Why Is My Car Door Jammed?
It can be frustrating if your car door lock is stuck, especially if you’re not sure why it’s happening — which is why we’ve broken down some of the top reasons your door might be stuck closed and how to resolve them.
Your Key Fob Battery Is Dead
Your INFINITI’s key fob communicates with your vehicle and lets it know when your keys are in range. This allows you keyless entry into your vehicle and lets you start your car without having to turn a key. If the key fob’s battery is dead, it cannot communicate with your INFINITI, hindering keyless entry into your vehicle.
If you’re pulling on your door’s outside handle and the door isn’t budging, try using the key stored inside your key fob to manually unlock your car. This issue will only occur from outside the vehicle. Pulling the inside handle should unlock and open the door regardless of having a functioning key fob inside the vehicle. If it doesn’t, unlock the door manually or with the interior lock switch and open the door. Make sure you replace your key fob with a new battery for optimum operation. This could also be a good time to consider adding the Virtual Key* to your INFINITI. The Virtual Key allows you to lock and unlock your vehicle using an app on your compatible smartphone or smartwatch, so you don’t have to worry about a dead key fob keeping you locked out.
The Door Is Frozen Shut
When the weather gets cold enough, ice can build up around the edges of your door, making your door very difficult to open. Ensure your door is unlocked by unlocking it with the key fob. Avoid pulling on the handle, as this could snap the internal latch mechanism and the door would no longer open and close. Use warm water to melt any ice around the edges of the door. Then pull on the door gently until it opens.
The Door Has Been Structurally Damaged
If your vehicle has been in a collision, structural damage could be keeping the door jammed or the car door latch stuck in a locked position. If your INFINITI has internal or body damage due to a collision, bring it to your nearest authorized INFINITI service center for professional repair services.
The Handle Assembly Inside the Door Is Broken
The handle assembly inside your door is commonly made up of a rod that connects your door handle to the latch mechanism via plastic clips. Things like pulling the handle too hard (if, for instance, your car door is frozen shut) and a minor vehicle collision can disconnect the rod or break the clips holding the rod to the latch mechanism. If this happens, you will likely still be able to pull your door handle but the door will not open. If any component in the internal assembly is broken, unlocking your vehicle via the key fob or manually won’t make a difference.
Replacing internal handle assembly parts requires removing your interior door panel — which is not typically recommended since your door includes several electrical system components. If you suspect your handle assembly is broken, bring your INFINITI to your nearest authorized service center for professional diagnosis and repair.
Get Out of Any Jam With INFINITI Parts & Accessories
Is your INFINITI in need of new handle or lock parts? Order genuine OEM replacement components straight from INFINITI Parts. We stock thousands of parts and genuine accessories to help keep your vehicle running smooth and looking its best. Then, head to your nearest authorized INFINITI service center to receive professional installation and our 12-month/12,000-mile (whichever occurs first) limited warranty on Genuine INFINITI Accessories.**
*Compatible smartphone required. Virtual Key to be used only in accordance with laws or rules in effect in your vehicle’s location. Actual maximum distance for operation will vary depending on obstructions between compatible device and vehicle.
**Genuine INFINITI Accessories are covered by INFINITIs limited warranty on Genuine INFINITI Replacement Parts, and Genuine INFINITI Accessories for the longer of 12 months/12,000 miles (whichever occurs first) or the remaining period under the 48 months/60,000-mile (whichever occurs first) new vehicle limited warranty. Terms and conditions apply. See retailer, warranty information booklet, or parts.infinitiusa.com for details.