Towncar

My mom told me that she locked her keys in the car. She tried using the valet key and it wouldn't unlock the door and was not able to turn the key all the way in the lock cylinder.


The original key does not unlock the door either, so it doesn't have anything to do with the keys.


I looked at it today and noticed that when turning the key, I can see the sheet metal around the door moving very slightly. Something must be binding or broken.


Are these parts difficult to replace? Would it be the actual cylinder or the linkage inside the door? I'm not sure how to get the door panel off, but I want to try to save her the $250 - $700 that the dealership quoted if I can.


Thanks

pauloil

is her key in the ignition switch? if so, the car might not be able to see the other key. I thought cars didn't lock if the key was still in.

Towncar

No, the car was unlocked by a tow company.


She has locked the keys in the car more than once recently, and the AAA tow guy has been able to unlock the car but the alarm goes off, etc.


I was also thinking maybe they tripped some sort of anti-theft feature in the key lock cylinder, although it seems like there is something binding since I can see the sheet metal deforming very slightly.


How do you take the door panels off? Anything I need to watch for?

speedkar9

There's two screws, one behind the inside door handle trim (which pops off) and one underneath the window switch panel (which will also pry up with a flat dull tool).

Once those are removed the door panel is held in with clips that pop forward, then lift up over the sill to remove the panel from the door.

Disconnect the cable for the lock and handle, as well as the wire for the puddle light and the panel is free.