“My car door lock is stuck. What should I do?” is a common question people ask while getting locked out of the car. When the lock is stuck, either the car door won’t close or won’t open. Whatever the case, you should start by determining why your car door lock got stuck in the first place.
Disconnection between the internal and external parts of the door latch
A lock has multiple parts: the handle, the internal switch, and the main cylinder. When one or more parts lose connection with the others, the car door will be stuck, making it look as if the key is not working, while it is the lock to be blamed.
To fix this problem, you’ll have to open the door and thoroughly examine the overall lock assembly. It is ideal for you to prepare a means of replacement or to put these broken parts back together.
Grime build-up
Your car door lock can be jammed due to particle build-up. If dirt, rust, and grime are allowed to build up for a long time, they may jam the internal part of your locking system. Also, sometimes parts of the door may get chipped, and those broken parts may get stuck inside the keyway. In such cases, you won’t be able to insert the key into the keyhole in the first place. If such is the case, examine the keyway. If you detect any blockage, focus on removing it.
For that, you will have to open the door panel. This will allow you to move the door assembly and investigate the reason for the blockage. A minor blockage should go away with a little lubrication. In case of rust or grime build-up, remove them with the help of a proper solution.
Post-collision structural damage
The impact of a car crash may cause the door latch to bend or get disconnected from its internal assembly. As a result, it either gets stuck or malfunctions frequently. Even violent slamming of the car door can create the same effect. Although such incidents are not very common, if such a situation arises, you have to take the help of an auto locksmith to open the door.
Now that you know why your car door lock is stuck, you have two options – do it yourself or hire a locksmith.
If you want to try some DIY, here are the three things you can attempt:
1. Apply lubrication
A little lubrication can help clear the keyway in case it gets clogged by material deposits. Moreover, it can also ease the movements of the jammed assembly. However, make sure you use dry lubricants and not any oil-based product, as the latter will again attract dirt and grime, repeating the same problem repeatedly.
2. Glue together broken parts
Sometimes a car door lock can be stuck because of disconnection between the internal parts. You can mend the lock by binding the broken parts. However, you will need to find the appropriate substance for strong binding.
3. Replace non-functional parts
You may be able to replace certain parts of a jammed door lock, but you need to find out compatible components first. Many online stores sell these spare parts, but you may have to do some trial and error before finding the right one.
Call a locksmith if your car door lock is stuck
DIY cannot be the solution to every problem. So, if your preliminary self-help effort does not work, hire a locksmith without further ado. Armed with the proper knowledge and skills, they are the best persons to deal with stubbornly stuck car door locks. Moreover, a locksmith can diagnose the root cause of the problem. There can be several reasons for the lock getting stuck, and a professional locksmith can recommend the best remedy.
As your car door lock is stuck, it can be the most frustrating situation that one can experience. At King Locksmith, we are always a call away when you are locked out of your car with safe and rapid service.
