Jeep Renegade has become popular over the years because of its reliability, comfort, and style.
However, locking your keys inside your Jeep Renegade is a frustrating experience for Jeep Renegade users.
But you don’t have to get frustrated because there are ways to unlock your vehicle without needing a professional locksmith.
In this article, I will walk you through some simple methods that can be executed with basic tools.
By following the simple steps given in this article, it will allow you to regain access to your Jeep quickly and efficiently.
Understanding the Flipper Lock
To fix this problem, you first have to understand how the flipper lock works in the Jeep Renegade.
It is equipped with a unique locking mechanism known as a flipper lock, located just above the door handle.
You can simply access this lock without damaging your vehicle if you know the right technique.
In the section given below, I will discuss and talk about the tools you will need and the steps to follow to unlock your Jeep successfully.
Here are the methods to fix this problem:
- Air Bag Method
- Slim Jim Method
- Coat Hunger Method
Tools Required
To unlock your Jeep at home, you have to have a basic understanding of the tools that are needed.
Here is the list of the tools that you need to unlock your Jeep Renegade.
- Airbag: The first thing that is required for you to unlock your Jeep lock is a super air jack or similar airbag tool for this process. You can obtain one from tool retailers like JB Tool Discounter or similar stores.
- Reach Tool: A plastic-coated reach tool with a rubber tip is very important to avoid scratching your vehicle’s finish.
- Wood Wedge or Door Stop: If you don’t have an airbag, a wood wedge or door stop can be used as an alternative but with extra care.
Step-by-Step Unlocking Process
If you have the knowledge and basic understanding of tools that are required for unlocking a Jeep Renegade, now is the time for actual work.
Let’s have the tools ready in your hand, and move on to the unlocking process. Follow these steps one by one carefully to avoid damaging your vehicle.
1. Insert the Airbag
The first step is very easy and simple unlock your Jeep Renegade. In this step, you have to insert the airbag into the door.
If you are using a wood wedge, insert it gently between the door and the frame to avoid damage.
You also have to make sure that you create a gap of about three inches at the top of the door for the reach tool.
2. Inflate the Airbag
Once the airbag is in place, pump it up slowly. Be cautious not to overinflate it, as you don’t want to cause any damage to the door.
Because the end goal is to create just enough space to fit the reach tool inside.
3. Insert the Reach Tool
After inflating the airbag, take your reach tool and carefully insert it into the gap created by the airbag.
The plastic coating and rubber tip will help you to prevent any scratches or damage to your door.
4. Access the Flipper Lock
After all the above steps, now navigate the reach tool towards the flipper lock. Depending on your visibility, you may need to adjust your angle to locate it.
Once you have the tool in position, hook the flipper lock and pull it backward to unlock the door.
5. Deflate the Airbag
After successfully unlocking the door, carefully remove the reach tool and loosen the valve on the airbag to deflate it.
As the airbag deflates, the door should return to its original position without any damage.
6. Verify the Unlock
Once the airbag is removed, make sure to check that the door is flush and there are no visible signs of damage.
If you have done everything correctly, it should appear as though the vehicle has never been tampered with.
Alternative Methods
Using an airbag and reach tool is one of the most effective methods to unlock the Jeep Renegade.
If these methods don’t work, there are alternative methods you can try if you don’t have access to these tools.
Using a Slim Jim
A Slim Jim is a long, flat tool that can be used to manipulate the locking mechanism inside the door.
But this method is not as simple as it looks in this article. However, using a Slim Jim requires some skill and knowledge of the specific vehicle’s locking mechanism.
If you don’t have specific knowledge about your vehicle’s locking mechanism you may face some trouble in this particular method.
It is crucial to understand how to navigate the tool without causing damage to the internal components of the door.
Using a Coat Hanger
The Slim Jim method is not very easy to use to unlock your Jeep. But if you failed at the Slim Jim method, you can unlock your Jeep by using a coat hanger method.
if you find yourself in a pinch, a coat hanger can be fashioned into a makeshift reach tool.
You can do this method by bending the coat hanger to create a hook at one end and using it to pull the flipper lock or press the unlock button inside the vehicle.
This method may require some patience and finesse, otherwise you can damage your Jeep Renegade.
Safety Precautions
When attempting to unlock your Jeep Renegade, it’s essential to take safety precautions to prevent damage or injury.
Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Always work slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the door or locking mechanism.
- If you’re unsure about the process, it is better to consider professional assistance to avoid costly repairs.
- Also, make sure that the tools you are using are appropriate for the task at hand.
Conclusion
In conclusion, unlocking your Jeep Renegade without a key is a straightforward process when you have the right tools and techniques.
You can choose so many methods to unlock your Jeep like an airbag and reach tool or alternative methods.
Always try to prioritize the safety of your Jeep Renegade and care to avoid damaging your vehicle.
But with practice, you can effectively unlock your Jeep and save both time and money.
FAQs
How to manually unlock a Jeep Renegade?
If you want to unlock your Jeep Renegade manually, the first thing to do is to locate the mechanical key which is hidden inside the key fob.
You can find the hidden key by pressing the small button on the back to release it.
The next step is to find the concealed keyhole which is located behind the driver’s door handle.
The last thing to do is to insert the mechanical key into the keyhole and turn it to unlock the door.
This is how you can unlock your Jeep manually.
How do you unlock a car if you locked your keys inside?
If you want to unlock your car when the keys are inside, you can use a coat hanger or slim Jim to open the lock through the window gap.
If your car has remote unlocking features, you can use a spare key or a smartphone app.
If nothing works, the last option is to call a locksmith or roadside assistance service for help.
How to unlock Jeep doors?
When it comes to unlocking your Jeep, there are so many ways to unlock Jeep doors.
The most common way is to use the key fob or a smartphone app if available.
If the keys are locked inside, you can use a slim jim or a coat hanger to manually unlock the door through the window gap.
If you have modern Jeeps with advanced security, you can contact a locksmith or roadside assistance to avoid any damage.
Does Jeep Renegade automatically lock?
Yes, the Jeep Renegade has an automatic door-locking feature.
When your vehicle reaches a certain speed, something around 15 mph, the doors automatically lock for your safety.
This feature is available in most modern vehicles, including the Renegade.
Modern vehicles come with this feature just to ensure the safety of the occupants while driving.
Final Thoughts
Remember, this informational article is not just for professional locksmiths; it is also for everyday drivers who may find themselves in a tough situation.
If you ever lock your keys inside your Jeep Renegade, now you know to unlock it yourself.