Let’s imagine you wake up one morning and head out to work. As you approach your vehicle, you try to open your car with your key.
No success. Exasperated, you then use the manual lock and try to turn the key — again, to no avail.
So what do you do?
This guide examines several reasons your key turns but doesn’t unlock your vehicle door. Each section includes a quick fix you can try.
Let’s get started!
Table of ContentsShow
Lock Is Frozen
In winter, driving can be a necessary evil. But you’re already off to a rocky start if you can’t unlock your car. When temperatures hit below 32°F, your lock can quickly freeze. Ice forms inside the lock, blocking the key from turning.
If you’re based in the northern states or Canada, low temperatures over a period of time make the metal shrink and deform. This makes the key harder to turn.
How To Fix It
While the simplest solution for a frozen lock is to wait for the car to heat up, you may want to put some money towards a de-icer spray. This is available for less than $10 in every car mechanic store or online.
Fixing a deformed lock due to cold weather can be readily solved with increased lubrication. More on that in the next section
Lock Needs Lubrication
As with all car parts, the lock is subject to wear and tear. Over time, it gets ancient, and your car door will stop unlocking.
How To Fix It
You could try getting a designated lubricant spray for your lock to repair this.
Once applied, turn the key anti-clockwise a few times before attempting to unlock the car again. Repeat this process until successful.
Wrong Key
While this issue may be obvious, it’s still on this list for a reason. Do you live in a house with multiple car owners? Do your visiting family and friends own the same model car as you?
Sometimes the key will fit the lock and even turn. However, the car will not open.
How To Fix It
Ensure you have the correct key for your car. Sometimes it’s the easy things we often overlook.
Dirt In The Keyhole
Ever wondered why your car lock has a protective cover? The answer is straightforward: to prevent dirt from entering the lock.
Dust and dirt can enter the lock and prevent the key from turning. This issue occurs far more often in unshielded car locks than in shielded ones.
How To Fix It
In this situation, air spray can help eliminate dust and other particles from the lock. However, these might push it further in or even damage the component if you’re unfortunate.
It’s better to check with your local mechanic, as they have the right tools to clean your lock.
Worn-Out Lock
When you use a lock, it slowly wears down. After decades of use, if you struggle to turn your key, chances are the lock is at the end of its lifetime.
Note: this can also be the cause of your key being stuck in the ignition. The key (see below) or ignition cylinder can wear out.
How To Fix It
Even if the lock hasn’t completely failed, you want to go to an auto locksmith for maintenance.
Nothing is worse than being stranded on some deserted road, unable to open your vehicle door!
Key Damaged
If you’ve opted for the less expensive version of a car key, you’re likely to pay the price when it comes to the longevity.
While original car keys can also be damaged, non-original ones are more likely to break.
How To Fix It
If your keys are broken, you have to acquire a replacement from the locksmith.
These days you can often fold the key stem into the main part of the key as an aftermarket customization. This maintenance will prevent key damage in the long run.
Lock Installed Incorrectly
If you’ve faced any problems mentioned in this article and gone to the wrong locksmith or car dealer, a defective installation may continue to cause you problems.
Mechanics are also individuals and make mistakes.
How To Fix It
First of all, test the key after you’ve had a fix. If your lock is giving you trouble after a few weeks, make sure to return it to the locksmith and ask for a refund.
Opt for an alternative locksmith or car dealer. Digital reviews can give you a decent idea of how good the mechanic or locksmith is.
Door Latch Stuck
Sometimes neither the lock nor the key is at fault, but rather the door itself. If your door latch is stuck, corroded, or rusty, you won’t be able to open the door.
To confirm this issue, try other car doors and see if they open (if possible). Your trunk will probably have a manual lock, at least.
How To Fix It
You don’t have numerous options other than getting to an auto locksmith and having them fix the latch.
Key Turns, But Door Won’t Open: Conclusion
There you have it. You know eight plausible scenarios when your key turns but doesn’t open the car door. The various fixes might help if you find yourself in one of these unfortunate emergency situations.
However, in general, consult your car mechanic or an automotive locksmith to address these problems. They are the experts and know how to help.
This may be a little expensive. While some fixes will cost you next to nothing, replacing an entire lock system will put you out of pocket by between $75 and $300.
If you can’t access your car with the regular fob, there could be several underlying issues. The most likely is a dead key or car battery.
