This is an embarrassing question for me to ask.

I'm going to remove the main battery to charge it due to the car not being driven currently.

After removing the battery I will need to manually lock the door but I can't seem to have room to twist the key in the chamber.

Any thoughts?

 

aside from your physical "turn the key" difficulty, i'm pretty sure the door key just activates the electric locks so wont work with the battery removed.

 

No. It operates the mechanical lock, and this is specifically mentioned in the Owners Manual.



Does the key feel like it inserts farther than it should (like it doesn't "bottom out")? I wondering if the mechanism might be loose or misaligned.

 

Yeah, it feels like it's in too far.

Thanks

 

i used to close my car with no issues with the battery disconnected. perhaps it is already closed!?

 

I just tested mine out. Mine fits in with about 1/4" left before bottoming out. Turns fine both locking and unlocking.

 

Very nice, thanks for testing.

So I think I have an issue then

 

well if you've ever tried it there is no mistaking the electric solenoid sound as you turn the key. There is considerable travel left in the key after the door has unlocked. I suppose that's where it engages the physical lock if there is no electric power.