SS V8 Commodore and flat batteries all round.

[Aussie Jeepster]

4 years ago, our son bought an SS V8 Commodore. He drove it for a while, then due to a relationship problem, put it in storage.
Fast forward 4 years and he has decided to get it out of storage and take it to his new home.
Several issues here.
1. Motor has not been started/turned over for over 4 years.
2. Tyres all very low (10psi) and 1 flat.
3. Car was deadlocked from the electronic key.
4. Electronic key flat, and lithium battery corroded in place.
5. Car battery dead flat.

None of the battery issues surprise me, but we have now got a new electronic key sorted.
I've used my trusy ARB compressor to get all the tyres up to 30 psi.

Issue now is that because the car battery is flat, the electronic key won't open the car, and due to the deadlocking, the key blade does nothing to unlock the car.

Trying to figure how to get power to car battery as we can't open the bonnet. Do we call the RAA and hope they can open the car? Do we break a window to get in? Is there another way to get into the car?

And after all that, and assuming a replacement battery can be sorted, I wonder if it will start, considering all the electronics will have had no volts for a long time.

And then there is the engine - no oil in the top section for a long time, and what is the best way to try to start it, if it is going to start!!!!

He assumes it will just unlock and start, but I'm afraid he is going to be somewhat disappointed.

Any ideas from others??????

[Tins]

Any clue on the year of the car?

[trout1105]

If you can access the Positive (Fat) lead to the starter motor you should be able to charge the battery with a battery charger from underneath the car.
Just clip the Pos on the charger to the Pos on the starter motor and earth the Neg on the charger to the engine or any other good earthing point from underneath the car, This should put some kick back into the battery assuming that isn't Knackered as well.

[Tins]

If you can access the Positive (Fat) lead to the starter motor you should be able to charge the battery with a battery charger from underneath the car.
Just clip the Pos on the charger to the Pos on the starter motor and earth the Neg on the charger to the engine or any other good earthing point from underneath the car, This should put some kick back into the battery assuming that isn't Knackered as well.

Even if it is, that should provide power enough to unlock it. That's why I want to know how new it is. The later cars had a whole lot of gubbins in the way.

If all else fails get it towed to a Holden dealer.

[Mick_Marsh]

You don't need to deal with these problems.
Give the car to me.

In return, I'll give you a great little Camry.

[Tins]

a great little Camry.

An oxymoron if ever I saw one.

[Eevo]

If you can access the Positive (Fat) lead to the starter motor you should be able to charge the battery with a battery charger from underneath the car.
Just clip the Pos on the charger to the Pos on the starter motor and earth the Neg on the charger to the engine or any other good earthing point from underneath the car, This should put some kick back into the battery assuming that isn't Knackered as well.


this!!!

dont even need a charger, just some jumper cables and a 2nd battery.

once there is some power in the system. trying unlocking the car

if successful, open bonnet, charge or replace battery.
dump the oil and add new oil.


if you need a hand, send me a PM. i've done this a few times.

[Aussie Jeepster]

Any clue on the year of the car?
I'm waiting for him to let me know. I have no idea!

[Aussie Jeepster]

If you can access the Positive (Fat) lead to the starter motor you should be able to charge the battery with a battery charger from underneath the car.
Just clip the Pos on the charger to the Pos on the starter motor and earth the Neg on the charger to the engine or any other good earthing point from underneath the car, This should put some kick back into the battery assuming that isn't Knackered as well.
Knowing nothing about V8 Commodores, which side of the engine is the starter motor on? Driver or passenger? If I know where to look, it will help me.

[bee utey]

If it's a VE then the battery is in the boot, LH side from memory.

[bee utey]

Knowing nothing about V8 Commodores, which side of the engine is the starter motor on? Driver or passenger? If I know where to look, it will help me.

You won't be able to see it from above, so if the car is jacked up enough for someone to get under it you'll be able to see both sides easily enough.

[Aussie Jeepster]

If it's a VE then the battery is in the boot, LH side from memory.
I've just found out - it is a VY model.

[Tins]

I've just found out - it is a VY model.

The Commodore forums seem to suggest that the key in the driver's door will unlock it, you just need to turn harder.

As badman said, you should be able to unlock it manually with the key – if it's deadlocked it should still unlock with the key but I have heard that it's rather hard and feels like you're going to break the key while unlocking!

[rangieman]

I've just found out - it is a VY model.
Vy battery is under the Bonnet , So either unlock with the key or a jumper cable on the starter [wink11]

[Aussie Jeepster]

We will see what happens on Saturday when we go visit and try the key!

[Aussie Jeepster]

Well, today we called on the commodore and did a few things.
The key did manually unlock the door so we popped the bonnet and I hooked up my thumper.
We had elecronics all working!!!!!!!
One tyre had gone flat again, so we replaced it with the spare after I pumped it up. Flat tyre is stuffed.
Checked engine oil and topped it up. Checked coolant and brake fluid and levels were ok.
Turned engine over a few times without starting and let it sit for a bit then started it and let it idle for 10 mns.
No horrible sounds, just an idling engine.
Drove it 10 feet forward and 11 feet back, and all seemed ok.
Will be putting it on a car trailer next weekend and bringing it home for him to start working on it.
Clearcoat is stuffed, but otherwise, for a car which has not moved in 4 years, I'm surprised it did what it did.
Thanks for everyones help.