Most people are concerned with accidentally locking their keys in the car, but occasionally a car door won’t open from inside.
You can end up locked inside the car as opposed to locked outside. You still want to address this issue even if there is another door you can exit by.
This article will explain why your door is jammed and what you can do to solve the problem. Let’s dive into it!
How Does A Car Door Function?
The mechanical installation of an automobile door is not particularly challenging. Besides some extra components, it operates similarly to a typical door in your house.
The latch will stick into its housing when you pull the door handle, allowing the door to open. The latch will stretch when the door is shut, making it impossible to open.
Additionally, a locking device can be employed to guarantee that the latch won’t release until the automobile door is unlocked and opened.
Since doors can be remotely locked and unlocked, some interior parts move on their own.
They span the interior of the car door and are made up of many rods and links. Until you remove the door panel, you won’t be able to see these.
The car door has some wires going through it, too.
These wires connect to functions including window operations, side mirror automated controls, unlock buttons, and the lock on the door.
Why Car Door Won’t Open From Inside
Why won’t my car door open from the inside? Several reasons may cause the issue of being unable to open the door. Below are the most common causes that you might encounter.
Issues With The Connection
A broken connection between the door latch and the car lock is a typical cause of car locks being stuck.
You must inspect all external and internal connections, interior locking switch, and door lock cylinder while determining the problem, since one of these settings will cause the automobile door to become stuck.
Grime And Rust Accumulation
Another reason for stuck closed automobile doors is the accumulation of grime and rust.
Rust builds up in the door’s lock assembly and prevents the door latch from closing. Any broken interior components may also be to blame for this.
Defective Core Structure
This damage typically happens after an accident. In this situation, your door latch can be harmed, causing the lock to become jammed.
The door lock assembly and the door latch could get separated. No matter how serious the collision, structural damage is still possible.
Deadlock
Deadlock, a feature that has been added to several automotive models, is another cause of this problem. It might be brought on by a remote control button that opens the lock.
Malfunctioning Lock
One broken lock prevents the car from opening either from both sides.
The good news is this problem can be quickly fixed in case you have a spare lock, and you are still able to enter the automobile.
Broken Car Door
If the problem is not with the locking mechanism, then there is only one reason left: your car door is broken. Keep in mind that this isn’t the same problem as deadlock.
Even if the complete lock system is functioning properly, your door may still not be opened from the outside or inside once it is damaged.
How To Fix A Car Door Won’t Open From Inside?
Different causes will demand different ways to solve them. Below is what you need to do to fix a car door won’t open from inside.
Use Child Locks
The back doors of most car models come with child locks. This security measure is intended to stop children from opening the car door while you are driving.
While exiting the car or holding the door open, child locks may unintentionally activate.
When the car door is open, kids occasionally fumble with the switch. But naturally, things will inadvertently bump into the lock.
A kid lock that was unintentionally switched on is the cause of a front door that won’t open from the inside.
You can easily solve this issue by using the following steps for your electronic car locking system.
Step 1: Disengage the locking feature using the button on the driver’s door.
Step 2: Try opening the door again after pressing the button.
Suppose your car doesn’t come with the electric locking system; apply the method below.
Step 1: Open your vehicle’s back door.
Step 2: Change the door to the unlocked setting.
Step 3: Repeat the procedure for the other back doors.
Lubrication Application
Your automobile door can benefit greatly from silicone lubrication like WD-40, which also works wonders for other parts.
Applying lubrication to your car door can fix jamming issues. It can also create a barrier that repels water, preventing moisture, filth, and debris from entering the lock.
The door has numerous moving parts, so take your time lubricating each one. The latch is likely the area that needs the most attention.
This works if you observe that a portion becomes stuck while moving. The issue disappears with sufficient lubrication. Here is how you perform this task.
Step 1: Use a clean cloth to remove the muck and filth from the latch.
Step 2: Apply the lubricant to the door latch with a rag or paper towel or spray directly on it.
Step 3: Open and shut the door multiple times to get the lubrication into the latch.
Step 4: Wipe away extra lubricant as necessary using a clean cloth or rag.
Connection Problem
An automobile’s door lock assembly comprises several actuators and coupled levers.
Still, the connections may deteriorate gradually over time through use or suddenly from a collision or impact.
Once the components are disconnected, it will be impossible to open a car door from the inside.
Here is what you need to do to fix the issue.
Step 1: Try to open your car door from the outside.
Step 2: Take off the side panels and lock them after exposing the door lock assembly.
Step 3: Look for the parts that need to be reconnected and attempt to reassemble them together.
Freezing
Suppose your car is in an area where temperatures have gone below freezing (around 32°F).
This can be the reason behind your door being unable to open, just like when the power window doesn’t work on the passenger side.
When the door freezes, ice frequently forms on it, making it difficult to open. Freezing can occur in internal parts of the lock assembly and prevent an interior door from opening.
The conventional method for defrosting a frozen automobile door involves dousing it with an ice-removal solution. Here are the detailed steps to follow.
Step 1: Use a scraper to remove ice from the car door handles or seals.
Step 2: Pour warm water into your car’s rubber seals or use an ice-removal solution to soften the ice.
