Why won't my car key turn in the door lock? February 19, 2010   Subscribe The car key goes into the door lock, but it won't turn. What's wrong and how can I fix it?Having your car door lock stuck is one downside to the need of having to lock your car doors to prevent vandalism and theft. There are many reasons that they may occur, not limited to being frozen, breaking, or needing a bit of loosening.Whatever the cause, it is an extremely frustrating experience if your key won't unlock car door. Having a vehicle that is not working properly when you need it is not very useful. That is why you will find several ways that you can fix your stuck lock below. Why Is My Car Door Lock Stuck? If there is dirt inside the lock, extreme weather conditions may cause the lock to stop working. When the key won’t unlock your car door, the main culprit is most likely dirt. Dirt between the springs absorb water and when it gets cold enough it will freeze, casing the springs and wafers to be frozen in place.

Another cause of a car door lock being stuck may be a simple need for lubrication. Using a graphite powder or W-D 40 may do the trick by removing the debris and dust from the gears and giving them a bit of lubrication to begin moving again. Car Door Lock Stuck, How to Fix It Add a Lubricant to the Lock Is your car door lock stuck? The first thing you want to do, because it is the simplest of all the fixes is to lubricate the door lock tumblers. You can use an aerosol can or tube of graphite powder. If it is still sticking, slowly wiggle the key then add more graphite. Repeat this process if necessary. It might be a good idea to wait a few minutes after spraying the graphite to give it time to work into the crevices. This is the best method to use when your car door lock is frozen and the key won’t turn. There may be times when the key is worn or broken. Be sure that you check your key for excessively worn sections. You may need to purchase a new key. However, do not use the worn key.

If you do not have the original, then you will need to have the dealership cut you a new key. Once you have the new key, keep it in a safe place and only use a duplicate. Remove the Door Panel If neither of the above methods worked, it is time to look further inside your door for the cause. Remove the panel by ensuring that you have released all the hidden screws and clips. Search everywhere otherwise you may not be able to remove the panel, or you may even break the panel. Once you have ensured all the screws and clips are released, pry gently on the corner of the door panel.Once the panel is loose and removable, disconnect any wiring harnesses and additional mounting screws. Inspect the Lock Cylinder and Assembly Check the lock cylinder with a flashlight. This is attached to lock activation rods. Check to see that the rods are all secure and properly aligned. Then, check the lock assembly for any broken parts. Check the Door Lock Motor On power door locks, the motor drives the rod that controls the lock and unlock switch.

You can test your key for proper operation by unhooking the rod on the motor. garage door companies akron ohioIf it works, you know that the door lock motor needs to be replaced.pocket door hardware brushed nickel When you are locked out of your car, you may need to call a locksmith. 6 panel doors with sidelightsIf you are unable to get beneath the window to pop the lock, then it is time to call for help. garage door opener repair mckinney txThe locksmith will use specialized tools to unlock your car.garage door spring winding

A lot of us do undercover work for the copsWe make keys for them and get them into places at 3 a.m. so they can set up surveillance equipment or put the bugs in place. mopar soft top 4 door wranglerIt's part of the thrill of doing what we do.garage doors windsor uk Contractors stink at installing dead boltsI can't tell you how many times I go out to rekey one or let someone in, and I find problems. If it's not installed right, it won't protect you. Here's what to know before hiring a handyman. The best lock is a dead bolt that’s properly installedIt should have at least a one-inch “throw,” and on the “strike side,” there should be a security plate with screws at least three inches long that go all the way into the door’s wood frame. These are signs your house is vulnerable to burglars.

Use a double cylinder lock to avoid break-insIf you have a window on or near your door, a thumb-turn dead bolt won’t do much good. They knock out the glass, stick a hand in, and turn. Get a double cylinder lock that needs a key on the inside. Think twice before you buy a locked safe at a flea market, estate sale, or auctionIt's probably going to cost you $300 or more to open it, and chances are, all you're going to find is mouse poop. When you buy a new house, always have your locks rekeyedOtherwise there's probably a master key out there that can easily open your home. Keys stamped “Do not duplicate” are duplicated all the timeAsk me about high-security locks with keys that can’t be replicated at the hardware store. You're supposed to check ID before you open anythingBut half the time when someone is locked out of their house or car, where do you think their ID is? These are the biggest mistakes people make with their safe:Spinning the dial too fast, trying to open it before it's unlocked, and forcing it closed when there's obviously a problem.

It’s easy to defeat the cheapo locks from big-box storesMost are mass-produced by reputable manufacturers but to very low standards. Look for at least a grade 2. Here are other things you should never buy at big-box stores. I've seen my share of dead bodiesIt's always a bad sign when the landlord calls to get into an apartment, and nobody's seen the tenant for ten days. Divorce lock-outs are a challengeThe soon-to-be-ex wife will call and say she’s locked out, so I get her in and change the locks. Then the husband calls with the same request. I refer him to a competitor. Don't feel bad if you have to call me twice in a short span of timeI once had a guy lock himself out of his house three times in one day. If you’re locked out, please call just one of usMore than once, I arrived at a lock-out to find two competitors’ trucks already there. At that point, we all agreed to leave and abandon the inconsiderate victim. Never tell me, "Don't worry. It's an easy lock."

Every time someone says that, it takes an extra 10 minutes to get it open. It's the kiss of death. If you call at 2 a.m., bewawareIf some guy calls me because he’s locked out of his car at a strip club, a service call that’s normally $55 is automatically $100. If he’s got money for strip clubs, he’s got money for me. Don’t believe a car dealer who says only he can duplicate keysIn most cases, a locksmith who specializes in automotive work can make you a key—usually cheaper. Try the doorI’ve gone to houses and found it open. (I’m still going to charge you for the service call.) If your key won’t turn, try WD-40 or silicone spraySometimes the pins get jammed up, and 25 to 40 percent of the time, that solves the problem. Here are more brilliant uses for WD-40. Have a housekeeper who needs a key?Ask me to key your door so that your master key works on both the dead bolt and the doorknob, but hers works just on the knob. On the day she comes, lock only the knob.