Everyone has busy lives nowadays rushing from one point to another and it can make or break our day if we find we can’t get into our car!
With cars evolving with every new model that is released there is no wonder that locking your automatic car then finding the key inside is becoming a very common mistake. Many makes and models only require for the key to be on your person before unlocking the car.
You may find that this is handy if your keys tend to always be at the bottom of your purse/briefcase. Then once you are in one push of a button the engine roars to life. Pretty neat!
On the other hand, when you realize that this handy mechanism has worked against you and you don’t actually have your key. In this article, we will be looking at how to unlock and start a Chrysler Sebring without a key.
Now the first option people tend to jump toward is getting out a professional. Maybe phoning a locksmith or a breakdown service. Whilst these options will work you need to be prepared that they may also leave a real dent in your wallet.
These things cost money and sometimes a call-out fee is more expensive than buying a spare key. Not to mention if they can’t open the door you may have to call a tow truck to move your vehicle.
There are however other options. Now before you go full throttle and smash in your car window check out some handy hints and tips below, they could save you time and money in the long run!
Depending on what year your Chrysler is, you may be dealing with manual locks. If this is the case then you need to find a wedge, many professionals use a strong airbag that can manipulate the door frame wide enough for you to pry the lock open.
Ideally, anything that will create a space for you to insert a rod of any sort, wire hanger, Ariel off your car, or a stick even to pry the lock open should work.
Once you have created a gap between the frame and the door you can insert the rod carefully and manipulate the locking system on the door to open it. You may need to lasso the end of the rod to hook it onto the locking pin. With a gentle tug, it can give you access to your car!
It is important to note that gentle pulling of the door frame won’t cause damage. But you have to be super careful to take your time, essentially the car was not manufactured to bend but with the correct amount of force in the right place it will give a little.
If your Chrysler has automatic locks then this can be slightly harder. The first thing you need to be sure of is where the automatic unlocking switch is. It could be located on the driver’s side door or on the center console of the car.
Once you have identified the button then using the same method as above, pry the door frame open slightly, and using your hook and rod tool reach and press the button for access.
Automatic car frames are harder and more robust so be sure to take your time when wedging the door, you don’t want to do any damage or in worst cases lose a finger!
There is a way you can open your car without the need for manipulating the door. The following tips are only recommended on manual locking systems. Using this method on automatic systems can cause damage to internal wires and end up costing you!
To create a Slim Jim tool you need a flat piece of metal or wire hanger. Flatten it out and make a hook on the end.
Insert your tool between the window and the weather membrane of the car. Move your Slim Jim around until you find the locking mechanism (usually under the locking pin of the car door). Once located push back on the mechanism and up.
This requires technique and patience as a few tries may be necessary. If you are the type of person to get hot and bothered by these things then maybe a professional is the best option for you.
If your Chrysler has a more up-to-date version of the lock then the points above will not work! Cars are being made harder to break into. The creation of this locking system is a great safety feature if you don’t want your car to get stolen.
Now, we are still locked outside your car, with no hope of opening it with a Slim Jim tool or door wedge. So what do you do?
Many cars come equipped with digital keys. These are handy little gadgets that won’t actually let you lock your keys inside your car. But losing the digital key can set you back a fair few dollars.
The plus side to these new locking systems is that every car has a Vehicle Identify number (VIN) and if you can see it – usually on the dash, a locksmith can code another key for you. If you cannot see the VIN number then check your insurance documents as they should be displayed on them clearly.
So you have gained access to your car but now how do you start it?
Chrysler Sebring cars are fitted with immobilizers and usually using the key will initially turn it off and start the car. But without a key is there a way you can start the engine?
In most Chrysler Sebring’s you should have access to the ‘code card’ this is a manual code that you can enter to bypass the immobilizer settings. Using the centralized button you can enter the digits and once you have entered the full code the car will be able to start.
There is the chance you can remove the immobilizer altogether and by doing this you can use wires alone to start the ignition but be warned doing this can void your insurance as it is designed to be an anti-theft mechanism. Taking away this mechanism can leave your car vulnerable to theft.
Yes, there are many free services available to you via the apple store or on android devices. Simply download on to your phone or tablet and pair the device you wish to keep tabs on. When you misplace the item, like a key fob, it can help you retrace your steps.
Unfortunately, you cannot unlock a car from under the hood. The locking mechanism isn’t located near the engine but rather inside the car unit itself. This is a safety feature to prevent cars from being easily stolen.
Essentially the key fob of a car is a small handheld device that can lock and unlock your car without the use of a key.
Pressing the buttons on the fob remotely opens the doors and vice versa locks the car. Be sure to remember that these fobs need batteries to operate and many times you may find that it is working intermittently, when in fact all it needs is a new battery to rectify the situation.
Replacing a key fob can be pricey. The best way to track one down is from the main dealership of the car. They can cost up to $600 to replace depending on the make and model of your car. So the best advice would be to make sure the fob is well and truly lost before purchasing a new one!
I hope we have shed some light on what to do in those hot under collar moments. There is no great time for you to be locked out of your car but it does happen. Always remember that you can ask for help in these situations, whether it be from a store assistant or a passerby.
One thing is for certain that once this has happened to you, you won’t let it happen again!
