What to Do When the Car Lock is Broken and Won't Open?
3 Answers
Only the central locking system can close all four doors. Modern car locks are generally opened using an electronic remote. If the electronic remote is functioning properly, the issue may be with the door control mechanism, and it should be repaired promptly. Electronic keys are quite sensitive to surrounding environments; you can try using the mechanical key to open the lock.
Last week, I also encountered a situation where the car lock wouldn’t open, and I was sweating with anxiety. First, I tried using the mechanical key to open the door, only to find that the lock cylinder was rusted and jammed. Remembering that I had a can of rust remover lubricant in the car, I sprayed some into the keyhole, waited five minutes, and tried again—it actually turned. If you don’t have lubricant, you can use pencil lead powder as an emergency solution. When washing the car, be careful not to let water accumulate in the door seams, as it can cause parts to rust easily. If none of these methods work, don’t force the door handle; it’s better to call a locksmith directly. Later, I specifically went to an auto parts market to buy waterproof sealing strips and attached them to the door frame to prevent future issues—after all, repairing a car lock can cost several hundred dollars.
I remember one time after coming back from a dinner gathering, I found my car's locking system malfunctioned. I tried restarting the central locking system by pressing the unlock button on the key fob while closing the trunk, but after three attempts, there was still no response. It was probably due to a short circuit in the door sensor, as a similar issue had occurred before when water seeped into the wiring harness after driving in the rain. Nowadays, I make it a habit to keep the vehicle warranty card in my wallet and call the 4S dealership for emergency assistance directly. They arrived with a diagnostic computer and identified a blown fuse within ten minutes. The key is to confirm the source of the fault—mechanical lock issues are simpler, while electronic locks require professional equipment. It's advisable to check if the door drainage holes are clear every month and to spray circuit protection agent before the rainy season.