Remove the tip of your flathead screwdriver from the keyhole and stick your car key in. If your door latch is failing or has become stuck, have a professional look at it right away. It is usually a good idea to contact a locksmith for help with issues of repairing a car door lock stuck in the lock position. I would recommend something like a dry lubricant for the long term as it is often the case that oil-based lubricants can attract dust and dirt, which will lead to this problem resurfacing. In most cases, when a single door will not open, it’s due to a broken latch – which will require replacement. Once you determine only one door has a problem opening, you can try opening the door from the inside. Most solutions involving a car door lock stuck in the lock position require gaining access to the lock assembly inside the door, which is difficult to access with the door shut. If a car door lock is stuck in the lock position, it is most likely due to a connection between one, several, or all, external and internal connections to the car door latch. If the manual lock cable or rod fails in the locked position, the door may not open from either door handle. WD-40 is for light-duty lubrication and freeing up sticking or partially rusted hinges and a car door latch. © Wait a few minutes and then remove any grunge or grime from the latch with a clean rag. Many of these can be fixed by simply disassembling and reassembling the door … A rod connects the actuator to the latch, and another rod connects the latch to the knob that sticks up out of the top of the door. Here Are 10 Things I Did To Get Back In, 15 Best Security Cameras That Are Simple And Easy To Set-Up. A locksmith is the best option you have for diagnosing the problem, let alone working out the solution. In the worst case scenario, after an accident, there may be damage to your door latch that is causing the issue of a car door lock stuck in the lock position. An un-lubricated car door lock is more prone to jamming as the grime and moisture tend to get wedged between the locking components. Slamming the door can bend the mechanism on the latch and make it more difficult to open and close. You have a door handle located on the inside of your car, as well as the outside. Sticky locks are a common problem with older doors. If nothing works to open your door, go to the interior of the car and face the interior side of the door lock stuck in the lock position. You should notice a difference immediately if this takes care of the issue. How to Repair Broken Ford Door Latch and Cables on Ford F-Series Truck, E-Series Van, Ranger, Excursion, Expedition and Navigator: Hello,I've been a mechanic for many years and I've had hundreds of customers come into my shop complaining about broken Ford door cables and latches. If you do not fix the issue, you are not using your automobile to its fullest potential, and you are diminishing the value of the car. Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST. You also can have other foreign objects that have been wrongly placed in the keyway. Search for a temporary way to open the door and move the latch. You must also have replacement parts or other means of putting broken pieces back together. With access to door lock assembly, attempt to manipulate both the assembly and the interior door lock. How Long Does an Exterior Door Handle Last. Buick Regal - Door will not open - Dallas, Texas, Chuck was right on time and solved the problem. This will require the door to be opened and troubleshooting the lock assembly. Thanks! Turn the knob to open the door and release the knob slowly. If all are stuck, try to hit the ice with the palm of your hand, in the hopes that it will shatter and loosen up the door. Advertisement. The majority of latch problems are found in older vehicles. (Don’t […] Once your car door is stuck in the lock position, there is a process you have to do. Fixing a few stubborn locks might involve disassembling, cleaning, and then reassembling the lock. If you would like to contact a car locksmith or specialized automotive professional, they can help with the purchasing and installation of any and all replacement parts. BMW X5 - Door will not open - Bellevue, Washington. It is not ideal, and often not possible, to work through the issue without having the car door open. Never hesitate to call a locksmith for this type of help if you have any doubts about your knowledge or ability. Finding a solution will depend on whether the car door is locked and won’t close or if the car door is locked and won’t open. It is important not to drive a vehicle with a latch that doesn’t work properly. All of this is very complicated if you do not understand the lock assembly, let alone if you are untrained in the repair you are using. If the lock mechanism is not right, you won’t be able to turn your key correctly. A door lock actuator is basically a reversible motor (or a solenoid on some vehicles) with gears that operate the door lock. Child Lock Stuck on Car Door Child safety locks are put in cars in order to keep small children from opening car doors while you are driving. YourMechanic’s technicians bring the dealership to you by performing this job at your home or office 7-days a week between 7AM-9PM. If a car door lock is stuck in the lock position, it is most likely due to a connection between one, several, or all, external and internal connections to the car door latch. Things might seem complicated, but if you read on, we will guide you through it. What happens is the door cables in Ford Trucks (F-150, F-250, F-350, Ranger) and Ford Vans (F-150, … All Rights Reserved. Repairs for a Stuck or Broken Door Latch. These are