Why can the Buick Excelle door lock engage but not disengage?
3 Answers
This issue is caused by a malfunction in the remote control module or poor contact of the unlock button. Check whether the signal reception between the remote receiver and the central door lock module is normal. If the signal is normal, then the central door lock module is faulty. Below are the detailed explanations: 1. Solutions: If the car's central locking system is in an electronically locked state, you need to wait for one or two hours until the lock is released before attempting to unlock it. Another possibility is that the door lock cylinder is stuck due to prolonged use and cannot be turned. If you want to solve it yourself, the only way is to use force, i.e., break the car window. Otherwise, you can only contact a 4S shop for repair. 2. Precautions: Users should note that once the car is started, the key should be released immediately and not kept turning, as this will damage the engine belt. Also, try not to hang the car key together with other keys or accessories, as swinging back and forth while driving will gradually widen the keyhole gap, making it easier to encounter problems when starting the vehicle.
This issue is frequently discussed in the Excelle owner groups. If the door lock can engage but not disengage, it's mostly due to a problem with the door lock motor or the electrical circuit. My car had a similar issue before—once locked, neither the remote nor the key could open it. Upon reflection, it might have been because the motor was stuck or the contacts were oxidized, preventing power from reaching the lock to release it. Try checking if the remote's battery is dead and replace it with a new one. If the physical key also fails to open the door, the lock cylinder might be internally blocked and needs lubrication. Another possibility is a short circuit in the wiring; you can open the door panel to check if any fuses in the fuse box have blown. Be cautious when handling this situation—avoid forcing the door handle to prevent damage. It's advisable to drive to a professional repair shop for a multimeter test to avoid damaging other components yourself.
Having driven the Buick Excelle for many years, my biggest concern is the safety hazards caused by car lock malfunctions. A door lock that can be locked but not opened means that in case of emergencies such as being trapped inside the car or facing danger, one cannot quickly escape, which is extremely dangerous. I once experienced a situation where, after getting out of the car in the rain, I found the door wouldn't unlock, and I had to quickly find the spare key to resolve the issue. The main reasons might be aging and jamming of the door lock mechanism or the central control system misjudging the lock status. It is recommended that car owners always carry a spare physical key; check if the central control system display is functioning normally, and if there are any abnormalities, repair them promptly. When dealing with such issues, ensure the vehicle is parked in a safe location, avoid forcing the lock open hastily to prevent injury or vehicle damage, and contact professional maintenance as soon as possible to ensure driving safety.