HELP! My parents are locked out of their van!

[MrsRatbag]

This morning my dad tried to unlock his 1999 Econoline, but the automatic lock pad did not work. When he tried to use the key, it also did not work in any of the locks. We are completely baffled about what the problem might be or what to do about it! We thought possibly the battery might be dead, but the hood release is inside the cabin, and we couldn't get the outside latch to release by hand. The really puzzling thing is that the keys don't work at all; I've never seen a problem like this. Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions?

[theoldwizard]

First, the lock cylinder (the thing you pit the actual key into) don't work because you haven't used them and now they are rusted/gummed up. One you do get the doors open, it is not a big job to remove the interior trim panel, pule the clip that holds the lock cylinder and remove it. Sometime a little carb cleaner and penetrating oil will get them working. Somtimes a locksmith has to do a rebuild.

The Remote Keyless Entry module should not forget the transmitter fobs even if the battery is dead. Having said that, my RKE forgot about my fobs, so ....

[Surf McBrowse]

If you're in Canada try CAA: Home - Canadian Automobile Association | Association canadienne des automobilistes . You'll have to buy a membership (which is worth it for an older vehicle). They'll tow you out of a ditch, unlock your door, jump your battery etc. - on call 24/7. There must be something similar in the U.S.