Locked out of Altima due to dead battery!

[TomNJ]

I left my locked 2008 Altima 2.4SL in the driveway when I went on vacation last week. When I returned today, the Fob would not unlock the doors or the trunk, so I tried my wife's Fob and it also didn't work. I therefore assumed I must have left something on when I left and the car battery is dead, so I removed the key from the Fob to open the driver's door. The key turns easily in both directions, but the door will not open. Same thing for my wife's key - apparently the key has some electronic element and it not totally mechanical. So I am completely locked out of the car. Since I can't get in, I can't release the hood to charge the battery! Catch 22!!!

I can't believe Nissan could be so stupid to never anticipate a battery may drain on a locked car. What am I missing here? How can I get into my car??

Tom NJ

[centralcoaster33]

This is very interesting. I would have guessed the key would work. Do you have any updates on how you got into your car and if your battery was actually dead?

[seldomseen]

What ever became of this matter? The metal key is designed to open door if even the car's battery is dead.

[Robs 08 Altima]

Unless the battery itself has an issue, the car has a feature that if something is left on that is putting a draw on the battery (headlights or interior lights for example) the computer will automatically turn those items off to prevent killing the battery. This feature has come on handy several times as I have left the interior lights in my 08 Altima several times and the computer saved the day.

As for the key not working.......... Sounds like something mechanically wrong inside the door. You obviously have the right key if it is turning.

I'd also be interested to know what came of your situation.

[Rogue One]

I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for a reply as the OP hasn't logged back in since they day after he posted this, six months ago.

While I'm not intimately familiar with the vehicle in question, I have to wonder why he did not open the trunk and push the rear seat down to access the cabin?

[Robs 08 Altima]

No Manual key entry on this vehicle. Remote or push button on trunk only.