Car doors that don’t open from the inside can be a real inconvenience and even a safety hazard.
Whether it’s due to a mechanical issue or an electrical problem, it’s essential to find a solution quickly.
Here are 6 proven solutions for fixing a car door that won’t open from the inside.
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Table of Contents
- 1. Check The Child Safety Lock
- 2. Inspect The Inside Handle
- 3. Check the Cable
- 4. Examine The Latch Mechanism
- 5. Test The Power Door Lock
- 6. Consult a Professional
- What’s The Cost Of Fixing A Door That Won’t Open From The Inside?
- What’s The Best Place To Find Replacement Parts?
- Wrapping Things Up
1. Check The Child Safety Lock
One of the most common reasons a car door won’t open from the inside is due to the child safety lock being engaged.
Some vehicles have a powered switch that accidentally engages from the inside, whereas other cars have a manual latch that needs to be toggled on the door itself.
This feature is designed to prevent children from accidentally opening the door while the car is in motion.
It’s very common to engage the child locks and not even be aware.
To check if this is the issue, locate the child safety lock button on the door panel usually right where the door latches, and make sure it’s in the correct position.
2. Inspect The Inside Handle
If the child safety lock isn’t the issue, the next step is to inspect the inside door handle.
Over time, the handle can become worn or damaged, making it difficult to open the door.
A lot of times simple plastic tabs break away and loosen mechanisms causing the handle to fail.
In some cases, it may simply be a matter of lubricating the handle mechanism to get it working properly again.
3. Check the Cable
The cable connecting the door handle to the latch mechanism can also be the culprit if a car door won’t open from the inside.
Cables can bend, stretch, and get tangled over time. They may even release from their mounting point.
Check the cable to make sure it isn’t frayed or broken.
If it is, it will need to be replaced.
4. Examine The Latch Mechanism
The latch mechanism is what holds the door closed and allows it to open.
If there is a problem with the latch mechanism, the door won’t open from the inside. It would also fail to close if you happen to get it open.
This could be a real safety hazard if left unsolved.
Check for any visible damage or wear and tear on the mechanism, and if necessary, have it repaired or replaced.
5. Test The Power Door Lock
In some cases, the issue may be with the power door lock system. If the door won’t open from the inside, try unlocking the door from the outside and see if that resolves the problem.
Use a keyfob if you have it to try unlocking the vehicle, if that doesn’t work try the power lock buttons inside.
If it does, the power door lock system may need to be repaired or replaced. This may be as simple as a fuse or as complex as a wiring short.
It’s best to start with the easy fixes and work your way up.
6. Consult a Professional
If none of the above solutions have worked, it’s time to consult a professional.
An experienced locksmith or auto mechanic will be able to diagnose the problem and provide a solution.
They will also be able to determine if any additional repairs or replacements are necessary to ensure the door opens smoothly and securely.
What’s The Cost Of Fixing A Door That Won’t Open From The Inside?
The cost to fix a car door that won’t open from the inside can range from $100 to $500 or more, depending on the type of car, the cause of the issue, and the complexity of the repair.
Factors that can affect the cost include the cost of parts, labor, and any additional repairs that may be required.
It’s best to consult a professional auto repair shop for a more accurate estimate.
What’s The Best Place To Find Replacement Parts?
It’s always best to compare new and used parts. If the Used Parts are 40% or less the cost of new then go used. If The prices are similar choose a new one.
For used parts, the best place to start is eBay if you want the part to come to you. If you want to go get the part yourself the best place to look is car-part.com an aggregator of junkyards across the country.
If you’re looking for new parts my current favorite place is rockauto.com. They have a wide variety of parts and usually low prices.
Wrapping Things Up
A car door that won’t open from the inside can be a frustrating and even dangerous problem, but with these 6 proven solutions, you should be able to find a resolution quickly and easily.
Whether it’s a simple fix like lubricating the handle mechanism or a more complex issue like a broken cable, there’s always a solution to keep you and your passengers safe.
We might receive commissions if you click on our links and sign up/make purchases. However, please know this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try to keep things fair and balanced to help you make the best choice for your needs. Thanks.