How do you get a car door open when it is jammed shut?

Answer 1

Has the door been hit? If so, a body shop would be the first place to try. If not, roll the window down and spray penetrating oil, like WD40, into the latch area of the door (this is about at the vertical middle of the door, straight down from the outside handle). Let it work in for a day or so, then try to work the handle from both inside and out, and the lock buttons as well. This will free it up in most cases. If not, the latch may be broken.

Sometimes, trying to open a locked cardoor with the wrong tool (such as a Slim Jim) can break the linkage off the handle or the lock cylinder.

If not successful, take the car to a locksmith.

Answer 2

Remove the interior door panel. You will see a metal rod connecting your interior and exterior door handles. Most of the time the rod comes loose from one or the other. Reconnect the rod. There's not much space so you might need a pair of needlenose pliers. If that doesn't work, there is a trip lever toward the rear of the door. The lever can be stubborn but it will open the door. Any vehicle service center should be able to open it for you.

Access Through Opened Window (easier if it will work)

If the door is jammed shut, it will not be possible to remove the door trim on most cars without destroying it. However, if you are able to roll the window down you should be able to insert a thin piece of metal (e.g. wire coat hanger, "slimjim") and manipulate the door handle rod inside to pop it open. This is possible only if the reason behind the jam is mechanical and not structural.

Answer 3

In order to open a jammed auto hood you will need to add some lubrication to the latch where the hood connects to the vehicle. Allow the lubrication to set in for an hour or so and attempt to unlatch the hood.

Answer 4

That would depend on why it is stuck. If the problem is with the latch mechanism assembly, you have to remove the door panel from inside the car ( loads of fun with the door shut) and pop the latch open from inside. If the door is simply stuck shut because it's jammed on something, from the inside of the car, hold the door handle in the release position and kick it open without damaging anything.

Answer 5

Push very hard on the door so that the latch seats completely. Then, open the door.

Answer 6

The only way I can think of is to use a crowbar and force it open.