Car Door Lock Stuck In Lock Position: How To Open Your Car And Fix Your Lock

If your door doesn’t open from the inside or outside, there are several reasons.

Some of the reasons are connection issues, rust, and dirt accumulation.

It could also be mechanical failure, door damage, water damage, broken handles, etc.

One of the simple solutions to this is to call an auto locksmith.

A portion of the mechanism could be loose.

You can detach the door panel to pinpoint the issue.

Detach the electrical contacts connected to the door panel.

The instant you yank the panel, you will see a plastic cover.

Pull it and look for problems stopping the door from opening.

Unscrew the self-contained panels on the entryway.

Check whether the issue is inside the shafts or the mechanism.

Honestly, most resolutions need accessing the lock assembly inside the door.

And, it is difficult to access with the door stuck in the lock position.

But, when you open the door using this method, try to find a lasting solution in the future.

Common Solutions

The preferable step to deal with these circumstances is to troubleshoot why your car is stuck in a locked position.

After your diagnosis, find the specific method to resolve the issue.

Take note that it may only boil down to two issues.

It could only be the car door lock assembly or the problem with the key.

Let’s look at some common causes:

Broken Key Fob

Most modern cars have a key fob or remote that allows keyless entry into the vehicle.

If you can’t unlock your car from the key fob, the issue could be the internal connection or battery.

You can quickly analyze this using the key to manually open your car.

If it opens, your key fob is broken.

You can solve this issue with a new fob or battery replacement.

Broken Connections

Broken connections with your lock assembly or door panel could be the reason why the lock is still in the lock position.

There is a higher chance that the problem may include a broken or poor connection from the lock cylinder or handle.

It could also be the external and interior link with the door latch.

But, this can be a wrong assumption.

It is best to check if any or all of these parts are detached or broken because it will obstruct the locking process.

When your car door becomes stuck because of a damaged connection, you can open it inside.

Check the external and internal connections, the inner locking switch, and the door cylinder.

A broken door or damaged lock could be another reason.

Somebody must have damaged the door lock during an accident.

If this is your problem, you have a bodywork issue with your car.

It would be best to replace your car door in this scenario because the keys won’t work.

The replacement is necessary because of the structural damage.

Rust, Grime, & Jamming

Besides removing a broken key from a lock, other things can jam the internal locking system of your door.

Some are dirt buildup in the locking assembly, rust, or broken door parts.

Check the keyway.

If you can’t fully insert your car key, it’s a good sign of a jam.

Nevertheless, this will not be an issue when using a key fob.

Try to move the door assembly from the inside and troubleshoot for blockage.

Rust, dirt, and grime can build up when exposed to other elements and weaken the latch.

The keyway may contain a foreign object.

Your best approach is to spray a lubricant on the hinge or lock.

Clear any sign of keyway blockage.

Structural Damage Problem

Structural damage problem ensues after an aggressive slamming door accident.

The latch could bend or disconnect from the lock assembly.

Generally, problems may vary, but the immediate solution is opening the door and replacing broken parts.

You may need the help of an automobile locksmith.

Take note that your car is where all the features are attached.

Since the frame is the structure of your vehicle, it will suffer damage with severe collision.

The structure will absorb the energy.

Once your vehicle is deformed, it will not drive properly and cause premature wearing on the steering wheel, suspension, and tires.

In some cases, the repair cost will exceed the car’s value.

But, if your car is repairable, some manufacturers use special types of equipment to put the structure back to its factory settings.

The door latch can get disconnected from the damage and its severity.

Or cause dysfunction to your door latch.

Immediate Solution

Get through another door if you need to be on the road immediately and the door is stuck.

While this does not fix your door issue, this will ensure you get where you are going in a pinch.

Confirm that the door is shut when you drive.

However, if your car door is stuck, never drive your car until fixed.

Conversely, you should not drive the car.

In the event of accidents, you can’t quickly leave the car.

This could put you in danger.

Temporary Fix

This is a temporary fix if you must use your can right away.

Remember, this can only work if your door is stuck open.

You can never get back to it once closed.

Find the car door latch.

Find the opening that hooks on the hasp of the door.

Insert a key or a pen into the opening.

Thrust the latch towards you in an upward action.

Shut the door.

However, if your car door is stuck closed, here’s what you can try:

Try to gain access through the stuck door.

Use the interior door locks, key remote, and handle.

If this doesn’t work, try another entry.

Face the interior side of the car with the stuck door.

Find the set screws of the door panel.

If you can’t open the door panel, reach for the lock assembly.

Try partial disassembly.

If you get inside the car, try to manipulate the lock and the door assembly.

Move the latch.

While this sounds easy, it is really challenging.

Troubleshoot properly to know what you’re looking for.

Lubrication and Cleaning

The first measure to unlock a stuck door is lubricating it.

Utilize a dry lubricant as a long-term resolution.

Oil-based lubricants draw dirt and dust that can build up for years.

If you want to cleanse and lubricate, you might as well make sure it doesn’t resurface.

Then again, a tremendous oil-based WD-40 can solve the problem for a quick fix.

Check the doorway for any lodged object and remove it.

Clean the door lock assembly if you’re applying a lubricant.

This will ensure a long-term fix.

After lubricating, try again until the blockage is removed.

Ensure that everything works smoothly.

Preventing Rust

If the main issue is rust, you should prevent it from reoccurring.

Check your locks regularly for signs of rust.

Do not wet the key assembly.

A regular car wash can control rust buildup.

After scouring the rust, apply a rust arrestor to prevent the rust from spreading.

It usually comes with an applicator brush.

Dip it in the arrestor and use a thin coat on the rusted area.

If the arrestor does not come with a brush applicator, you can use a Q-tip.

Let it dry well.

The bottle should indicate how long to let the arrestor dry up.

Apply a thin primer layer on the rust arrestor.

You can touch up the paint on top of the primer.

Replacement

If you determined after the troubleshooting that the problem is the structural assembly, it needs replacement.

Don’t do this yourself if you’re not an experienced mechanic with the proper tools.

If you aim to replace certain parts to fix a jammed driver-side door lock, get compatible components first.

You can purchase them online, but more often than not, you may have to buy more than the parts you need to replace.

Call a Professional Locksmith

It is not the best way to DIY your car door lock issue.

Call a professional locksmith if you don’t know how to diagnose the issue.

They can diagnose and repair.

A locksmith is your best option if you need to remove the door panel to get to the locking assembly.

They can accomplish this job without damaging your car.

Only an auto locksmith can guarantee a long-term fix since there are many causes and solutions to the problem.

Even with a destructive access method, a locksmith will just impair the components that need replacement.

In case of structural damage to the lock, it needs replacement only a locksmith can accomplish professionally.

If you worry about the price of hiring a locksmith, compare the hours and the risks you face when doing it yourself.

Closing Thoughts

A door lock stuck in a locked position can be alarming when you think about it, but it is easy to fix.

It is crucial to diagnose the problem right away.

Whether the locking assembly needs cleaning or an issue with your key fob, an average person can actually fix it.

But, you have to take all the necessary precautions to stay safe.

Make sure you know how to use the tools to prevent untoward incidents.

Then again, locksmiths are always there to help.

They can handle whatever car issues you have and fix them safely and efficiently.

When your car door problem is resolved, you can get back on the road straight away.