Updated at: 12-08-2022 - By: Lucas

Owners of older automobiles, many of which are still largely accessed with the key, are more likely to experience difficulties unlocking their vehicle. Quick fixes for some problems may suffice, while a more extensive fix may require the replacement of certain components. We’ll go over the most common causes of a stuck car door, as well as the simplest and most cost-effective fixes.

A worn or foul lock cylinder and tumblers, as well as a damaged tailpiece (turn piece) of the lock, are the most prevalent causes of locked automobile doors.

Reasons Why The Door Won’t Unlock

Key Turns But Won't Unlock Car Door

1. Insufficient Lubrication

This is a sensitive device with many moving parts, and they are all exposed to the outside environment, so take care. When it comes to lubrication, locks don’t require much; if any at all, dirt and microscopic corrosion can impede the mechanism over time.

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You can use WD-40 to remove moisture and clean the lock, but I recommend using multipurpose lubricating oil as well.

It’s better to pour the oil into the key’s groove while holding the key flat. Rotate it by 180 degrees after inserting it into the lock. It’s best if you use the key to spread the oil, and you can always add more oil if you think the other side of the lock didn’t get enough. Excess oil may rapidly clog the lock, so be careful not to use too much.

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2. Frozen Lock

There is a glaring omission from nearly every driving school in the world: adequate car maintenance and upkeep instruction. Winter tires aren’t the only piece of equipment you’ll need when the cold weather arrives. Some methods exist to defrost a frozen door lock that is preventing you from getting into your house because of the cold.

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If you don’t have a lock de-icer on hand, a simple pocket lighter will do the job just fine.

Insert the key into the lock as quickly as possible after heating it with the lighter. After several tries, the lock will finally unlock. Keep the flame at the tip of the key to avoid melting the plastic or transferring much of the heat to the base. It’s not necessary to heat the key to a red-hot state; if it’s hot enough to touch, the lock will be heated.

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Glycerine is the greatest approach to prevent the lock from freezing over. Put a small amount of lubricating oil on the key and work it into the lock. Glycerine freezes at a temperature of 56 degrees Fahrenheit, and it becomes more resistant to freezing when it is combined with water. Mix two-thirds glycerine with one-third distilled water, but measure in grams because glycerin is denser than water.

Rubber door seals can harden and even freeze together when exposed to cold temperatures. There is a risk of damaging one of the seals if you open the door. Glycerin can be applied on a piece of cloth and wiped over the seals for a simple fix. For years, I’ve relied on this technique and have never had an issue.

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3. Broken Lock Tail Piece

Key Turns But Won't Unlock Car Door-2

I’m not a locksmith, so I don’t have a thorough understanding of the inner workings of a car door lock. Lock tumblers can either stop the door from turning or let you to open it with anything, including a screwdriver, if they are worn. Though the tailpiece of the lock is broken, the door will not open even if the lock is spinning.

Mechanically, you’re moving a lever at the back of your lock when you turn your key inward. Using a series of push and pull connections, the lock will open the latch that connects the door to the B column, allowing access. You may find that it’s simpler to turn the key than it used to be if one of the components on the route to the door latch fails. Of course, the door won’t unlock.

It’s a locksmith’s duty to fix the tailpiece because it requires removing the door panel. With door-mounted controllers and speakers, this is one of the most difficult tasks to accomplish. Most of my door-related problems have been handled by a professional; I’ve definitely had at least a dozen failures.

4. Broken Lock Cylinder & Tumblers

As a result of the failure, the key will not turn at all when the lock cylinder or its tumblers have been shattered. In order to repair the lock, you’ll face three challenges:

  • Gain access to the vehicle.
  • Remove the broken lock.
  • Remake the lock and reinstall it.

Considering that you have the key, unlocking the doors, opening the passenger door lock, or getting into the vehicle through the trunk should be a simple task. If you’re unable to get into your car the old-fashioned manner, I highly recommend checking out this post, which outlines a variety of other options.

Once you’re in the driver’s seat, you may open the door manually and, more significantly, drive the car to a nearby locksmith for help. Because they can utilize your old key as a template, you won’t have to alter the locks. The lock can also be removed by following the instructions in this page. A new lock design is required, or the keys can be replaced with a new one. It’s not a simple task.

5. Worn Key

Wear and tear on a lock is inevitable if it is repeatedly slid into and out of the mechanism. The lock won’t turn because of the wear on the tumblers. The worst-case situation is that it can flex or even snap inside the lock.

To be sure, it will cost more than just copying an in-good-working-order key from a worn-out key. If your key isn’t worn out, you can take it to a locksmith and get a new one made for you. The RFID chip and fob can be easily cloned, saving you the time and money of having to program them from scratch. Our How To Start My Car Without a Chip Key FOB?article provides more information on the subject.

FAQs

How do you unlock a stubborn lock?

Most people suggest lubricating the lock with silicone, but I use multi-purpose lubricating oil because it’s less expensive and equally as effective as the silicone alternative. Pour some oil onto a key before inserting it into the lock. You may be able to turn the lock if you work at it and are patient.

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Why won’t my key unlock my car door?

However, there are still alternative ways to open the door if the physical key doesn’t work. Passenger doors can be unlocked with the key, the fob remote, or even a smartphone app.

Summary

Follow these steps to figure out what’s wrong with your car door so you can fix it. To keep door locks in good working order, all you need to do is add lubricating oil, dry the key before inserting it, and be cautious when turning the key.