How do you fix a locked car?

If the keys are locked inside, the safest options are using a spare key, roadside assistance, or a professional locksmith. Modern cars have delicate locks and electronics, so trying to force the door open often causes more damage than it’s worth.

If the car won’t unlock because of a dead battery or electrical issue, jump-starting the battery or using the manual key inside the fob can solve it. Some cars also have a hidden mechanical key slot.

I’ve seen this happen more than once, where a car seemed completely locked up at first. In one case, a customer came in after struggling all morning, and once we checked it over at Stewart’s Automotive of Sacramento, it turned out the issue was just a dead battery disabling the power locks. A quick jump and battery replacement had everything working normally again.