What Do You Do If The Car Door Gets Stuck?
There are many reasons why a car door can get stuck.
The lock may either have dirt in it, be broken or just need to be loosened a little.
It will inevitably happen at an inappropriate time and be extremely frustrating.
The good news is that you do not necessarily have to call an auto locksmith or mechanic to solve the problem.
Table of Contents
Stuck in the cold
In extreme cold, the probable cause is ice. Use a hair dryer or hot cup of water to warm the lock and then try again.
If this does not work then there is a good chance that there is a more serious error with the lock and that you may need to try alternative methods.
First you should try to lubricate the lock itself. Sometimes individual holders in the lock can get stuck against each other and only require a little lubrication to slide off each other.
Spray is the easiest way to lubricate. You can then aim directly into the keyhole. If it does not work the first time, you can put the key in and try to start it. Repeat the process if necessary.
Key issues
If this does not work, the key may be the problem. You may find that the key has worn out or that parts have broken off.
If the grooves in the key are incorrect, this may stop it from working completely.
Try the spare key if you have one. If you notice that the key is damaged, do not try again as it can easily get caught in the lock. In that case, take the key to a dealer or locksmith to get a new one.
Remove the door panel
If none of the previous methods work, it is time to take more drastic measures.
You then need to remove the door panel to get a proper look at the door’s internal mechanism. Remove all hidden screws and disconnect all parts holding the panel on the door.
Then use a flashlight to inspect the lock cylinder to make sure all holders are properly adjusted.
If you have a power steering lock, the engine should also be inspected as it may be an electrical fault. You can test the electricity by disconnecting the motor from the lock and then trying to turn the key.
If this works, you know that the key is good but that the engine needs to be replaced.
Call a friend
If none of these methods work, it’s time to call in a local locksmith. They have enough knowledge to quickly diagnose and fix the problem.