How to Open the Door to a Nissan Micra When the Battery Is Dead—With Pictures

I have learned the hard way that if you leave a Nissan Micra for a while without driving it, the battery can go completely dead. This isn't usually a big problem, except for the fact that the electronic locking system won't work either so you can't get into the car to open the engine. If you can't get to the engine, you can't get a jump start, and you can't get the battery out to put it on charge. It is difficult to do anything at all!

Nissan made a hidden keyhole so you can get into your car when the battery is dead and the locking system doesn't work. You just need to know where it is, and you need to have a flat-head screw driver along with the key to your car. Here is my guide, with photos, on how to open your car door when the electronic locks don't work.

Look at the handle - you will notice the door handle is split into two sections. The smaller part of the handle has a tiny key symbol on it - you have to look really closely as it isn't obvious but once you locate it you'll wonder how you have missed it all this time!

This part of the handle has a plastic cover and it will pop off if you know how to do it. Bend down and look up, underneath this part of the handle you will see a small slot about 1cm across - it's just the right size and shape to put a screwdriver head into.

Put the screwdriver in the slot underneath and gently but firmly pull the screwdriver outwards to prise the cover off; it is just clicked into place so get the angle and pressure right and the end section will pop off. You don't turn the screwdriver, just use it to lever the cover off. Don't be too rough or you will break it as it is only plastic, but you will have to put some effort, in otherwise you won't budge it, especially if this is the first time you have removed it. I had to try a few times before it popped off, but it did in the end, you just have to persevere.

Once you have this bit off you will see a regular keyhole. Just unlock your car the old-fashioned way by putting your key in the lock and turning.

6. Once you have the battery powered again, don't forget to put the keyhole cover back on. Just put it in position and press, it'll click back into place.