How to Fix a Door That Won't Open from Inside or Outside?
2 Answers
A door that cannot be opened from either the inside or outside is mostly caused by a detached or loose door cable. When this happens, the interior trim panel needs to be removed to replace the cable. Below is a detailed explanation of common door issues:1. Most modern car rear doors are equipped with child safety locks. When the child safety lock is engaged, the door can only be opened from the outside. If the door cannot be opened from either side, the issue is not related to the child safety lock.2. Over time, door lock cables may become loose or detached, which is a normal occurrence. This can be resolved by visiting a professional repair shop or a 4S store to have the interior trim panel removed and the cable repaired.3. In some cases, a faulty lock mechanism may be the cause of the door not opening, requiring the lock mechanism to be replaced.4. Regular maintenance is also important. It is recommended to regularly apply lubricating oil or grease to the lock mechanism to ensure smooth operation.
Yesterday, my car had the same issue—the rear door wouldn’t open from inside or outside, leaving me sweating. Eventually, I found the child lock was stuck in position, and a gentle flick fixed it. If the child lock isn’t the problem, it might be the door latch mechanism jammed due to aging, like parts warping from summer heat expansion. Try gently prying the door gap with a screwdriver or pliers, but avoid scratching the paint. Another method is to crawl through the trunk to unlock it, as many SUVs are designed with this access. If all else fails, don’t force it—call a tow truck or professional mechanic to check wiring or motor issues to avoid damaging the door frame. Regularly cleaning door frames and lubricating lock mechanisms can reduce such failures.
