What to Do When Car Door Locks Are Hard to Open?
2 Answers
Use a T-20 spline to remove the small cover on the door handle, open the door, and locate the small hole on the door edge. Loosen the screw inside, being careful not to remove it completely. Then, you will see the internal cable secured in the slot of the door handle. If the cable is tightly stretched, adjust it slightly to loosen it. Lubricate the door lock post by gently spraying some screw loosening agent on it, then apply some more to the door lock area. Loosen the two screws on the lock post, adjust the post to the correct position, and secure it. Close the door to test and check if it fits properly. Check if the door edge line aligns with the rear fender edge line and if their heights match. If the door edge line is lower than the rear fender edge line, it means further outward adjustment is needed.
I think car door locks being hard to open is quite common. My car used to frequently get stuck in rainy or winter weather, mainly due to rust or dust accumulation in the lock cylinder. First, check if the key is bent or cracked. If it's fine, try lubricating it. Never use engine oil as it attracts more dirt. Instead, apply some specialized graphite powder or lock lubricant spray to make it smoother. If the electronic door lock fails, try the mechanical backup method, such as prying open the protective cover and using the physical key to unlock. After washing the car, remember to dry the keyhole to prevent water accumulation and rust. In winter when it's frozen, spray some de-icer to melt the ice. These simple steps can handle most situations. If the problem persists, don't force it—take the car to a repair shop immediately, as getting locked out on the road is too dangerous.
