How to Open the Door with a Cruze Spare Key?

[StLouis]

There is a groove under the driver's side door handle where you can use the spare key to open the door. Below is an introduction to the 2018 Cruze Redline 320 Automatic Pioneer Edition: 1. Powertrain: Equipped with a 1.5L naturally aspirated 4-cylinder L3G engine, paired with a 6-speed automatic manual transmission. 2. Body Dimensions: The length, width, and height are 4666mm, 1807mm, and 1460mm respectively. The wheelbase is 2700mm. 3. Chassis: The drivetrain is front-engine, front-wheel drive. The front suspension is a MacPherson strut independent suspension, and the rear suspension is a torsion beam non-independent suspension.

[StLeila]

When I used to drive a Cruze, I often used the spare key, and the process was actually quite straightforward. At the end of the driver's side door handle, there's a small cover plate. Gently pry it open with the tip of the key to reveal the mechanical lock cylinder. Insert the spare key all the way in, then turn it counterclockwise about 90 degrees until you hear a click, and the door will open. However, be aware that the car might trigger the anti-theft alarm after opening. In that case, immediately get into the driver's seat, insert the key into the ignition switch, and turn it to the start position—the alarm will stop automatically. The Cruze's design is quite discreet; some owners mistakenly think the handle doesn’t have a keyhole, but it’s actually hidden under the cover plate. Lastly, remember not to keep the spare key in the same pocket as your phone to avoid electromagnetic interference that could disable the chip.

[Costa]

As a seasoned Chevrolet mechanic with 10 years of experience, operating the spare key for a Cruze is quite simple: The front end of the driver's door handle has a plastic cover that can be pried open with your fingernail, revealing the keyhole. Insert the spare key and turn it counterclockwise half a turn, being careful not to use too much force—just until you hear the lock cylinder click back. Here's a little trick: if the key won't go in, the cover spring might be stuck; just press the back of the cover with your finger and try again. Don't panic if the alarm sounds after opening the door—it will deactivate within 30 seconds if you start the vehicle. By the way, the spare key's teeth are relatively rough, so it's recommended to apply some graphite powder for lubrication every six months to prevent the door lock from sticking.

[McReese]

Here's how to operate the older model Cruze in my home: Locate the small square cover at the end of the driver's side door handle, and pry open the plastic cover horizontally. When inserting the spare key all the way in, you'll feel resistance—twist it toward the steering wheel until the door handle pops up. Special attention is needed for winter operations: don't force the key to pry open the frozen hard plastic cover; instead, breathe warm air to melt the thin ice first before lifting it. Additionally, turning the key at too large an angle may trigger the anti-theft lock, so it's safer to start the vehicle immediately after unlocking. The spare key head can serve as a temporary tool to pry open the fuel tank cap in emergencies.

[StJosiah]

The Cruze mechanical unlocking process involves three steps: First, locate the small square cover on the driver's door handle, use the side of the key to pry open a gap and lift it; insert the key and turn it counterclockwise about 45 degrees; pull the door handle while gently pushing the door. Note that the plastic handle of the spare key is prone to breaking, so hold the metal part when turning. Testing shows that if the car is not started after unlocking, the full-car horn alarm will trigger after two minutes, so it's best to prepare to start the ignition in advance. Additionally, the keyhole is positioned low, so remember to wipe off rainwater before operating in wet weather to prevent water from entering the lock cylinder.

[VanTimothy]

My experience with driving a Cruze: When using the spare key to open the driver's door, you need to locate the hidden cover at the end of the handle, about the size of a fingernail. First, insert the key head horizontally to pry open the clip, then rotate it toward the front of the car after fully inserting it. The key point is to pull the door handle in sync with the unlocking moment, otherwise it may get stuck in a half-unlocked state. It's recommended to use the spare key at least once a month to prevent the lock cylinder from becoming stiff. By the way, remember that the trunk cannot be opened with the mechanical key from outside the car; you must unlock it first and then press the button inside the car. Don’t worry if you lose the plastic cover of the key—replacement parts can be bought online for just over ten yuan.