What Are the Reasons Why a Mechanical Key Can Be Turned but Cannot Open the Car Door?
2 Answers
Mechanical key can be turned but cannot open the car door may be due to the mechanical key not matching, the car door being frozen, or the lock cylinder malfunctioning. Below is a detailed introduction to the reasons why a mechanical key can be turned but cannot open the car door: 1. Mechanical key not matching: Only a mechanical key that matches the lock cylinder can open the car door. When a new key cannot match the lock cylinder, it may result in the car door not being able to open. 2. Car door being frozen: In winter, when the temperature is too low, the car door is very prone to being frozen. In this situation, even if the lock cylinder is unlocked, the car door still cannot be opened. 3. Lock cylinder malfunctioning: If internal parts of the lock cylinder are broken, even if the mechanical key can be turned, the car door still cannot be opened.
I've encountered this situation several times, especially with my old car that I've driven for years. The reasons often include internal aging and wear of the lock cylinder, or the key teeth being worn too smooth, making it impossible to turn the lock tumblers and trigger the unlocking mechanism. I remember once after rain, moisture corroded the spring plates inside the lock - while the key could turn, the mechanism was stuck internally. Also, loosened or rusted connecting rods or latch mechanisms inside the door can prevent opening even when the key turns. I recommend regularly spraying lock lubricant WD-40 during maintenance to prevent moisture buildup. If multiple attempts fail, don't force it - have a professional technician disassemble and inspect it, otherwise you might damage the entire locking system. From experience, mechanical failures are most common, but poor-quality or improperly duplicated keys can also cause this - test with an original key. Safety first - don't wait until you're stranded outside to regret not addressing it.
