Help key won't work locks or ignition?
 

Have a 2003 RR HSE with 85K miles. Been away for three nights and went to open the trunk and the top hatch opened but not the bottom - then the alarm went off with all of the lights & the key fob would not work the locks, turn off the alarm or even work the manual lock when inserted into the door. Eventually the alarm went off and when you hit the key fob, you can hear the locks trying to work but nothing happens - even when you touch the back hat bottom half buttom - does not open.

So, I climbed in throught the back top hatch and key will not turn the ignition into any other position. Doors would not open off of the dash buttons - steering wheel is locked and interior lights did come on.

What advice to get locks to work and key to turn to allow car to start - really weird happenings.

Thanks,

John
Harrisonburg, VA

what's the battery voltage? Probably a good starting point.

My first though too lol.

Update
 

yes, the battery if very low (like 5-6 on the volt meter). When hooking up the jump start pack using the external battery terminal/ground it brings it:

(1) up to 11-12

(2) lets the key turn in the iginition

(3) the dash comes up - no unusual messages

(4) when trying to start - does not begin to turn over but can hear a click -- wonder if the alarm system is blocking still

(5) key does not manually work the driver door lock and cannot open this door from the inside via the door pull or the dash button that opens all locks.

Wonder if should get a new battery & try to install with the jumper pack on the external terminals (hope to save any programming - may be lost anyhow). If so, what is best battery to get (brand & specs.)

Or, if I put a new battery in it that the system is still in lockdown and won't let it start anyhow?

Have had the RR for 2 years and put about 15K miles on it. The current battery is an Interstate which I am guessing is not original - has not install or warranty date on it.

We do not have an owners manual which might help guide us with these questions.

Thank you for advice as we love the RR and closest dealer is 2 hours away.

John
Harrisonburg, VA

Apparent Success!
 

Bought a new Interstate Battery MPT-93 (what was previously in the RR) and installed using the "John Meeke of Sydney, Australia" solution posted on the internet. After install, while running did the move the steering wheel all left and then all right - as directed to help reset computer?

So the new battery has the car instantly starting and the radio, all locks, windows, messages on dash, etc all seem to be working normal. Moved the car up and down driveway - seems fine.

Tomorrow will take it for a drive and hope this fix is for real.

Thanks for the help and encouragement.

John
Harrisonburg, VA
2003 Bonitta Grey Range Rover HSE Lux


PS We don't have an operating manual for the RR. What is the best way to use the key fob to put the car in sleep mode (read somewhere if you don't the battery runs down faster?)