Step 3: Try to disassemble the door and shake the lock actuators to break up the ice.
Clean Your Linkages
You must clean the assembly if there is any dust or corrosion present.
Although corrosion could come up on numerous automotive components, it is primarily observed on the several rods and links that span the door.
Fortunately, the cleaning process is not too complicated. Here is what you need to do.
Step 1: Utilize the same cleaning materials as you would in the kitchen to eliminate rust and filth.
Step 2: Once you finish cleaning the linkages, ensure to keep them enough time to dry completely before attempting to use your car door.
Deadlock
Numerous high-end models and luxury manufacturers employ the security mechanism known as deadlock.
No matter what door you attempt to access from within the car, the deadlock may have been activated. As a result, locks won’t operate electronically or manually.
If you have the car key in hand, apply the steps below.
Step 1: Trigger the car’s deadlock by removing your key from the ignition or hitting the buttons on the dashboard.
Step 2: Try to open the car door.
Another cause is accidentally pressing the lock button on the remote twice. If you find yourself in this situation, do not panic. Here is what you should do.
Step 1: Use your car remote or insert the key into the lock.
Step 2: Try to open the door.
Latch Replacement
Your door closes and opens using a metal component called a latch.
Once this part is jammed, you may be unable to open the car door. If this happens to you, consider getting the latch replaced.
Similar to your door’s lock, this one may be replaced for a low cost and with relative ease as the door panel has been removed.
Keep in mind that you won’t need a new key set once you change the latch. Follow the instructions below to replace your door latch.
Step 1: Park the car down on a smooth, flat surface.
Step 2: Set the tires with wheel chocks. For the tires to be locked and prevented from moving, apply the parking brake.
Step 3: Take off the exterior door knob.
Step 4: Take the interior door handle off. Pry the cover to remove it from the door handle. Take off the cover by using a flathead screwdriver.
Step 5: Take away the window crank.
Step 6: Remove the door’s interior panel.
Step 7: Unbolt the rear window runner’s bottom bolt in addition to the old latch’s mounting to the door.
Step 8: Insert the new latch into the door. The rear window runner must be secured firmly once the latch is installed in the door.
Step 9: Reinstall the door.
Rust
Rust, or oxidized metal, develops on practically every metal object.
This material prevents movement by clogging connections and covering the spaces that allow pieces to slip past one another.
When the rust is extreme, you won’t be able to open the door, and other actuators won’t function properly.
To solve this problem, apply the following instructions.
Step 1: Spritz some lock lubricant into your lock’s surrounding gaps where it isn’t moving.
Step 2: Remove rust completely by wiping it off with some lubricant.
Step 3: Take out the door paneling to access the inside lock assembly.
Step 4: Clean and polish the inside to prevent further rust formation.
It’s worth noting that rust is the culprit for other issues like your hood latch won’t close. So check out other parts where metal hinges are present.
Change The Lock
Suppose you have already tried lubricating and cleaning the lock, yet the door still won’t open; the next course of action is to replace the lock.
You will likely require a locksmith’s assistance for this task.
They can produce a master key that opens every door in your automobile or program a new key to work with your lock.
Notice that your existing key won’t operate this particular door because the new lock you install will have an entire different pin configuration inside.
Whole Door Replacement
In the worst-case scenario, you might have to replace the door entirely. The procedure is quite simple, despite how extreme it may sound.
For this task, it would be best to call a locksmith and let them do the work for you.
They will take out all the wires, mounting nuts, and hinges to remove the door from its position.
One thing to remember is that you need to replace the door with the appropriate one since not all doors are exact replicas, so choose carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Causes Car Door Won’t Open From Outside But Will From Inside?
A mechanical issue with the door’s internal mechanisms is the most common cause of a car door that will only open from the inside but not the outside.
This can result from a rod or cable connecting the unresponsive or broken door handle to the car latch.
The door panel can be removed using your tools. It will be simpler to pinpoint the problem once the screws holding the door panel have been removed.
Then, take the electrical connections from the car door panel.
A plastic cover may be seen inside the panel after removing it. If the door won’t open, take off this cover and check for problems.
Examine the mechanics and internal shafts to see whether they are the problem.
Can I Lock My Car If I Can’t Open Car Door From Inside?
Relocking your automobile when the door won’t open from the inside is dangerous. It would be best to keep the car door open to fix the lock while it is still partially working.
A malfunctioning door can get worse so quickly that it calls for an auto locksmith.
How Can I Unlock If My Car Door Won’t Open From Inside?
Try every possible unlocking technique, including the switches, knobs, ignition, etc.
In the worst-case scenario, open another door (that is in good condition in the car) to leave and open the stuck door from outside.
If all of these solutions don’t work, there is only one more thing to do: call for professional help. Contact your local locksmith and let them handle the situation.
This way, you may return to driving in a secure and timely manner rather than being annoyed with a broken car key.
The Bottom Line
Finding the cause of a car door won’t open from inside can be challenging. Still, with the help of our guide, you can now detect the problem and know how to handle it.
In case you can’t figure out how to solve the issue, the last resort is to contact your local locksmith and have it professionally fixed.
We also cover other car common issues. So if you are struggling with this problem, you can find the solution on our website.