Have you ever been locked out of your car because the child safety lock engaged without realizing it? It can be a stressful and frustrating experience, especially if you need to learn how to unlock car door with child safety lock on.
If this has happened to you, we understand your frustration and have created a comprehensive guide for unlocking a car door with a child safety lock engaged.
You’ll find the information in this guide helpful, whether you are locked out of your car because of a child safety lock or a traditional door lock. We will cover topics such as how to tell if your car has a child safety lock, what steps you should take to try and unlock it, and alternate solutions for when other methods fail.
What Will You Need?
Before you start, it’s important to gather the right supplies. Here is a list of items that will help you unlock a car door with a child safety lock on:
- A flathead screwdriver
- Dental floss
- Paperclip or similarly thin object
- Needle nose pliers
- Keyhole saw
Once you have all of the items on this list, you can start trying to unlock the car door with a child safety lock on.
10 Easy Steps on How to Unlock Car Door With Child Safety Lock on
Step 1. Locate the Child Safety Lock:
The first step is to locate the child safety lock. This will be located near the window or door handle and usually have a small image of a child with an arrow. Check your car manual for more information if you can’t find it.
Step 2. Position the Flathead Screwdriver:
After locating the child safety lock, take your flathead screwdriver and carefully insert it into the lock slot. Make sure that the screwdriver is positioned properly to avoid causing any damage to the lock. Remember to do this gently to prevent scratches or damage to your car’s interior.
Step 3. Turn the Screwdriver:
Once the screwdriver is properly positioned, gently turn it in the direction indicated by the arrow on the child safety lock. This might be towards the front or back of the vehicle, depending on the model.
If the screwdriver turns easily, the child safety lock is disengaging. If you face resistance, do not force it, as it might damage the lock mechanism. Instead, remove the screwdriver and try repositioning it.
Step 4. Check the Lock:
After turning the screwdriver, it’s crucial to check if the child safety lock has been successfully disengaged. You can do this by attempting to open the door. If the door still doesn’t open, repeat Steps 2 and 3, ensuring you turn the screwdriver in the correct direction.
Congratulations, you have successfully disengaged the child safety lock if your door opens! If you’re still encountering resistance or cannot unlock the door, it might be time to proceed to the next steps involving alternative methods.
Step 5. Floss the Lock:
Dental floss can come to your rescue if the previous methods have failed. First, take a long piece of dental floss, ideally around a foot longer than the distance between your door handle and the lock.
Thread the dental floss through the door handle and the child safety lock. Pull the dental floss back and forth a few times, applying gentle pressure. This can help dislodge any debris that might be jamming the lock. Proceed to recheck the lock; if successful, the door should open.
Step 6. Use a Paperclip:
Use a paperclip or a similar thin object if the dental floss doesn’t work. Unfold the paperclip until it is straight. Insert the end of the paperclip into the child safety lock slot and gently wiggle it around. The goal here is to trigger the release mechanism inside the lock.
Be cautious not to apply too much force to avoid causing further damage to the lock mechanism. Once done, attempt to open the car door again. If the lock isn’t disengaging, it’s time for the next step.
Step 7. Use Needle Nose Pliers:
If you’ve tried all previous methods without luck, needle nose pliers might be your next best bet. Be sure to use this option as a last resort, as there’s a risk of causing minor damage to your car’s interior. Carefully insert the needle nose pliers into the slot of the child safety lock.
Try to grip the lock’s internal mechanism and gently pull or turn it. This action can often disengage the child safety lock, allowing you to open the door. Remember to exercise caution, as applying too much force can damage the lock mechanism.
Step 8. Use a Keyhole Saw:
If all the previous methods have failed and you still couldn’t unlock the car door with the child safety lock on, the last resort would be to use a keyhole saw. This method should only be used in extreme cases as it could damage the lock or the door.
Insert the keyhole saw into the slot of the child safety lock carefully. Move it back and forth gently to try to trigger the release mechanism. Once done, attempt to open the door again.
Step 9. Call a Professional:
If none of the above methods work, it’s time to call a professional. This could be a locksmith or your car’s roadside assistance service. Provide them with your car’s make, model, and year, and explain the situation.
They have the necessary tools and knowledge to unlock a car door with a child safety lock on it without causing damage to your vehicle. While this might be more costly than the DIY methods, it ensures your car door won’t suffer unnecessary damage.