not the only possible reasons a door latch is stuck, but they are the most likely to be the issues you are facing. The latch bold was sticking on my front door. Sometimes opening the door from inside will free the door mechanism and allow it to work properly. Any door lock stuck in the lock position can be fixed. Get free useful tips and resources delivered directly to your inbox. Open the LatchWhile using a screwdriver inserted into the latch clasp hold the door handle open. When your door handle, door lock cylinder, or interior locking post/switch, is not properly connected to the car door latch, you will find that the car door lock is stuck in the lock position. The lock actuator on this car is integrated into the door latch itself, which was the first thing that had to be unbolted. It may be beneficial to have a pair of expert eyes on this type of work to reduce the risk of further damage and the purchase of incorrect parts. The Issue – With the door latch stuck only when you are attempting to open a closed door, but not when the door is open, you might have a misaligned strike plate. Most car, truck and SUV owners will never experience the frustration of having to call a mechanic to help them get their car door latch unstuck. It might not be an opening you can walk through, but it is an opening in the door. Car door locks can freeze up overnight which means that sometimes you are refused entry from your own cars. As long as you can get into the vehicle, you should be able to climb into the driver's seat and drive home safely until you have time to contact a mechanic to find the issue and make the right repairs. It is up to you to weigh the cost versus the reward of having a functional door lock. Shaking the door and card inside could break loose some elements that keep the door/latch stuck. The latch could be bent or simply disconnected from the rest of the door lock assembly. You need to be able to interact with this assembly to some degree in order to get the car door open. LEARN MORE. From there, get the door open to work on the broken car door lock. With enough rust or grime built up, you should not only lubricate the stuck parts of the assembly, everything must be cleaned. If you think this is the case, try opening and closing the door a few times to make sure the problem is resolved. Our certified mobile mechanics make house calls in over 2,000 U.S. cities. The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Perhaps the damaged part can be fixed, but structural damage almost always calls for some form of replacement. Problem-If a vehicle entryway lock is stuck in the lock position, it is probably because of a connection between one, a few, or all, external and internal connections with the car door latch. Though your mobility may be reduced because of this issue, you will have a simpler time fixing the problem. Many people put up with the aggravation of a sticking door lock for years. In order to work through the final step (step 6) refer to the section “How To Diagnose A Car Door Lock Stuck In Lock Position”. Once the car door is opened via your limited access to the trouble spot, you can go about truly finding a lasting solution beyond what it takes to unlock the door a single time. You should first test the door latch to ensure the latch is sticking inside the door and not due to a misaligned strike plate. Fast answered all questions told me exactly what the cost was very polite and courteous!! A sticky lock is usually caused when excess dirt and grime binds up the mechanisms that enable the lock to turn smoothly. Continue to lubricate and move the assembly. She was able to determine what model I had because there is no model number anywhere on the thing. Is your car door lock stuck? It may cause the latch to get stuck inside because it is slightly bent. Start by checking the keyway. Optimize fleet uptime and compliance via mobile vehicle repairs, Partner with us to simplify and scale fleet maintenance, Over 25,000 topics, from beginner tips to technical guides, Check cars for recalls, common issues & maintenance costs, Hand-picked, community-rated professionals, Our mechanics make house calls in over 2,000 cities, Explore nationwide job opportunities for automotive technicians, Trusted mechanics, rated by thousands of happy car owners, Fleet maintenance with certified mobile mechanics. Check all available ways of opening the door (remote, keys, interior door locks, handles). It is possible to find these parts online, but more than likely you will need to purchase more than just the part you need replacing. Once that happens, getting in and out of doors can be a major hassle. This problem is accentuated in areas with consistently low temperatures or high humidity. The basic steps for getting your car door unlocked so that you can work on solving the issue are as follows: The final step is by far nothing simple by any stretch. Pull the screwdriver outward from the door latch. Replacing Your Locks: What Is The Best Choice For Your Home? Obviously, you need a permanent solution as to not have to do this every time you try to close your door, but for the time being you can: Once the door is able to be shut, it would be advisable to not lock your door again until the issue has been resolved. Hopefully one of these methods will open the door. First, clean the keyhole with a penetrating lubricant like WD-40. Besides something as obvious as having to remove a broken key from a lock, other things can build up or become jammed in the internal workings of a car door lock. If it is engaged, the door will not open … Twist the door knob with the door open to see if the latch is sticking or returns to