Three Common Reasons Your Keys Locked In Vehicle Isn't Working (And How To Fix It)

How to Deal With Locked Keys in Your Vehicle

Locking keys inside the car is a common occurrence, and it can cause anxiety. But this is a situation which can be handled.

There are ways to avoid getting locked out in the future, including storing spare keys somewhere safe and secure. You can also add a roadside service to your vehicle. This will cover breakdowns and helps you get back on the road.

Locking the Doors

It can be an embarrassing moment when you lock your keys inside your car. If you're lucky, you have a family member or a friend who is in the vicinity and can open the car door without causing any damage. It is possible to gain access to your vehicle with the proper tools, even if you do not have a friend or family member in the vicinity. It all depends on the type of vehicle you own and the type of lock fitted to it.

For example, if your car has manual locks instead of sensors, you could make use of a thin rod or wire to open the doors. This might be a wire coat hanger that can be bent into the shape of a lasso, or on vehicles with more modern technology, a metal rod that's integrated into the key fob. Many hardware stores sell "lock picking" sets that include a metal rod and instructions for unlocking your car's doors.

You must first identify the position of the "unlock" button. It may be near the key fob, or it could be located on a panel at the front of the vehicle that is visible through the windshield. Once you have this information, use a coat hanger or rod to create a space between the door of the car and the window frame or frame. You can then reach inside and press the button.

Check to see if your door locks are equipped with a release button you can press to open them. Certain cars, particularly ones that are more recent include this switch in the trunk. It's usually located on the side nearest the seat of the driver. You can also use the emergency release button to fold the seat down and crawl into the trunk.

If none of these methods are working, it's time to call for help. You might consider enlisting the help of a friend who has the same make and model as your vehicle or ask your car dealer to cut you a new one. You can purchase an additional key for much cheaper than if you hire a locksmith.

Locking the Trunk

Locking your trunk of your car isn't a good idea unless you need to keep valuables safe. It's a great way to keep thieves away from your belongings, but it also stops the trunk from being opened by a key fob. You can fix this issue by hiding a spare car key under the rear bumper well or inside the trunk.  i lock my keys in the car  isn't 100% secure however, and it's easy for thieves to locate however it could deter them from attempting to open your trunk in the first place.

Modern cars have gone to great efforts to ensure that only the key fob is able to open the trunk. In order to protect your belongings, a lot of manufacturers have locked the lever for trunk release inside the cabin or in the back seat. The good news is that you can still save money by using the Slim Jim or calling roadside assistance instead of hiring locksmith.

You can try to open your trunk with a wire hanger. However, you need to be cautious not to damage the paint job. You will need bend the hanger at one end so that it forms hooks. Then, you can place the hook between the trunk and the back of the seat. You'll know you've got the correct button or lever if you feel a slight resistance.

You can also access the trunk if you have access to the front cabin. This is accomplished by pressing a button inside the cabin. This method isn't 100% secure since a burglar could look at the button and see that your valuables are inside the trunk.

The other method involves unlocking the trunk by using the latch mechanism. This is an easy way to do it however it only works when your car isn't fully charged and you hear the door locks click when you press them. It is also possible that the engine must be running to activate the latch.

Examining the Battery

If you're unable to unlock the doors with any of the methods listed above, it's possible that you simply have a dead battery on your key fob. The majority of car fobs have an emergency key that you can use to unlock the door of the driver if locked. It is usually a separate key that is included in the car or can be located in the glove compartment or center console.

The most frequent reason a car key doesn't turn in the ignition is because there is an obstruction in the lock's the cylinder. This could be due to dirt, grime or other debris that gets into the lock and prevents the pins from falling correctly when you insert the key. A flashlight and compressed air are great tools to help you find any obstructions in the lock cylinder. If you're cautious you can clear the debris and ensure that your key is working in the ignition when required.

Another issue that can cause a car key not to turn in the ignition is damage to the cylinder itself. In this instance, it is likely that the lock cylinder is damaged and needs to be replaced. This can be an expensive repair however there are options to solve the issue temporarily.

You can, for example, use wire hooks to cut off a tiny portion of the door handle in which the key cylinder is located. But, this method is not recommended if don't have much experience in DIY projects, as it can be difficult to do and may harm your vehicle. Also, make sure that you shut off the vehicle completely before beginning any work.

Locking your keys accidentally in your car can be an embarrassing situation to find yourself in. Be calm and follow the above steps to safely retrieve your keys without creating further damage to your vehicle. You should also look over your insurance policy to determine whether the replacement of keys is covered.

Calling for Help

There are a few things you need to do prior to calling for help if you've locked your keys in your car. If you have a spare car key home and you need someone to bring it, ask them to bring it in to unlock your vehicle. This will save you from having to pay an emergency locksmith service call. You can also try calling an acquaintance or family member to see if has the key. Many people keep spare keys to their cars at work or at home, to help when you've locked yourself in. Third, contact roadside assistance companies like AAA. They have kits specifically designed to open vehicles and are able to open yours for much less than a locksmith would charge. They will require your VIN (located near the front windshield wiper) and proof ownership to open it.

Contact 911 immediately if you are in an urgent situation and have a pet or child in your vehicle. They will dispatch police to your home to remove the child or animal from the vehicle. This could include using a small jim to open the door, or breaking a window.

Locking your car keys in your vehicle is not fun, but it can be a minor issue in the majority of cases. If you follow these guidelines, you can avoid being trapped in your vehicle and prepare a plan of action for the next time it occurs to you.

Drivers should also take steps to prevent being stuck in their vehicles in the future, for instance, downloading the app of their car manufacturer or keeping a spare key in a safe place outside the vehicle, like a magnetic safe beneath the vehicle or on the driver's side of the trunk. Moody recommends that drivers purchase a roadside service plan that includes lockout assistance and contact the manufacturer of their vehicle to obtain an alternate key. This can save money over time, as most roadside assistance plans cover assistance with lockouts.