Access Problem - Battery

[Scotty2]

The key stopped opening my boot on my 96 RL some time ago. Not a problem because the central locking still opens it...until you leave the car for 3 weeks because of weather.

My battery is flat so the central locking won't operate. I can't open the boot to get at the battery to charge it!

I tried a solar trickle charger through the cigar lighter but it didn't work. Tried with the ignition switched on, stil nothing.

Where can I get access to wiring that will let me charge the battery with no boot access?

Does the rear cigar lighter stay live or is it through the ignition? There is another 12v socket in the boot - Ah wait...

Solutions please.

[stats007]

Can you not open the bonnet?

[Scotty2]

Yes I can open the bonnet, but the battery is in the boot.

[MULLINER]

Try putting a charged battery earth - to body of the car in the engine bay the + to the CDL fuse in the fuse box alternatively plug a charger in to the cigar lighter and let it charge up for a few hours.

if i can help do feel free to telephone me

[stats007]

Scotty2 said:

Yes I can open the bonnet, but the battery is in the boot.

Plenty of points to connect a booster battery or charger under the bonnet though.

[Scotty2]

OK will look for a point under the bonnet to attach a charger. The trickle charge through the cigar lighter did not work.

[Scotty2]

OK, looked under the bonnet and... Where do I risk putting 12V without blowing ECU or fuses e.t.c.

Little bit more help please.

[stats007]

Under bonnet courtesy light? Alternator connections? Fuse box directly if you're comfortable with that. Should be a number of earth connections - starter motor for example.

[Scotty2]

Used underbonnet light and managed to charge it enough to open the boot then finished off using the charger directly on the battery. Off for Sunday lunch to give her a run out.

Thanks for the help.

[stats007]

No problem - glad you got it sorted.

Any photos of the car at all?

[Scotty2]

[stats007]

That's nice - thanks for sharing.

[RoyaleDetailing]

lovely car scotty!