How To Unlock Your Car Using Lock-Out Tools?

Usually, a locked door is a result of two problems. Either there's an issue with the key or the car door lock assembly is not working. Some of the common causes for a car door lock that is stuck are as follows:

1. Broken Key Fob

Modern cars come with a key fob or a remote that allows keyless entry into the vehicle. You may not be able to unlock the vehicle because of a faulty key fob or drained batteries. Ensure the batteries are charged, the fob is not broken, has no internal issues, and is working properly. Often a simple battery replacement, using a manual key or a backup key fob, solves this problem.

2. Faulty Connection

The car door can also be stuck in a locked position due to broken connections within the door panel and the lock assembly. This can happen due to a broken link, lock cylinder, or locking rods. If any of these components are broken or disconnected, the door can remain shut, rendering the locking and opening mechanism non-functional.

3. Structural Damage

Car door getting locked after an accident is very common. This can happen due to a hard impact on the car doors resulting in a bent or disconnected latch making it impossible for you to open the car.

There are several methods to open a locked car door handle without a key. But it is important to invest in a dedicated automotive lock-out kit that will allow you to get into your car like a professional. A lock-out kit comprises various tools like slim jims, flexible long reach tools, auto trim removal tools, and air wedge bags. These lock-out tools are designed to be flexible, safe and can be used on various types of vehicles with or without electronically operated doors.

A slim jim is a thin strip of metal (usually spring steel) that features a notch on one end and a handle on the other. Slim jims are used for opening your car doors without picking your lock because they act directly on the levers and interconnecting rods that operate the locking mechanism. However, this tool works on cars that do not have electric locks. A slim jim can only be used on cars that feature upright locks that look like small cylinders near the bottom of the car side window. Usually, these types of car door locks can be found on older vehicles. Some newer models might also feature these locks but then they might also have electronics, wires, and even airbags which make the use of slim jims difficult and unsafe. Using slim jims on the wrong type of locks can seriously damage your car.

• Start the process with the front passenger door instead of the driver-side door. 

• Take a wedge or one-hand jack and carefully insert it vertically downwards between the car's window and the weather stripping. This will create enough space for you to insert the slim jim. A car’s window seal or weatherstripping is the rubber strip that runs between the car's door and the window.

• With the notched end first, slowly slide the slim jim in the space created by the wedge. Slide the tool in and gently glide it along towards the keyhole so it aligns with the mechanism behind it.

• Watch for the movement in the locking mechanism and observe if the lock near the bottom of the window starts vibrating. Keep the slim jim vertical to avoid any contact with other parts behind the door panel.

• Now gently pull up the slim jim. As you do that, you might also feel the notched end of the tool grabbing the locks or rod that open and control the lock. The door and the lock should open as you pull up the slim jim.

• If it doesn't work, try again applying the same methods as discussed above with different movements after inserting the slim jim. You might also want to bend the slim jim a little to gain better access to the locks behind the door.

To unlock a vehicle equipped with electronic unlock buttons or handles located on the doors, you will need an inflatable wedge or air jack. An air wedge is used for creating space between the doors and the frame so you can insert a long reach tool and access the unlock buttons located on the inside section of the doors.

• Locate the unlock button inside your car. Usually, it is located on the driver-side door panel, which is used for unlocking all the doors at once.

• Identify what kind of buttons they are and if they need to be pulled or pressed.

• Now use a plastic wedge from the lock-out kit and insert the sharp end between the door and the frame near the B pillar. This will create a little space between the door and the frame so you can insert the inflatable wedge bag. Do not try to pry the door while inserting the plastic wedge, as this can bend the frame of the door. Also, take precautions while inserting the wedge so you don't tear away the car door seals.

• Now once a little gap is created between the door and the frame, slide an inflatable air wedge bag between the space and inflate it up. This will gradually increase the gap between the door and the frame so you can insert a long-reach tool to access the switch.

• If the space isn't enough for your tool to go through, place another air wedge bag on the top of the door and inflate it. With two inflated bags in place, there should be enough space to get your tool through. The gap is big enough if you can easily slide your fingers in.

• Use the long reach tool and insert it via the gap to reach the door switches. Press the door switch to unlock all the doors. Some cars, that are equipped with anti-theft systems, will not allow you to open the cars using just the unlock switch. For that, you might have to operate the handle. Furthermore, some cars have the unlock button located on the dashboard. If that's reachable with the help of a tool, you can try that as well.

• Try placing the long reach tool behind the car door handle and by rotating the tool you can crank it open. These lock-out kits are improvised tools, so you will have to play around and try different movements until you can open the handle from the inside.

• If your keys are inside the car and you can see the key fob, a simple and easy way is to try reaching the unlock button on the fob to unlock the car.

Every day several people around the country pay thousands of dollars to locksmiths after getting locked out of their vehicles. Lack of professional car opening tools and in-depth information into how to reach into your car in such a  situation leaves people with the only option to call roadside assistance or a professional. If you have locked your keys in the car and you are unable to get in, simply follow the methods mentioned in this guide. This helps you save a lot of money and prevent damage to your vehicle by trying unconventional and unprofessional methods. There are a lot of ways to get into the vehicle but ensure that you avoid dangerous options like breaking the car window. Now once you have unlocked your vehicle you can get back on the road without worry!