Door locks are complex mechanisms with lots of tiny moving parts and as such can malfunction on occasion.
Key won t work in door lock.
In most cases it s the battery that has gone.
How to do so.
Debris or ice from cold weather may be causing problems with the cylinder or you might simply be using the wrong key.
Ideally use a vice bench and a small hammer.
Keeping your car doors locked is one important safeguard against auto theft and vandalism but it can also backfire.
A key that doesn t turn in the lock could have several causes.
There are a few reasons this can happen but they are all solvable problems.
The lock mechanism may not work simply because the lock is dirty or dry and needs to be lubricated with graphite do not use any type of oil because this will gum up the works.
If your key will only go in part way this could still be the same problem or there may be an obstruction in the keyway.
See below for taking apart your door lock and getting it to work like new.
It s possible that there is an issue with the lock cylinder.
Here we look at how to fix problems with a key operating a door lock.
A key fob is a nice convenience but it s frustrating when the remote key won t unlock car door.
After a long day at work the last thing you want is to come home put your key in the lock and find that it won t turn.
If this method does not work you may need to use a more solvent based lubricant like wd 40 to loosen the dirt.
The key is bent and the lock barrel is straight.
You should straighten the key adjust and refine it as much as possible in order to be able to insert it into the lock.
For other types of problems with door knobs and locks please see repairing door knobs.
Faulty lock the internal mechanism could be broken.
A dead key fob means you re locked out of the car which is the last thing anyone would want when in a hurry.
Forcing it could break the key in the lock.
Locks exposed to the elements sometimes collect a lot of dirt.
A dry graphite lubricant will lubricate the inside of the lock making it easier to unlock.
A smart fob can stop working for several reasons and diagnosing them is quite simple.
Here is expert advice for repairing your lock.
Key is hard to turn or won t go in the lock don t force the key.
Assuming the door lock is hard to unlock with a key because it is dirty or gunked up inside and not damaged your best bet is to use a dry graphite.
An improperly functioning latch may be the result of a poorly fitting door.
Dry powdered graphite will not.
For serious lock problems it is usually best to call a locksmith or to replace the lock.
For any of a variety of reasons occasionally car keys won t turn in the door.