Scottish Elises

Any suggestions as to how to to get into an Elise (S2) if both locks fail?
When I press the button on the fob, I can hear the central locking motor and the 2 pins (not sure what the correct name is for things that pop up) move a fraction, but not enough to open the doors. The hazard lights flash and the alarm will sound if I open the boot with the key.
I've checked the battery and charged it fully, but it makes no difference.
Typically, I put the hard top on a couple of weeks ago, which makes it even harder to get any wires in to try and manually lift the pins

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What happens when you try the key in the door lock?
I once used that thin, flat plastic strip stuff you get on boxed parcels to slip between the window and rubber seal to lift a door pin once (on a Nova!) when I was locked out. Might be easier than wire??

The key isn't linked to the central locking. You can lock the doors with the key, but they're not linked to the pins. Only the central locking mechanism works on them. Typical Lotus logic.
I'll try wires and various other "tools" at the weekend, but my plan B is to drill a small hole in the side window and use a screwdriver to prise the pin up. Then seal the hold with clear resin.

You probably need a universal key*. I have one at home if you want to borrow it? Or you'll probably find someone more local has one.








* Universal key AKA a brick.

Dominic wrote: ↑

Wed Nov 26, 2025 12:03 pm

You probably need a universal key*. I have one at home if you want to borrow it? Or you'll probably find someone more local has one.








* Universal key AKA a brick.

Not sure how that'll fit between the door and the window

duggiesmith wrote: ↑

Wed Nov 26, 2025 12:37 pm

Dominic wrote: ↑

Wed Nov 26, 2025 12:03 pm

You probably need a universal key*. I have one at home if you want to borrow it? Or you'll probably find someone more local has one.








* Universal key AKA a brick.

Not sure how that'll fit between the door and the window

Sorry, not much help.

Uncle Craig will know

a) what’s failed
b) how to open the car without WMDs
c) what needs done to fix

Recent experience has shown that speaking to Uncle Craig can seriously damage your bank balance
No doubt, it will end up there though.

I’m finding it depends more on the age of your vehicle.

And whether it’s a Lotus or not