How to Fix a Jammed Car Lock

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

There are all kinds of reasons a car door lock can get jammed. For example, the tumblers inside the lock might be clogged up by dirt or rust. On the other hand, the mechanism could be jammed up inside the door. Either way, you can try a couple different methods to fix the lock yourself. If you aren’t able to solve the problem, call a locksmith or take your car to an auto repair shop to get the lock looked at and fixed by a professional.

Tips to Repair a Stuck Car Door Lock

Warm up the lock with a hair dryer or pour a cup of warm water over it to unjam the lock. Lubricate the car lock keyhole with WD-40 to break up any corrosion and dirt, then slide the car key into the keyhole and move it around to loosen the lock. Spray 4-5 more squirts of lubricant and repeat until the lock is loose.

Get Car Support Solve Any Problem

wH
Hi there! Do you have a question about how to diagnose or fix a problem with your car? I’ve read the manual so you don’t have to. Select your make, model, and year, then ask away!
*
*
Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Lubricating a Jammed Lock

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7b\/Fix-a-Jammed-Car-Lock-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-a-Jammed-Car-Lock-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7b\/Fix-a-Jammed-Car-Lock-Step-1.jpg\/aid11904474-v4-728px-Fix-a-Jammed-Car-Lock-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    A penetrating catalyst is a type of lubricant that will also break up rust and grime that may be jamming the lock. WD-40 is an all-purpose lubricant that will also clean off the parts inside the lock and protect them against future corrosion and grime. [1]
    • You can buy a penetrating catalyst or WD-40 at a home improvement center, auto supply shop, or online.
    • You can try this method on either a manual or an electronic car lock, as long as there is a keyhole.

    Tip : If you can’t insert your key all the way into the keyhole, or if it is difficult to do so, this is a good indication that the lock may be jammed by rust or dirt. In this case, lubricating the lock through the keyhole can fix the problem and help prevent it from happening again in the future.

  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/92\/Fix-a-Jammed-Car-Lock-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-a-Jammed-Car-Lock-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/92\/Fix-a-Jammed-Car-Lock-Step-2.jpg\/aid11904474-v4-728px-Fix-a-Jammed-Car-Lock-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Place the tip of the screwdriver against the moveable metal piece that covers up the keyhole when there’s no key in it. Push the screwdriver in until this metal piece moves all the way out of the way so you can get lubricant into the keyhole. [2]
    • If you don’t have a flathead screwdriver, you can use any other thin metal object to open up the keyhole. Just make sure not to use anything breakable that could snap and get stuck in the lock.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/98\/Fix-a-Jammed-Car-Lock-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-a-Jammed-Car-Lock-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/98\/Fix-a-Jammed-Car-Lock-Step-3.jpg\/aid11904474-v4-728px-Fix-a-Jammed-Car-Lock-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Hold the can with the nozzle as close to the keyhole as possible. Press the cap down 4-5 times to spray a generous amount of lubricant into the keyhole. [3]
    • If you’re using WD-40, the can usually comes with a long skinny red straw that you can attach to the nozzle. You can stick this straw right into the keyhole to get the lubricant all the way inside.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4e\/Fix-a-Jammed-Car-Lock-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-a-Jammed-Car-Lock-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4e\/Fix-a-Jammed-Car-Lock-Step-4.jpg\/aid11904474-v4-728px-Fix-a-Jammed-Car-Lock-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Remove the tip of your flathead screwdriver from the keyhole and stick your car key in. Wiggle the key back and forth to loosen up the tumblers inside the lock, then try turning the key to unlock it. [4]
    • If the lock is still jammed, don’t try to force it open with your key. You might end up breaking the key off inside the lock and making the issue worse.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/ce\/Fix-a-Jammed-Car-Lock-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-a-Jammed-Car-Lock-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/ce\/Fix-a-Jammed-Car-Lock-Step-5.jpg\/aid11904474-v4-728px-Fix-a-Jammed-Car-Lock-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Remove your key from the lock and poke the tip of your flathead screwdriver in it. Spray 4-5 more squirts of lubricant into the lock, then try unlocking it with your key again. [5]
    • You can also try covering the key in lubricant and sliding it in and out of the lock a few times to loosen up the tumblers inside.
    • If you still can’t unjam the lock after trying this process a few times, you might have a bigger issue. You will either need to access the locking mechanism from the inside to try and unjam it or get a locksmith to fix the problem.
    6. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Unjamming the Locking Mechanism