Step 10. Prevent Future Incidents:
Once your car door is unlocked, consider preventing similar incidents. Make it a routine to check the status of the child safety locks every time you clean your car or carry out maintenance checks. Also, consult your car’s manual to understand more thoroughly how the locks function and how to disengage them properly.
When used correctly, child safety locks provide an important safety feature for passengers. However, knowing how to disengage them when necessary can save you time, money, and potential damage.
Following the steps above, you should know how to unlock a car door with a child safety lock on. While DIY methods can be effective and save time and money, it’s important to understand their limitations. In some cases, seeking professional help might be your best option.
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
1. Understanding the Mechanism:
First and foremost, it’s essential to understand the mechanism of a child safety lock. Typically, these locks are located on the edge of the rear doors and can be switched on or off using a key or a flat-head screwdriver. When activated, the door can only be opened from the outside.
2. Find the Release Button:
The release button is usually at the top of the frame, slightly out of reach for a child or toddler. To unlock it from the outside, you’ll need to use something long, such as a coat hanger or wirecutter, to press down on the button. This will disengage the lock and allow you to open the door.
3. Use a Suction Cup Tool:
For those who don’t have access to a coat hanger or wirecutter, you can purchase an inexpensive suction cup tool that will help you easily unlock the child safety lock. It’s easy to use and fits in your pocket, so you’ll always have it handy.
4. Keep an Extra Key:
If you forget your key, storing an extra one in the glove box or elsewhere in the car is a good idea. This way, you’ll have access to it should you ever need to unlock the door from the outside.
5. Check for Wear and Tear:
Finally, if you’ve been using the lock for quite some time, it’s important to check for wear and tear. If the mechanism is worn down or damaged, it may not function properly and must be replaced. This will ensure your child remains safe at all times.
So there you have five helpful tips and tricks for unlocking your car door with a child safety lock. With this information, you can keep your little one safe while on the go.
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Avoid Using Force:
When dealing with a child safety lock, avoiding using too much force is essential. Applying too much pressure can damage the mechanism, making it harder or even impossible to unlock the door from outside.
- Don’t Leave Valuables Unattended:
It’s important never to leave valuable items in your car, especially when the vehicle is parked in a public space. Even with a child safety lock, these items may still be accessible to thieves or criminals.
- Don’t Leave Children Unattended:
Children should never be left unattended in a vehicle, regardless of whether the doors are locked. This can lead to dangerous situations, such as a child becoming overheated or trapped in a car.
- Avoid Modifying the Lock:
If you ever need to replace the lock, avoiding modifications that change its original design and purpose is important. Doing so could interfere with its functions and make unlocking difficult.
- Don’t Forget the Keys:
Lastly, it’s essential to always bring your keys with you when leaving the car. If you forget them, unlocking the door from the outside will be much harder and may require an additional tool such as a coat hanger or wire cutter.
Forgetting these simple tips can be a recipe for disaster, so always remember them when using a child safety lock. Doing so will ensure that your little one always remains safe and secure.
Do All Car Doors Have Child Locks?
The answer to this question is no. Not all car doors have child safety locks, and it’s important to check your vehicle’s manual or contact the manufacturer for further information.
Most newer cars come with pre-installed locks, but older models may still need them or require an additional installation. Typically, these locks are only found on rear passenger doors and should not be placed on the driver’s side door.
It’s also important to note that child safety locks aren’t just for cars; they can also be used on other doors, such as those found in homes, offices, and public buildings. While they may not always be required by law, using them can provide your children with an extra layer of security.
Following the steps outlined above, you know how to unlock a car door with a child safety lock on and have learned some additional tips and tricks for keeping your little one safe.
Conclusion
In conclusion, how to unlock car door with child safety lock on can be tricky but not impossible. There are various methods you can try before searching for professional assistance.
For example, a clothes hanger can manually unlock the car door or a specialized tool like a Slim Jim. Additionally, utilize the key fob (if available) or call roadside assistance services to help unlock the child safety lock.
Ultimately, this process can be daunting and time-consuming if done incorrectly. Still, with some time and patience combined with the mentioned tips, you should be able to bring back full access to your vehicle’s interior without recurring to any professional locksmith or maintenance service.
And remember, it’s always better to prevent such issues by avoiding those pesky and easily forgotten child safety locks when opening/closing the car doors!
