How to manually open the door with a smart key?
4 Answers
Remove the cover of the smart car door keyhole and insert the mechanical key to manually open the door. Below is an introduction to the smart: 1. Exterior: The smart Nightorange Limited Edition features a two-tone body color combining orange and black, offering a more visually striking appearance compared to the standard smart model. Additionally, the Nightorange Limited Edition is equipped with smoked headlights, black mirror covers, and an emblem with the "nightorange" inscription. 2. Powertrain: The smart Nightorange Limited Edition is powered by a 1.0-liter naturally aspirated engine and a turbocharged engine, with maximum power outputs of 70 horsepower and 84 horsepower, and peak torques of 92 N·m and 120 N·m, respectively. All models are paired with a 5-speed AMT transmission.
As a veteran driver with ten years of experience using smart key models, I've had plenty of practice with manual door opening. You see that small groove on the side of the car key? Press the latch with your fingernail and push it outward to extract the hidden mechanical key blade. When approaching the car door, look for a small plastic cover behind or below the door handle - gently pry it open with the key tip to reveal the keyhole. Last time during my beach vacation, I encountered a situation where my key got waterlogged and malfunctioned. I inserted the mechanical key, turned it 90 degrees clockwise, and with a click, the door opened. However, after manual entry, the car's anti-theft alarm will sound, so you need to quickly get inside and insert the key into the ignition slot to start the engine. I recommend all car owners apply some lubricant to the moving parts of their mechanical keys annually - they're particularly prone to sticking in rainy weather. Last time, I found my colleague's car had a key that wouldn't turn due to rust.
I have worked in an auto repair shop for fourteen years and handled hundreds of cases of smart key failures. All car models come with a mechanical key blade. Locate the release button at the end of the key, press it, and you can pull out the metal key. The door lock cylinders are hidden behind decorative covers—some German car covers are particularly tight and require using the key's edge to pry open the notch. Two key reminders: Do not rotate the key beyond 120 degrees. For Volkswagen models, turn counterclockwise; for Toyota, turn clockwise. When inserting the key, pay attention to the lock cylinder markings—align it with the horizontal line to ensure even force distribution. The most troublesome repair was a Lincoln—its lock cylinder was hidden inside the door handle, and the owner broke the plastic cover by forcing it. For routine maintenance, I recommend using a cotton swab to clean the lock cylinder during car washes, as accumulated grit can make the mechanical key difficult to turn.
Last time my smart key was carried away by my dog, learning how to manually open the door really saved the day. My Ford key has a small arrow indicator on the side, and pressing the metal piece with my thumb makes it slide out. Under the driver's side door handle, I found a plastic piece the size of a fingernail, which can be pried open with the key teeth to reveal the keyhole. When turning it all the way to the right, there's a noticeable rebound feeling, and the moment the lock clicks open is incredibly satisfying. I remember during my first attempt, I forgot about the alarm system—as soon as I pulled the door open, the siren blared, scaring me into quickly sitting in the driver's seat and inserting the key into the emergency slot next to the steering wheel. Now, when I go for my weekly fitness runs, I don’t bring the electronic key anymore; carrying the spare key blade is convenient and worry-free, even when sweating.