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/84\/Fix-a-Jammed-Car-Lock-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-a-Jammed-Car-Lock-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/84\/Fix-a-Jammed-Car-Lock-Step-6.jpg\/aid11904474-v4-728px-Fix-a-Jammed-Car-Lock-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Remove the interior door handle or the entire door panel to access the lock. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the screw that holds the door handle plate in place and pry the plate off the door, if your car door has a removable interior handle. Take out all the screws and plastic clips that hold the door panel in place and pull the panel off the door, if you cannot remove just the door handle. [6]
    • The exact procedure for removing the interior door handle or door panel varies from car to car. However, the general concept is the same. Just locate all the hardware that holds the door handle plate or door panel in place and take it out, then pull the door handle or door panel off the door.
    • If you have to remove the door panel, keep in mind that some doors have a sheet of sticky insulation that you also have to remove to make repairs. It will have to be replaced afterwards. Consider getting your lock professionally repaired if you aren’t comfortable doing this yourself.
    • This method may work for either an electronic or a manual car lock.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/04\/Fix-a-Jammed-Car-Lock-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-a-Jammed-Car-Lock-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/04\/Fix-a-Jammed-Car-Lock-Step-7.jpg\/aid11904474-v4-728px-Fix-a-Jammed-Car-Lock-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Look for some type of metal plate attached to a rod right underneath the exposed door lock that moves up and down. This is the mechanism you will attempt to move to unjam your car lock. [7]
    • If you’re having difficulty seeing the mechanism, use a flashlight or the light on your phone to get a better look.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/64\/Fix-a-Jammed-Car-Lock-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-a-Jammed-Car-Lock-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/64\/Fix-a-Jammed-Car-Lock-Step-8.jpg\/aid11904474-v4-728px-Fix-a-Jammed-Car-Lock-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Open up a pair of needle-nose pliers and grab the metal rod that attaches to the metal plate of the locking mechanism. This is the lever that moves the lock up and down. [8]
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/44\/Fix-a-Jammed-Car-Lock-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-a-Jammed-Car-Lock-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/44\/Fix-a-Jammed-Car-Lock-Step-9.jpg\/aid11904474-v4-728px-Fix-a-Jammed-Car-Lock-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Hold your pliers tightly and try to wiggle the locking mechanism’s rod up and down. Push it up to unlock the door and down to lock the door. Keep moving the rod up and down until the lock goes smoothly between locked and unlocked. [9]
    • If it’s hard to move the rod up and down and you can’t get the lock unjammed, try spraying the whole mechanism with some WD-40 to lubricate it.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/44\/Fix-a-Jammed-Car-Lock-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-a-Jammed-Car-Lock-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/44\/Fix-a-Jammed-Car-Lock-Step-10.jpg\/aid11904474-v4-728px-Fix-a-Jammed-Car-Lock-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Stick your car key into the lock’s keyhole and try locking and unlocking the door a few times. Try using your car’s or key fob’s unlock and lock buttons, if you have an electronic locking mechanism in your car. [10]
    • If your lock doesn’t seem totally unjammed, but it feels like you're making progress, keep wiggling the mechanism back and forth using your needle-nose pliers until the locking and unlocking actions feel smooth.
    • You can also try spraying some WD-40 on your key or into the keyhole to clean out, lubricate, and protect the lock against corrosion.

    Tip : If your physical key works fine, but you can’t unlock the lock using your electronic key fob or a button inside the car, you probably have an electronics problem. Take your car to a mechanic to get this checked out and fixed.

  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4a\/Fix-a-Jammed-Car-Lock-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-a-Jammed-Car-Lock-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4a\/Fix-a-Jammed-Car-Lock-Step-11.jpg\/aid11904474-v4-728px-Fix-a-Jammed-Car-Lock-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Snap the panel or handle back into place. Put all the screws back in and tighten them using your Phillips-head screwdriver. [11]
    7. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • If you don’t normally have problems with your door lock, and you find it’s jammed on a cold day, it might just be due to the temperature. You can try warming up the lock with a hair dryer or pouring a cup of warm water on it to unjam the lock. [12]
        Thanks
      • Lubricate your car lock keyholes with WD-40 4-5 times a year to keep the locks loose and protect the insides against corrosion and dirt. This will also disperse any water that gets in your locks to prevent them from freezing and jamming in cold weather. [13]
        Thanks
      • If you can’t unjam your car lock, you can always call a professional locksmith to come fix the problem for you.
        Thanks
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Don’t ever try to force a jammed car lock with your key. You can break the key off in the lock, which will be even more of a headache for you to deal with.
        Thanks
      Advertisement

      Things You’ll Need

      Lubricating a Jammed Lock

      • Penetrating catalyst or WD-40
      • Flathead screwdriver
      • Car key

      Unjamming the Locking Mechanism

      • Phillips-head screwdriver
      • Needle-nose pliers
      • WD-40 (optional)

      You Might Also Like

      How to Reset a Traction Control Light (TCS)
      How to Reset a Gas Gauge Needle
      How to
      Recharge the Air Conditioner in a Car
      How to
      Change an Oxygen Sensor
      How to Reset Your Steering Angle Sensor Without an OBD-2
      Quick and Easy Steps to Reset the Maintenance Required Light
      What to Do If Your Car’s Anti-Theft System Prevents It from Starting
      How to Unlock the Hood of Your Car
      How to Get Out of Limp Mode: 5 Ways to Bypass, Signs, & More
      How to
      Fix a Locked Steering Wheel
      Car Not Starting, but Still Has Power? These Are the Most Common Causes
      How to
      Fix a Cigarette Lighter in a Car
      How to
      Open a Hood with a Broken Latch
      How to
      Determine Gear Ratio
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqZ3zANad5Y&feature=youtu.be&t=23
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqZ3zANad5Y&feature=youtu.be&t=39
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqZ3zANad5Y&feature=youtu.be&t=41
      4. ↑ https://www.autobutler.co.uk/blog/car-door-gets-jammed
      5. ↑ https://www.autobutler.co.uk/blog/car-door-gets-jammed
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vuirtC-87c&feature=youtu.be&t=73
      7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vuirtC-87c&feature=youtu.be&t=120
      8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vuirtC-87c&feature=youtu.be&t=140
      9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vuirtC-87c&feature=youtu.be&t=170
      1. ↑ https://www.autobutler.co.uk/blog/car-door-gets-jammed
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lB-TlFxgk1o&feature=youtu.be&t=110
      3. ↑ https://www.autobutler.co.uk/blog/car-door-gets-jammed
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cU4tS9s7pE&feature=youtu.be&t=33

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 123,794 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement