Berlingo wont unlock

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Dilligaf99
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Berlingo wont unlock

Post by Dilligaf99 »

Hi all, my 2012 berlingo has decided to not unlock anymore on the thobe or key. I've replaced the thobe battery for a new one and I managed to get the bonnet open from the outside and got the battery checked today and also the thobe checked to see if it was giving off a signal and everything is fine with both. I've spoke to citroen today and they say they'd happily look at it if I can't get it to them but the problem is I can't get in it to start it or even see if it will start Has anyone else experienced this or have any knowledge of how to fix this problem.
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Re: Berlingo wont unlock

Post by GiveMeABreak »

Put the key with fob in the ignition, switch to ignition on, press the lock button within 10 seconds of this. The remove the key and repeat with the other fob.

This will resynchronise the keys after a battery change or a flat car battery
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Marc
Dilligaf99
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Re: Berlingo wont unlock

Post by Dilligaf99 »

Thanks for the reply and if I can get into the van I'll try that, the problem is I can't get into it
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Re: Berlingo wont unlock

Post by GiveMeABreak »

So are you saying you can’t unlock it with the key in the lock?
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Re: Berlingo wont unlock

Post by Dilligaf99 »

Yep, the key will go into the lock but it won't turn. I've tried all the doors and none of them will unlock, I did wd40 them up as I've seen they can get seized as they never get used as we all use thobs nowadays so I tried that and it still won't open.im at a complete end as it just doesn't make sense
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Re: Berlingo wont unlock

Post by GiveMeABreak »

Ok, so you have a bit of an issue. There is no way to open the car with the key with no battery power (car battery). It can only be opened with the remote fob, pressing internally on the door opening switch or with the key as long as there is power from the car battery, or using the internal door release lever from the inside.

So it looks like the car battery is duff, or there is an connection problem from the battery to the vehicle's systems. This is extremely rare, as even with a poor car battery there should be enough power to operate the central locking. So obviously no power getting through.... I'm not sure how you are going to get the vehicle open now except via recovery, but if you do, I would not lock it again until you get the issue resolved.

So short of gaining access to the battery
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Re: Berlingo wont unlock

Post by myglaren »

Marc - he says in his original post that the battery has been checked.

I know this is going to sound stupid but - is it the right key?
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Re: Berlingo wont unlock

Post by GiveMeABreak »

Yes, just thought it's worth checking again - it won't be the first time polarity has been reversed and fried the ECUs. But has to be an electrical issue because even if the fobs were not synchronised, the key would allow the central locking to operate and unlock the doors. It's not a mechanical system here - purely electronic, so all that the key does is operate the circuit. As that's failing, it means there's no power, so it may mean speaking to his recovery service and asking them nicely to assist with entry - We can at least then determine if there is any sign of life with the ignition switched on, or at least get the bonnet released / a diagnostic done.
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Re: Berlingo wont unlock

Post by xantia_v6 »

Perhaps the ignition barrel has been changed, and that key has never fitted the door locks?

If that is the case, you will need someone to force open a door enough to unlock it from the inside (I hope that it does not have deadlocks).

Or you could try obtaining a replacement key using the VIN for identification, as it is more likely that the door locks are original.
Dilligaf99
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Re: Berlingo wont unlock

Post by Dilligaf99 »

Yes the van battery is all good, as for the keys I'm assuming there the original ones but i can't be 100% as I got the van from a dealer. I'm going to get a local locksmith too hopefully come out and get a door open then I can see if the van will start

Thank you all for your input
Dilligaf99
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Re: Berlingo wont unlock

Post by Dilligaf99 »

GiveMeABreak wrote: 15 Oct 2019, 00:26 Yes, just thought it's worth checking again - it won't be the first time polarity has been reversed and fried the ECUs. But has to be an electrical issue because even if the fobs were not synchronised, the key would allow the central locking to operate and unlock the doors. It's not a mechanical system here - purely electronic, so all that the key does is operate the circuit. As that's failing, it means there's no power, so it may mean speaking to his recovery service and asking them nicely to assist with entry - We can at least then determine if there is any sign of life with the ignition switched on, or at least get the bonnet released / a diagnostic done.
I did manage to get the bonnet open from laying underneath the van and I've left it so the it can be undone as normal from when youve realised it from the inside, so my next question is can one of them diagnostic computers be hooked up to from the engine or is that part in the cab as my truck is in the inside
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Re: Berlingo wont unlock

Post by GiveMeABreak »

No, the diagnostic port is inside the vehicle where the BSI is - generally in the glovebox where the cabin fuse boxes are.

But now you have the bonnet open, you can at least start checking the electrical wiring, especially from the battery to the engine fusebox.

Please post up your VIN and I'll have a look at the diagrams for the locking circuit that may help.
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Dilligaf99
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Re: Berlingo wont unlock

Post by Dilligaf99 »

So I had the locksmith out yesterday and it turns out that there was a snapped off key in the door and the key that come with the vehicle was a after market one and wasn't cut right hence why it wouldnt unlock the doors in the key holes and the fob dicided to deactivate from the van,but it's all sorted now thanks to the locksmith and I'm now up and running

I'd just like to thank you all for your comments and help I really appreciate it
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Re: Berlingo wont unlock

Post by Paul-R »

Great news. Did the locksmith manage to remove the broken key blade? And does the key now open the door using the physical lock.
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Dilligaf99
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Re: Berlingo wont unlock

Post by Dilligaf99 »

He's taken the barrel to do this morning as he didn't have time last night and yes it does now unlock by putting the key in the lock as he cut it to the right shape but i find it strange it fitted the ignition and not the door locks, there was something also Jammed in the passenger door but he managed to get that sorted on site. God knows what the owner before did with it or I guess someone might of tried breaking into it when she had it. But it's all sorted now and the lock barrel will be fitted later on today
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