Discovering the Hidden Solution: When Technology Fails, Florida Man Learns the Importance of Manual Door Releases in Corvettes
Update: 9-28-2023
In a recent incident in Florida, a man found himself in a predicament while sitting inside his C7 Corvette convertible at a gas station. He encountered a problem with the electric door release, rendering him stuck inside the vehicle. Instead of resorting to the readily available manual door release located on the floor near both the driver and passenger doors, he opted to use his cell phone to call the police for assistance in extricating himself.
Subsequently, Florida firefighters arrived at the scene, and rather than immediately resorting to extreme measures, they attempted to jumpstart the car. Unfortunately, this effort resulted in the unintended consequence of breaking the passenger window to free the trapped individual.
This resident of Davenport, Florida, had the passenger window shattered by firefighters as they opted for this course of action instead of simply utilizing the manual door release.
Regrettably, many individuals are unaware of the existence of a manual override mechanism designed to open the door in cases of battery failure or other electrical malfunctions. This manual door release is situated between the seat and the door on both the passenger and driver sides of all Corvettes equipped with electronic doors.
Here is a page out of the owner’s manual to help you find the Corvette door release lever:
Do you know how to escape out of your Corvette C-6 or C-7 in the event of a power failure?
May 10, 2017
It is very important to understand the doors on these cars are electrically operated, and if power fails due to a bad battery, loose wiring connection, or even a run-down key fob, your doors will not open in a customary way. A gentleman in Port Arthur, Texas, recently bought a used 2007 Corvette and was at a local diner with his dog when this happened. After eating, the gentleman entered his car and experienced a wiring connection failure. He and the dog were both found dead several hours later from heat exhaustion. He was found
A gentleman in Port Arthur, Texas, recently bought a used 2007 Corvette and was at a local diner with his dog when this happened. After eating, the gentleman entered his car and experienced a wiring connection failure. He and the dog were both found dead several hours later from heat exhaustion. He was found with the owner’s manual in his lap. Seemingly, he did not know the emergency exit procedure. These deaths were tragic and unnecessary! Most of us know batteries and wiring may fail instantly. Good one minute and gone the next. If this occurs while you are in the car, there is a lever on the
Most of us know batteries and wiring may fail instantly. Good one minute and gone the next. If this occurs while you are in the car, there is a lever on the floorboard next to the door on either side of the car you may lift, and the door will release. Should you be outside the car and cannot get in, you may remove the key from the fob, insert it into a key slot above the rear license plate, and twist it. This will open the trunk lid. Once done, there is a pull cord above the left rear fender you may pull, and the driver door will release. And, of course, you may always pop the roof and climb out the top.
One tragic death is too many! Let’s not let this happen again! Make sure your family knows these safety features. Take them outside right now and show them. If you are in the used car business and deal in Corvettes, be sure you understand the release features and demonstrate them to buyers before they leave the lot. Or if you sell your Corvette, be sure to inform the buyer.
Submitted by Vette Vues Magazine Reader: George Mc Daniel
Here are some tips on how to escape your Corvette if your power or your keyless access transmitter is lost on your Corvette C6 or C7.
If the battery dies on a C6 Corvette, the door-release buttons are inoperable. If you are outside of your Corvette and the battery is dead, and you want in, just above the rear license plate, there is a keyhole. This will open the trunk.
But what happens, in the worst-case scenario, and you are locked inside your Corvette? If your power or your keyless access transmitter is lost, you can pull on the door release handle located on the floor next to each seat.
Here is another article you might want to read:
How to get into your C8 Corvette if you have a dead battery
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