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Michelle Manchester Posted on Aug 05, 2015
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The key wont turn in the door lock of my 2004 Ford Escape and the electronic locking mechanism doesn't work unless the key is in the ignitionl. How can I get into my car?

Tried calling AAA and they pulled the window out by the corner and attempted to push the inside unlock buttons but they wont work unless the key is in the ignition. Also tried to grab the door handle which didn't work and to unlock manually but didn't have equipment stiff enough that could push or pull where it might be needed. I should add that my son tried to jump the car battery at one point and hooked the cables up backward. He friend parts of the electrical and since then the radio and the dome light do not work and the door buttons only work with the key in the ignition in the on position. That is why I cannot simply get in by pressing the door lock button . It is looking like I will have to break a window to get in to deal with the lock problem in which case I could use some advice on which window would be the most ideal because of ease in replacement. Do I want to break one of the small windows back by the hatch and deal with the seal on that???

  • Michelle Manchester
    Michelle Manchester Aug 07, 2015

    Okay, so here is an update. Thank you all for your comments. They were all helpful truly.I went with the break the window solution and the very next day for no reason at all, the key started working in the lock again. ugh. So ..if you are having trouble with this problem and have found yourself here looking for a solution. Be patient, put some WD40 in the key hole and let it have time to do it's thing I guess. I don't know why mine started to work again but it did and now I have to replace a $205.00 window for my lack of patience. Yikes. Thanks again everyone.

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3 Answers

john h

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  • Ford Master 29,494 Answers
  • Posted on Aug 05, 2015
john h
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Recall aaa and ask them again to send someone out that has a slimjim to unlock your door also old school way is wedge (plastic) to door and wire coat hanger to lock or handle -and your door lock buttons are supposed to work with out key in ignition ---if not working than you have an internal lock problem either lock rod clips disconnected or broken or wire problem to solenoid also try passenger side lock system incase drivers side is internally damageds

Testimonial: "aaa said that slim jim wont work on this vehicle and the reason that the buttons dont work unless the key is in the ignition is because my son tried to jump the car once and hooked the cables up backward and fried part of the system. The radio, dome light haven't worked since and the lock button only works with the key in the ignition now. Thinking you may be on to something with the lock rod clips ...also, this particular model only has the one lock externally on the driver side but did try to unlock with button on passenger to no avail. thank you for taking the time though."

  • john h Aug 06, 2015

    slimjim will work on either door actually would
    work on passenger door easier .do to less wiring and equipment in door as to using drivers door if tool slid down to lock than tilted towards back door the lock release is right their you know when your on target is when you put you finger on door lock and it moves but its easier on passenger bc rod from lock to latch can be grabbed with out snagging the window and lock wiring harnesses

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  • Expert 81 Answers
  • Posted on Aug 05, 2015
Sean Bailey
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It's not going to seem very helpful, but the only way that you'll be able to take care of this is to manipulate the lock from the inside. This is, of course, assuming your keys are stuck inside your car. If not, attempt unlocking the door by physically using your keys.

If your keys are locked in your vehicle, use the AAA wedge on the door and attempt to retrieve the keys -- they physically will be able to manipulate the lock. If the keys are gone, you could attempt wedging the door open and using a metal or plastic bar or plate to bypass the lock on the door itself (passing it between the door closing mechanism and the frame of the vehicle). If you're desperate, and don't have the keys anyways, it may just be time to break a window and do things the old fashioned way.

Testimonial: "Thank you for taking the time to post. I do have the key, it will just not turn in the lock itself. It is starting to look like the only way in to get to the actual lock problem is going to be exactly as you said.. break a window."

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  • Posted on May 21, 2016
Daniel Waslenko
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I know this is late and will not help you, but I am hoping this helps anyone that finds this. I am an automotive locksmith. If the key doesn't work in the door, the ignition may have been changed and you don't have the door key. The first thing I would try is having a key cut from the VIN and seeing if it opens the door. If that doesn't work, I would pick the trunk lock and climb through the trunk. From there pop the rear seats down and you are in. If AAA can't help you, call a few locksmiths and see if they specialize in automotive. Many AAA lock out providers only know how to use a slim jim and an air bag. An automotive locksmith will have the knowledge to manipulate the locks to open the vehicle.

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