"Stupid is as stupid does" - F Gump
 

Whilst doing some minor electrical stuff i accidently (stupidly) left the ignition on overnight with the obvious result. Fortunately (stupidly), I had also left the keys in the ignition and the car un-locked :o
So, no problem, I thought - just use the key to open the boot and charge/jump start. However, the key, whilst turning the lock, does only that! It rotates the whole lock mechanism (including the chrome suround) without seemingly engaging any mechanism to unlock the lid!
I do seem to remember something about attaching jump leads to the front chassis earthing point and and live supply somewhere up front.

Can anyone enlighten me?

Having searched on this forum I see that in one thread IT suggests applying current via the pax footwell fuse board. Just so I dont booger up something can someone verify that if it would be ok to I apply jump leads (NOT in order to jump start) to the 2nd (live) and 3rd (Earth) terminals from the left on the bottom in the attached photo.

Sounds like the rod/mechanism joining the key barrel to the lock has come off or broken. :tuttut:
Not difficult to investigate/fix. Once you have the boot open......

Can't help on applying power to the central locking system though, assuming that will work.

Assuming you have the right terminals (haven't checked, but I would agree they look like the right terminals), that should work.

If you're just aiming to raise the battery voltage enough to operate the CL though, I would be inclined to inject power through the fag lighter socket. That way you can be certain of polarity and you'll have the protection of a fused circuit.

Or, if you have a nearby Maplin, grab one of these:
http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/peak-car-t...arter-6m-n42kg

Thanks for that guys. The mechanism will get a thorough looking at when I get the boot open! I've got the leads out ready to connect so I'll find out in a minute..... Fortunately the leads were NOT in the boot as I had them in the motor home for a recent trip. :ROFL:

Not sure if cigarette lighter is live with ignition off on D2 but A6 I often charge through the cigarette lighter in the boot as I can put the charger and the end of extension cord in the boot an lock it while charging. Even if it is not live with ignition off you can still use it just turn the ignition on, you only need it for long enough to use central locking to open the boot then you can connect to the battery. If you use connections in the footwell you can use any of big red wires marked '30' for positive

Well, I haven't got a cig socket charger connection. And, having tried the big red wire and big black wire as a presumed earth it is clear that that is an incorrect assumption!! As confirmed by sparks.

This sounds familiar.

Right then, looking at that photo you've posted your car is on it's side.

I used the second on the left (the one with lots of wires going to it) and earthed on the door hinge. It'll get you into the boot +++

And you have your mobile turned off :tuttut:

The battery is flat! :)