Remote Key Won’t Unlock Car Door – Reasons And Fixes
Remote key won’t unlock car door – Is it true?
Some problems with unlocking a car are almost unavoidable, especially if the vehicle is still primarily driven by the key.
Some issues may be addressed quickly while others necessitate that particular parts be replaced.
We will go through all of the reasons why your automobile door will not open in this article, as well as the most effective and inexpensive methods to address them.
The most frequent causes of car door difficulties are lack of lubrication, foul or worn lock cylinders, tumblers, and a malfunctioning tailpiece of the lock.
Why The Door Will Not Unlock
1. Insufficient Lubrication
The door lock is a complex mechanism with several components that are also exposed to the elements.
The locks do not need much lubrication, and if any is needed, it is usually sufficient to use common automobile oil.
Over time, dirt and tiny rust can cause the mechanism to become blocked.
WD-40 is a wonderful tool for removing moisture and cleaning the lock, but I recommend using multi-purpose lubricating oil in addition.
The oil should be applied in the same manner as a gun lubricant: by holding your key flat and pouring it into the groove of the key.
After inserting it into the lock, pull it out and rotate it 180 degrees, then repeat.
To spread the oil, use the key, and add a little more if you do not think enough lube was on one side of the lock.
You do not want to apply too much oil because excess moisture will collect dirt and rapidly ruin your lock.
2. Frozen Lock
Teaching pupils about appropriate car maintenance and care is something that just about every driving school on the planet lacks.
Winter tires are not the only equipment you will need when the cold weather arrives; in fact, it is vital to have some sort of winter-tire sealant.
The lock may seize up due to the cold, preventing you from opening your door.
A regular pocket lighter will suffice if you do not have a lock de-icer on hand, although they are a common option for the issue.
After filling the oven with liquid, turn it on to warm it up.
Then, as quickly as possible, insert the key into the lock. Repeat the procedure a few times until you are able to open the lock.
To prevent the melting of plastic or transferring too much heat to the base, keep the flame near the tip of the key.
If it is too hot to touch, it will be more than sufficient for heating up the lock.
Ice and snow can prevent the lock from freezing.
To avoid this, use glycerine.
You would apply some on the key and spread it throughout the lock, just like you would with lubricating oil.
100% glycerine freezes at 56°F and becomes more durable when combined with water.
For the greatest results, combine two-thirds glycerine with one-third distilled water on a scale.
However, because glycerin is heavier than water, use the kitchen scale and measure in grams.
The doors can get stiff, making them difficult to open.
From the cold, door sealant may harden and even stick together.
If you pull one of the seals off as you open the door, it will probably break.
Dab some glycerin on a piece of cloth and wipes it over the seals for a really simple fix.
I have been applying this trick for years with no problems whatsoever.
3. Broken Lock Tail Piece
I am not a locksmith, so understanding the inner workings of a car door lock is above my pay grade.
However, I understand that worn tumblers will either prevent the lock from allowing you to unlock the door with almost anything except a screwdriver if they restrict rotation.
If the lock is turning but the door is not opening, it is likely because of a damaged tailpiece.
When you turn the key, a lever at the back of the lock is mechanically moved.
The lock will open the B-column latch, which is located between the door and the B-column, through a sequence of push-pull connections.
If one of the components on route to the door latch fails, you may notice that it is easier to turn the key than usual, as well as that the door will not unlock.
It is impossible for a homeowner to repair the tailpiece on their own since it necessitates taking apart the door panel.
This is one of the more difficult operations to do correctly, especially if the window controls and speakers are attached to it.
I have probably had a dozen door-related problems ranging from handles to locks to tails, and I have left most of it up to the pros.
4. Broken Lock Cylinder And Tumblers
When a lock cylinder or tumbler breaks, the key will not turn because none of the tumblers will align.
There are three obstacles you will need to overcome in order for your lock to be serviced:
- Access to the automobile must be obtained.
- Remove the damaged lock.
- Remove the old lock, then reattach it.
Because you have the key, the first step should not be difficult – you may use the fob to unlock the doors, open the lock on the passenger’s side, or get into your car via the trunk.
If you can not get into your car using conventional methods, I highly recommend reading this article since it covers all of your other options for getting inside your automobile.
You can manually open the door and, more importantly, drive the automobile to a local locksmith once you have taken over the driver’s seat.
Because they may make use of your existing key as a pattern to generate a new lock, you will not have to replace the keys.
Alternatively, you can remove the lock yourself by following the procedures described in this article.
It is not an easy task, and even if you replace both or one of them with a new one, it will still be necessary to change the keys.
5. Worn Key
Over time, sliding the key in and out of the lock will wear it down, making it useless.
The wear will prevent the tumblers from the lock and lining up will not rotate.
It can also bend and even break inside the lock, which is an extremely bad situation.
Locksmiths can cut copies from a rusted or destroyed key, but you can be sure that it will cost more than duplicating a key in good shape.
If your key is not worn-out right now — great, because you may have it duplicated by a locksmith.
Cloning the RFID chip and fob is considerably less expensive than programming from scratch, so do it while you are there.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to unlock a frozen door?
Most people advocate using a silicone lubricant on the lock, but I prefer multi-purpose lubricating oil since it is cheaper and just as effective.
Pour some oil onto the key and hold it flat; then insert it into the lock.
Work the lock softly and be patient, and you will most likely be able to turn it.
Why my car door will not unlock with my key?
We have gone through the reasons why the physical key may not function, but there are still other options for opening the door.
You can unlock the passenger’s side door using the key, utilize the fob remote, or even unlock the car using a smartphone app.
Summary
If your car’s door does not open, follow these steps to find and repair the problem.
It only takes a few minutes to keep door locks in good working order; lubricate them once a month, dry off the key before inserting it into the lock, and handle it gently when turning the key.
