dead battery and more, advice?

Because of the central locking system most people do not use the key in the door locks. The locks can become stuck over time. You might try to inject some WD 40 or other similar lubricant into the lock and then try to work it with the key until it loosens up.

you have managed to get inside the vehicle to attempt to start it..........you obviously did with the remote. at this time, buying a new battery would be a good bet and probably as costly as the slim Jim man.

my new, 2 year old, Vitara battery we TU.............the dealer replaced it after a few words were exchanged. Their policy being the battery was not covered under the 3 year warranty..............this being my 5th vehicle from them, they fitted a new one FOC. So batteries are like all things they last as long as they last. It only takes 1 cell to go west.

although I can open my A4's doors manually, turning the key takes some force.........probably more than one would like. With the key mounted in its plastic fob it does make me cringe a bit but I do it slowly and hold the fob close to the key blade. I am not sure how this works because it still opens all the doors so some lecy must be required, perhaps a very minimum. although your battery seems dead there may be a small charge there.

dj A4 V6 2.4 1998..........new VARTA battery 2 years ago after same probs as you.

try the passenger side lock to open the door...