I had just gotten back from the gym and left my car in the driveway for about 30 minutes. When I went back out to grab my inhaler, the car wouldn’t open. I realized the 12v battery was probably dead, and I tried to mechanically unlock the driver door with the key, but it wouldn’t budge. After several attempts, I called Kia Roadside Assistance.
It’s frustrating because I have a jumper box in the car, but since I couldn’t unlock the door, I’m stuck relying on a tow truck.
How can the physical key not unlock the door?
Michael said:
How can the physical key not unlock the door?
I inserted the key, but it wouldn’t turn at all. I’ve unlocked plenty of cars before, but this one just won’t budge.
Michael said:
How can the physical key not unlock the door?
I inserted the key, but it wouldn’t turn at all. I’ve unlocked plenty of cars before, but this one just won’t budge.
It sounds like the lock is frozen, which is a mechanical failure. It’s unfortunate to discover it this way, but your car should still be under warranty. Have the dealer check or replace the lock.
@Howard
The roadside assistance guy arrived, but he’s looking for the frunk wires, like in a Tesla. He seems unsure about how to proceed.
Ronald said:
@Howard
The roadside assistance guy arrived, but he’s looking for the frunk wires, like in a Tesla. He seems unsure about how to proceed.
Why would he be looking for Tesla frunk wires on a Kia?
@Howard
It’s likely that the service tech isn’t an actual Kia technician but someone from a third-party tow or service company Kia contracts with. These techs may not be fully familiar with the specific quirks of every vehicle.
@Howard
Yeah, it’s not a Kia tech—just someone from a tow company Kia works with.
Two tow trucks have come and gone because they didn’t bring the correct equipment to move the vehicle. I think they needed wheel lifts and a dolly. The third truck is on the way, but I’m starting to doubt I’ll have my car back today.
That’s terrible! Let us know what happens. Stay safe.
I read your post yesterday, and the mechanical key issue concerned me. So, I tried it on my 2024 EV6, and it wouldn’t turn either!
It turns out, I was inserting the key upside down. The manual says the key should point down, but it’s easy to insert it the wrong way. Once I flipped the key the correct way, it worked perfectly. This might not have been your issue, but I wanted to mention it just in case.
You could’ve called a locksmith to unlock the door instead of waiting for roadside assistance. They might have been able to open it faster using tools like a jimmy or an airbag. It’s a good reminder to test your mechanical lock and key to ensure everything is working properly.
@Nathan
Would a locksmith service be free through Kia’s roadside assistance?
Ronald said:
@Nathan
Would a locksmith service be free through Kia’s roadside assistance?
Mine was covered because I pay for Kia Connect, so it might depend on your plan.
Maybe just break a window to get in?
jessicah said:
Maybe just break a window to get in?
Even if I did that, it’s unlikely the car would start or unlock from the inside with the battery dead.
jessicah said:
Maybe just break a window to get in?
Even if I did that, it’s unlikely the car would start or unlock from the inside with the battery dead.
Cars usually have a mechanical release for safety. If there’s no power and the doors won’t open, it would be a major safety flaw.
@jessicah
The EV6 has a manual trunk release mechanism. You can access it by sticking something like the physical key into the small hole near the bottom of the trunk to release the latch, which is meant for emergencies.