not
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