How to Deal with a Jammed Car Lock

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How to Deal With a Jammed Car Lock

Freelance Journalist

Have you ever had one of those days when things seem to be going wrong, including your door car lock? If you’re dealing with a stuck door lock, WD-40 says there are two methods you can use, but you’ll need several things like needle nose pliers, a screwdriver, WD-40, a flathead screwdriver and your car key.

Both methods seem complicated, and using automotive locksmith services is much easier. You could shuffle in through the passenger door, but that’s also annoying. This blog will show the benefits of automotive locksmith services if you’re in a jam and why this can save you time. Whatever you do, don’t call up your car dealership, as this will take much more time.

If your car door lock is stuck, 1A Auto says that power door locks should work and that a car door that won’t unlock or lock is a safety concern. When this happens, it’s probably a door lock actuator.

” If the mechanism in the door lock actuator is binding and fails to lock or latch consistently, the cable that pulls on the latch is not going to have enough force to unlock the door.”

Common Reasons for Jammed Car Lock

There are several reasons for jammed car locks, including dirt, dust and grime build-up over time. A broken or damaged internal or external connection to your car door latch can also result in a jammed car lock by affecting the car door latch, door handle, lock cylinder, and other internal parts of your car, causing it to malfunction.

If this is why your car lock is jammed, you’ll need to repair all the broken connections and put all the broken pieces back together. This is best done with the help of automotive locksmith services, not your car dealer.

Broken Key FOB

Today’s cars have a key fob and sometimes will not unlock doors. This happens when there is a deteriorating battery. In this case, the best thing to do is get a new battery. When the key fob battery malfunctions, you can also do the following:

  • Reprogram the key fob
  • See if there’s any signal interference
  • Use a spare key fob
  • Check for physical damage

Best Ways to Fix Jammed Car Lock

So, what’s the best way to fix a jammed car lock? The fastest and the most convenient way is to call automotive locksmith services like Locksmith United to get fast help. If you try to do it yourself, you usually take more time and could damage car parts.

Your car could have been damaged in a car accident, even in a small sideswipe. It might have bent or disconnected your car latch from the rest of the car door assembly. If this is the case, mobile car locksmith services have the expertise to get you back into your car in no time without causing damage to your car door.

Jammed Car Locks
How to Deal With a Jammed Car Lock

If your car door doesn’t unlock, there are a few things that you can do right away to unlock your car. Oil-based lubricants like WD-40 can help immediately but can also draw in additional gunk and dirt in the long run.

Oil-based lubricants are also greasy; many suggest using a dry lubricant instead. You can also watch YouTube videos about open lock door hacks or faulty lock hacks.

But like many car owners who have to deal with a broken car lock, it’s much easier to reach out for automated car services because the risk of damage to your car lock is pretty high if you’re not a professional car locksmith. You could end up taking much longer and end up damaging your car door.

Troubleshooting Techniques

If you have to deal with a jammed car lock, there are several techniques that you can use. This includes doing the following:

  • Key Manipulation: Try gently wiggling the key in the car lock without excessive force so you don’t break the key.
  • Heating the Key: If you’re dealing with frigid temperatures, heat the key with hot water or a hair dryer before inserting it in the jammed car door lock. This will help thaw the lock mechanism.
  • Adjusting the Car Door: If you’ve been in an accident, the door could be misaligned in its frame, resulting in pressure on the lock mechanism. If you adjust the strike plate or hinges, you can remove this pressure and allow the lock to turn freely.
  • WD-40: This is one of the easiest ways to unjam a key in a car lock. Spray WD-40 directly into the keyhole to lubricate your car door lock. Then, put the key in the key into the lock and wiggle it gently while the lock loosens up. Lubricate your car lock until the process works.
  • Check the Key: Make sure that the key is not damaged. Try to use a spare key in your jammed car door lock. According to Quora commentators, you could work the key with a Slim Jim. “If you have access to a slim jim (a long, flat piece of metal), you can try to unlock the door manually. Insert it between the window and the weather stripping, and try to hook the locking mechanism. Be cautious, as this can damage the vehicle’s wiring or locks.”
  • Check for Electrical Issues: Quora commentators also advise checking that if you have power locks, you should listen for a click when you open your car door. There may be a problem with the battery or lock actuator if there’s no sound.
Call for Professional Automotive Locksmith Services

If no troubleshooting methods work and you still have a jammed car lock, call a professional locksmith like Locksmith United for fast, reliable and affordable automotive locksmith services.

If you have absolutely no experience in dealing with locks, get expert help with automotive locksmith services when your lock is stuck. 

This can prevent irreparable damage to your door lock. Don’t try to force a jammed car door lock. To save time and money, if you can’t turn the key in a car door lock, try to have a spare key ready with a friend who lives close by.

Picture of Claudia Bensimoun
Claudia Bensimoun
Claudia Bensimoun is an experienced writer specializing in home security, safety, and care. With over 15 years of expertise in crafting insightful content, she offers valuable guidance for Locksmith United, empowering homeowners and businesses to safeguard their properties and loved ones through expert locksmith services.
Picture of Claudia Bensimoun
Claudia Bensimoun
Claudia Bensimoun is an experienced writer specializing in home security, safety, and care. With over 15 years of expertise in crafting insightful content, she offers valuable guidance for Locksmith United, empowering homeowners and businesses to safeguard their properties and loved ones through expert locksmith services.

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