How To Unlock Car When Key Is Inside

[MoVolvos]

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Yesterday I went to install the shifter assembly after creating a fix for the shift lever besides installing new claws. The battery had died and would not charge in the car so had to climb into the 3rd row to pull it out. The 3rd row would not fold down so it was quite heavy lifting it over the 3rd row. Later found a video (see below) showing potentially why it's stuck.

After installing the shifter assembly turned the key to unlock the steering allowing the car to move forward slightly. Since the battery was out there was no chime .
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After watching a bunch of videos and reading a few forums, a Volvo owner and tow trunk driver said they all dreaded unlocking Volvos. Although I have AAA didn't want to chance them damaging the lock assembly using a Slim Jim so decided to try the string method. After getting it unlocked I know these two tools below would have made this work 10 time simpler and quicker without any potential for seal damage.
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Heavy Duty Button Master for Emergency Tool Long Reach Grabber Tool - Long Enough To Potentially Pull Door Handle.
(www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CJDJXDQF/re ... =UTF8&th=1)
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4 Pcs Air Wedge Bag Set Commercial Grade Air Wedge Bag Pump Leveling Kit - Provide A Much Larger Gap Than A Bone Tool.
(www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CQYB71Y7/re ... UTF8&psc=1)
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1) Used the thick blue bone tool at the upper left edge and then inserted two other white Volvo bone tools further down the door.
2) Gap was quite small and string would not come down from the left upper edge. Decided (Son) to thread the string in the bone tool hole and shoved it into the car with both ends still on the outside.
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo- ... 90-9814071
3) The first attempt failed as the BLISS wouldn't allow the string to come all the way down so as we pull to close the loop it came off at the very end. We centered the loop as we pulled.
4) On the second try Son got the loop to catch on the right side and pulled left to close the loop and it stayed on till the loop closed tight.
5) We did remove the blue bone tool to the Bliss end and wedge it into the door frame to provide the string with a little more gap to move up down in and out so not to the damage the seal.
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2012 XC90 Lock Out 1.jpg (90.68 KiB) Viewed 856 times

2012 XC90 Lock Out 2.jpg (88.75 KiB) Viewed 856 times

2012 XC90 Lock Out 3.jpg (124.08 KiB) Viewed 856 times

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No Way This Easy To Get The String Into The Volvo.


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I Prefer Not To Wedge That Large Of A Gap For The Thick Lever. See Grabber Tool Above.

[chitownV]

There are a lot of newer vehicles that make it more difficult to use a "slim-jim" to unlock a vehicle door. The side impact beam also can interfere with access. If AAA or a locksmith doesn't have a wedge airbag nowadays, then don't rust them. That is really the only way to gain access for a long bar, sting, or other tool to unlock the door. Just ensure whoever is pumping the airbag doesn't pump it too much where it can twist the door frame.