Probably the majority of car owners have been in a situation where they got stuck inside the car because the door wouldn't open. There are a few common car lock issues that might cause this kind of emergency.
In order to handle a situation like this efficiently, it's essential to get to the core of the problem. When you figure out what caused your car door lock to malfunction, you can decide how to fix the issue. This process can be completed on your own or you can always use professional automotive locksmith services.
In this article, we gathered some of the most common reasons for the car door not opening from the inside and ways to resolve these problems. Keep reading to learn more!
The latch is jammed
One of the main reasons why your car door won't open from the inside is a jammed latch. You probably want to know why it may happen.
- In cold weather conditions, moisture can freeze, causing the latch mechanism to freeze and become difficult to operate.
- Small objects, such as paper, dirt, or debris, can obstruct the latch mechanism and prevent it from functioning properly.
- Continuous use, aging, or mechanical issues can result in worn-out components within the latch mechanism, leading to jamming.
- Some modern cars have electronic door locks controlled by wiring and actuators. Electrical malfunctions or wiring issues can cause the lock system to malfunction and result in a jammed latch.
You can try resolving the problem of jamming on your own or if you're not 100% confident in your skills, it is recommended to consult a professional mechanic or locksmith to diagnose and resolve the issue.
The lock is broken
A broken car door lock is another reason for you getting stuck inside your car. An issue like that can occur completely unexpectedly and usually at the most inconvenient time.
If the key used to operate the lock is worn out, bent, or damaged, it may not properly engage with the lock tumblers, leading to a broken lock. Also, if you force your car door lock to open in case it gets stuck, it may lead to breakages.
Moreover, the internal components of the door lock mechanism can wear out over time or become damaged due to excessive force or rough handling. This can result in a broken lock.
In case you encounter a scenario like this, it is better to contact professional automotive locksmith services immediately.
There's rust or dirt
Another cause of your car door not opening is the lock getting affected by rust or dirt. Usually, it happens when the owner neglects basic lock maintenance. In order to avoid this, it's crucial to regularly clean out your car door locks. Employ a cleansing mixture, such as a gentle soap and water blend, to sanitize the outer surface of the lock and key. Delicately scrub off any accumulated dirt or grime using a soft brush or toothbrush. Take care not to apply excessive force or cause harm to the key or lock. Additionally, it is important to consistently apply a lubricant as part of regular maintenance.
You're deadlocked in
You may get stuck inside your car when you get deadlocked. There are a few things that might cause it.
- Child safety locks installed on the rear doors of numerous cars serve to restrict their opening from the inside. In the event of unintentional activation or a malfunctioning child safety lock, it can result in becoming locked inside the car and unable to open the doors from within.
- The central locking system is responsible for managing the locking and unlocking of the car doors. Should a malfunction occur within this system, it could result in the doors remaining locked despite attempts to unlock them from the inside.
- Certain vehicles feature manual lock buttons or levers located on the interior side of the door panel. If these buttons or levers become damaged or stuck, it can lead to the inability to unlock the door from the inside.
Issues with the connection
When it comes to these newer cars, a cause of getting stuck inside might be the issues with the connection. If there is a disruption in the electrical connection or a wiring issue, it can prevent the doors from unlocking even when attempting to do so from the inside. This can leave you feeling trapped and helpless. Another possible culprit is a fault in the power windows system. If the connection between the window switches and the window motors is compromised, it may result in the windows being stuck in a closed position. Without the ability to lower the windows, escaping through them becomes impossible.
Door is damaged
Last but not least, you may be unable to exit your car in case the door gets damaged. One possible cause is a malfunctioning door latch or handle. If the latch mechanism becomes broken or misaligned, it will impede the door from opening from both the inside and outside. Similarly, a damaged or broken door handle can hinder your ability to operate it and gain an exit.
Another reason could be structural damage to the door, such as a collision or impact. In such cases, the door may become deformed or bent, making it challenging or impossible to open normally.
In any of these cases, it's crucial to ask for professional assistance and Sure Lock & Key will gladly provide it.
Summing Up
If you're a car owner, there's always a possibility of your car door locks getting out of order. In that case, you might get stuck inside your car which is quite an unpleasant situation. We mentioned a few causes of that kind of problem and ways to resolve them. We hope you found our article helpful!
If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to contact us!