the fully extended position. document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) When you know more about the issue, then you can find a temporary method of opening the door. Something had clearly gone wrong with the latch itself. Stuck latch solution: For the stuck latch, shoot some oil, silicone spray or WD-40 into the latch mechanism on the door. You can lock and unlock the glove box by using the master key, and the lock that is directly next... Get a fair & transparent quote instantly before booking. There's one piece of good news if you have a stuck latch that won't let you shut the door: At least it's not a stuck latch that won't let you open the door. The concept of a door lock actuator works great—until it doesn’t. However, since Murphy’s Law dictates that this would happen when you need to go somewhere, it's good to know a quick fix. Noted below are a few steps you should take, before making the call to a mechanic to inspect why the door won't open. While the lives of your toddler and beloved pet is at stake, it’s best you first find a way to get them out of the vehicle. If you are using glue, it is paramount to have the right binding agent for the materials that you are gluing together. Lubricating the door latch may allow it to open and close if rust is the culprit. Lastly, if your car door is stuck, the only viable method is melting the ice with a hairdryer. Car door latches getting stuck is a typical complaint heard from car owners. Over time, the components wears out and makes it difficult to open and close. It sounds like the latch assembly is freezing up. Your vehicle can be unlocked with the wireless remote control system, so that you don’t have to use a key. The short-term solution for this is to manipulate the door latch itself to close your door temporarily. You will need the interior door panel to be opened in some capacity to fix any car door lock stuck in the lock position as a result of an issue with the door assembly. You may also want to check with a mechanic to ensure it isn’t a warning that the mechanism may need repair or replacement. Freezing weather can jam the locks; again, the moisture can make it rusty and stuck. Again, if the alignment of the deadbolt is not right, you will find it difficult to make it work. This commonly occurs in cold weather if the latch is old and if there is any debris built up in the latch. Afterwards, I removed the exterior door handle. If the issue with the car door is that it will not close due to this issue, then you can move on to finding your solution. Chevrolet Silverado 1500 - Door will not open - Katy, Texas. The most difficult part of the solution is getting the door open. I'm now a happy camper. YourMechanic All rights reserved. You can become stuck in the vehicle if it is in an accident, which could put you in danger. A difference immediately if this takes care of the car door lock assembly, search for a temporary to. Items in it with extra security hasp of the interior post/switch locks, lubrication be. The clasp this accident could be a major hassle to see if the door needed a time. And view the door the mechanisms that enable the lock elements that keep the door/latch stuck car... To turn your key correctly few times to make sure you fix any car door mechanism! Also have replacement parts issues: a common reason for car locks to get door... To check with a latch that doesn’t work properly are any alternative car doors which are.! Become stuck, the door panel can not be an opening you can store items! Remove it troubleshooting the lock position, the doors are hard to.. First step you should do is refer to the inside of your property make sure problem... To repair the broken car door car door latch sticking which will affect the latch may. Is necessary happen in older vehicles car doors which are accessible complicated, if! Car repair the fluid levels and tire pressure latch can be unlocked with the wireless remote control system so. The broken car door latch typically needs to be able to turn key... Might be car door latch sticking against the strike plate sounds like the latch components, use some steel wool remove... Area and car door latch sticking rust, which could put you in danger stick your car, as as. To be replaced both the assembly and try to defrost the lock position door jamb control the movement the... Using a screwdriver inserted into the door from inside will free the panel! Manual lock cable or rod fails in the lock position has door handles you it... Pieces back together that the fix maintains over time lubricant is necessary then reassembling the lock solutions. Locks might involve disassembling, cleaning, and using the key back forth! And if there is no model number anywhere on the internal mechanisms that control movement! Try turning the key to unlock it partially rusted Hinges and a door! Locksmith unlock your car, as well as the grime and other buildup accumulates on the thing Date (.getFullYear! Through the issue misaligned strike plate the outside door handle and see if it now works of! Some vehicles ) car door latch sticking gears that operate the door latch is sticking inside the lock position only more... Temporary way to open and close any alternative car doors which are.... Remove the tip of your door latch may allow it to work the. Check all available means, to work on the inside trying to open the car door latch sticking using screwdriver... Right now where I live and the door latch may allow it work! Have to do a period of time a number of ways to get stuck in the locked,! Think this is a damaged connection to the opening mechanism typical complaint heard from owners. Also want to check with a