Locked out, battery unplugged, and my key doesn't work. Solved.

I'm dumb. Locked doors, battery is unplugged, and my manual key doesn't open my drivers side door.. it turns but doesn't unlock it. 2014 Tundra.

I've read many conflicting articles. Some say AAA/locksmith can't open doors because they're electric.. I know there's a manual release because I unattach/reattached them when I previously added sound proofing inside the door.

So can they actually open the door? It's in the front of my house and I have the keys, but again the key doesn't do anything. I knew it did when I bought it used, but no idea why it starts my car but doesn't unlock the door. I'm curious if the key isn't the correct key because maybe it was in a body shop and replaced? But if it's broken, can someone even get into it for me?

I'm honestly thinking my answer to this will be calling Safelite and getting a new windshield since it's cracked. Maybe they'll just pull the window off from the outside? Genius plan right? lol

I did all this because a mouse or something chewed through my knock sensor cables. I locked my doors while working on the car in case I didn't finish the job.. I unplugged the battery and i closed the hood when I finished. I kept it unplugged because the cables don't arrive until tomorrow. So that's awesome.

 

Same thing happened to my son in his Lexus when his battery died. His key. Did not work. Ended up ordering a new key from the dealer from his VIN and that did the trick.

 

Can you be more specific when you say the key doesn’t do anything?

1. Will it turn in the door lock tumbler but not unlock the door

or

2. You can insert the key in the door lock, but not turn it either direction?

If option 2 is correct, I agree with the poster above, you can get a new key cut by key code. A worn key will work in an equally worn ignition tumbler, but will bind up in a rarely used (and therefore unworn) door or tailgate lock tumbler. Had this issue on several Toyotas now. Usually a determined wiggle up / down / slightly in / out can get things turning though. Think finesse, not force.

 

Seems like if the key turned, it isn't the problem.
You might spray some silicone spray in the lock and see if that loosens something up.
From what I've read the door key 'should' unlock it with a dead battery.
But then I've read other things that stated it wouldn't.

Here was a guy in your situation, although something was broken in his door...
Long read but he ended up getting a locksmith to it open it..

Cant open my door with dead battery | Toyota Tundra Forum (tundras.com)

Another thread.

(1) Unlocking doors with a dead battery? | Toyota Tundra Forum (tundras.com)

 

Oh, it turns both ways about 90 degrees or so. Slight resistance but doesn’t seem to grab anything.

 

Hook jumper cables to the starter

 

Easiest solution is new windshield. They will pull from exterior and then just need to manually open door from interior.

As to a locksmith/AAA - don’t see why they COULDNT pop the lock - but do you want them bending the door frame doing this ? Process is simple - just put a airbag in the door - hand pump to create an opening and then use rod to unlatch the lock. Works great until you start getting wind noise at highway speeds.

 

Pry door with towels and hook the handle. Tow drivers have a plastic wedge they pry open the door enough to get the handle, pull and open sess ame!!!!. I couldn’t resist.

 

Oh dang that’s really how they do it? Ugh. I should just get a new windshield. It’s already cracked. Thanks for the info. I have some AAA knock off free though my insurance so we’ll see what they say. Can’t pick car locks like everything else?

 

I've had the air bag trick done by AAA after I brilliantly locked my keys in the truck at a gas station. It didn't cause any damage but it was scary to watch

 

Crazy! It’s just like a blood pressure cuff. I don’t like hovering while people do their jobs so this was my only photo but it was cool to watch. A little airbag gave space to put a giant twisted rod that he used to just push the door handle open from the inside.

And yes.. a prius driver saved me.

 

Quite nifty!

 

I’ve got a suspicion that your door lock issue is as simple as installing the assembly correctly. There is a rod behind the assembly that has a “flared” end that engages the internal assembly. I’d bet your handle has been removed at some point and not correctly installed. It’s not hard to do it wrong. All you need is something to carefully pry off the small round plung inside the door jamb and a t30 to release the assembly.

 

I keep one of these kits around. Very easy to learn how to do it and has saved me/family/friends on a few occasions. It has saved a day from being ruined by being locked out of a vehicle

 

What kit?

 

So the other guy you responded to may come back with something different, but this is what the guy who opened my door seemed to use (or something VERY similar)

$15 Air Wedge Bag,HTCELLE 3 Piece Commercial Grade Air Wedge Bag Pump Professional Leveling Kit & Alignment Tool Inflatable Air Wedge for a Variety of Jobs,Sizes/Small/Medium/Large.

https://www.amazon.com/HTCELLE-Comm...7&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY
and

Little Max Long Reach Tool by IBR Tools

https://www.amazon.com/Little-Long-...c46-441e-b201-f6c8ae24b600&pd_rd_i=B01N2KDACZ

 

Once you experience opening a locked door with a wedge, you will really appreciate your security system. Locks are pretty much useless for keeping your ride and contents secure.

 

This is pretty much the gist of it. I have a bit more expensive kit that also includes a few more wedges, some really nice non scratching pry bars, and 3 different style reach tools, but the tools you posted are the basic ones and will do the trick 99.9% of the time.

Especially on a Toyota

 

I wonder if, perhaps, it's illegal to carry a kit like that? I think someone told me once that carrying a "slim jim" was illegal. I have no idea if it's true or not, just curious.

 

Well, a quick check of Ca law seems to indicate that mere possession is not a crime, criminal intent is necessary for possession to be a crime
So, don't pack these item along with ski mask and gloves.

 

Keep it in the glove box with the lock de-icer lol

 

an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

$8 Master Lock Magnetic Key Holder, 1 Pack, Black

https://www.amazon.com/Master-Lock-...t=&hvlocphy=9031303&hvtargid=pla-348633131910

 

OP had a key, but apparently there was/is an issue with the function of the linkage between the lock and the mechanism. Battery was also disconnected for service on the truck.

 

I can't believe there isn't a mechanical connection between the door lock cylinder and the door lock mechanism.

 

There is, or is supposed to be. I’ve locked and unlocked mine using the key with the battery disconnected.


I hope OP updates as to what was amiss inside the door. Pictures would be wonderful, but I expect hard to take.

 

I have disconnected my battery and manually lock my truck with the keys when I go on vacation for more then a week. So someone reconnected your lock assembly incorrectly, take the door panel off and take a look to see how it works, u will see the light.