Stories of the Eagle
Gaining illegal entry into an Eagle Vision:
In April 2003, I locked the keys in the car on two occasions. Usually, this would be impossible because if the door is open and the keys are in the car, the door ajar sensor in the door jam will disconnect that locking mechanism (It’s the same sensor that turns the interior lights on and off). However, the sensor mechanism had been sticking, so it allowed me to lock the key in the car.

Fortunately, I have AAA. The first time I called for lock out service, it was late on a weekday night. The tow operator showed up, and after making a few attempts to open the door with a door wedge and a snake began swearing profusely. Several more minutes of struggle went by when he exclaimed, “What kind of car is this?” When I explained that it was an Eagle, in the same family as the Concorde and Intrepid, a MOPAR if you will (trying to appeal to his American car enthusiasm), he started using more expletives. Then he said he’s worked on those cars (Concorde/Intrepid) and never had a problem like this. I told him he could just go home and I’ll call someone else in the morning. (Note: never question a locksmith’s competence while he is working on your car.) After 30 minutes or so, he finally gained entry. At the end of the evening, I was quite proud of the Eagle. Nothing like frustrating a drunken locksmith/tow operator from AAA to make one smile.

The second incident happened a few weeks later. Once again, I called AAA. This time two professionals showed up. One was being trained. After several minutes of trying to unlock the door, he asked what kind of car is was. I gave him the same story as before. He said he’s worked on Concordes/Intrepids and their locking mechanism isn’t similar to the Eagle’s. I told him that the Eagle would be a good car to train new locksmiths on. To which, he replied, “I don’t ever want to see this car after today.” Several minutes later, he finally gained access. Once again, I was filled with a sense of pride knowing that the Eagle had once again humbled a locksmith. The morale of the story is to always have an extra key available should you lock your keys in the Eagle and if you’re a locksmith, leave hubris at the door. Update: I’ve since had a spare key made and I had the door ajar sensor replaced ($7.43 for the part, $24.60 labor). AAA will miss me.