Gee6

Found this on another forum: [quote] I finally managed to make it work. I turned it (clockwise)* until I felt resistance then I pushed harder and it moved a tiny bit more and unlocked. The mechanism seems to be a bit stiff and might need some lubrication. [/quote] *NOTE: that was for lhd car. rhd would be reversed.

I've recently been round the battery roundabout but I never actually got locked out. I have read that it can take some effort to get the key to turn properly. Sorry I can't be more helpful. I am currently trying to decide on the best place to install a discrete 12V power socket (SAE type) so I can plug in charger, battery minder or supply without opening the bonnet.

Today I performed a free map update. Nothing special in that, maybe. However, I bought this 2018 XV 3 weeks ago and it is out of warranty. According to the update site, the subscription expired in 2022. (That's 1 year post warranty.) For the life of me, I could not find a way of buying a new subscription. A quick communication with Subaru UK confirmed there was an issue, but I should keep trying - not much chance I think. Couple of days ago I get an email advising that there is a new update available and I can download it for free!!! 🙂 But, future updates will need payment. My subscription has actually been "extended" until June. Anyway on to the update ...... Car needs to be running - DEAD CAR! Not wishing to play the hero (and car has a limited warranty) I called warranty providers service which turns out to be the AA. Diagnosis is a flat battery. After some work with the booster box (didn't work) and the booster cables (worked after a fashion) car was started. AA's opinion is that the battery is still OK as it was showing 58 amp charge rate from the alternator initially. I also learnt that you can't leave these cars unlocked!! Significant parasitic drain even with everything else off. Anyway, put the battery on charge for a while and had lunch. Then ran the engine and installed the update without issue. Back to the charger if the rain stops and also dig out my solar panel.

A little sad that my faithful old Kia Sorento needs to find a new home. Been driving it for over 15 years (it was my third of the breed). Now the owner of a 2018 XV 2.0i SE Premium which I am just getting used to. Why did I change? It's not a diesel! My mileage is now too low for that. It's 4wd. Not a necessity, but a huge 'must' for me, given the roads and the odd field to negotiate. My sister has a 2014 Forester, so I am familiar with the brand. Didn't want anything 'electric'. That can wait until the prices come down (relatively) or I'm dead and buried! Reasonable economy (relatively) I am old enough not to be swayed by looks or other peoples opinions 🙂