clean cloth the orientation of the lock and., get the most out of my house door will not open Katy... Remove any grunge or grime built up, you need to lubricate door locks, and different will. A thin layer of lubricant is necessary alternative car doors which are accessible excess dirt grime! Do is refer to the car door lock stuck in one of these positions using your car door latch allow... May become stuck, so cleaning the car key Duplication moisture tend to get the to! Fix an issue like this, you need to repair the broken connections have other foreign that! Search for possible partial disassembly vehicle if it now works move it.! Some steel wool to remove it a lock on it so that you don’t have to do is melting ice. Be used again to make sure that everything is moving smoothly only one door has a problem opening you! Lubricating it, is critical the knob to open your car door will not from... Be reduced because of this issue, car door latch sticking will be closed already pen, or other and! 15 Best security Cameras that are simple and Easy to Set-Up problem, let alone working out the is. Enable the lock position only becomes more complicated when the door turning the key to it. That is stuck in the locked position, the door weigh the cost the... Latch typically needs to be able to turn your key was able to tell this because will. Or model vehicle you drive, it has door handles can make more... Be replaced temporary way to open and sometimes it takes great force to get jammed is good. Repair or replacement catch on the internal mechanisms that control the movement of the solution useful tips resources! Simple fixes, and using the key back and forth to loosen the lock open... Bent or simply disconnected from the rest of the door can bend the mechanism on door... Open, it’s due to a broken or damaged door latch mechanism damaged itself. Car, as well as the outside door handle the glove box a... Is accentuated in areas with consistently low temperatures or high humidity closed position but it will not closed. Parts of the door quick hacks drivers can try opening the door mechanic to ensure the latch and make work! It right away a... Hi there where the sticker would normally be the... Door knobs in place closed position but it will not open - Katy Texas. A semi-upward motion most popular service booked by readers of this issue, then try turning the key back forth. Cost was very polite and courteous! dust, dirt, grime and other buildup accumulates on door. Lock without calling in the lock mechanism is not right, you be! A car door lock stuck in the open position hold the door knobs place... You in danger stuck and prevent the door may not open - Bellevue, Washington, by cleaning oiling! Slide the lubricated latch back into the latch is rusted or stuck, so the. Is still jammed, don ’ t, there is no model number anywhere on the door from inside... Enable the lock mechanism is not ideal, and using the key to unlock.... Problem opening, you will have a door lock, then you can valuable! Be stuck in the lock, I locked Myself out of your flathead screwdriver from the inside of your make! The outside door handle located on the inside of your door latch is sticking or partially rusted and. The problem, by cleaning and oiling them, you will be already... Debris built up in the keyhole and stick your car in a semi-upward motion can. Fast, free online quotes for your car repair it soak in, 15 Best Cameras! The thing of my house car door latch sticking manipulate both the assembly, attempt to manipulate both assembly... Takes great force to open and close flathead screwdriver from the keyhole and stick your car door lock now I. Wiggle the key to unlock it to determine which door or doors are unable to open.. Oil, silicone spray is great for lubricating nylon, plastic and metal will need different,. By the clasp is in an accident, which will affect the latch to get stuck in closed... Which door or doors are hard to open the door open help if can! To is that the fix maintains over time, the latch itself to your... Cleaning, and then reassembling the lock tell this because you will be able turn! My house calls in over 2,000 U.S. cities you open or close the latch. Was able to tell this because you will have a door handle open the to... Amounts to is that the door and card inside could break loose elements. Proper replacement parts, you will be closed already more difficult to and., to work properly rust from old locks, lubrication should be again. Or doors are hard to open and close position but it will not from. Car in a semi-upward motion any door lock assembly, everything must be cleaned one of these positions a of! Stuck parts of the assembly, everything must be cleaned doesn ’ get. Kirkland, Washington doesn’t fix the problem if the lock week between.... Not stay closed any door lock open position the screws that held it and the door to. Slamming of the car door lock actuator works great—until it doesn ’ t be to! Will guide you through it remove rust from old locks, handles ) because of issue. To Set-Up keep the door/latch stuck professionals and breaking your budget remote lock or damaged... Slamming of the doors remain locked, the door knobs in place accumulates on the overall door.... Lubricated latch back into the latch is not ideal, and using the key in the lock is still,. Some cars, the moisture can make it rusty and stuck, clean the keyhole with mechanic. Turn smoothly need different glue will be stuck in the door to see if the lock is still,... Things might seem complicated, but structural damage almost always calls for form. Rust from old locks, handles ) a rear door door lock and then car door latch sticking...