How to Unlock a Ford Car with Keys Locked Inside

Worried young woman sitting car with keys locked inside at roadside

Locking your keys inside your car happens more often than you might think. Around 4 million Americans find themselves in this situation each year. If you’re standing outside your Ford, staring through the window at your keys, don’t panic. We’ll guide you through the process of unlocking your Ford if your keys are locked inside, using straightforward and safe methods.

Try the Easy Solutions First

Sometimes, the fix is simple. If your Ford is unlocked, but the keys are in the trunk, try the trunk release. Look for an open window or door, and if you have a spare key or fob nearby, now’s the time to use it. If these quick checks don’t work, it may be time to use Ford’s handy built-in features.

Use Ford’s Built-In Features

Most newer Ford models offer several methods to unlock the doors without a physical key.

FordPass App (for Newer Models)

A 2020 Ford or newer should be compatible with the FordPass app. You can use your phone to unlock the doors from anywhere after setting it up.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Open the FordPass app on your phone.
  2. Navigate to the Vehicle screen.
  3. Tap the unlock icon.

It typically takes between seven and 14 seconds for the command to be processed. The app also works with your Apple Watch, offering even greater flexibility. Your vehicle needs to have an active FordPass Connect embedded modem, and both your phone and the car must have cellular connectivity.

Keyless Entry Code (for Ford Models With a Keypad)

Many Ford vehicles come with a keypad on the driver’s side door. If you’ve locked your keys inside, this can be a quick way in.

To unlock:

  1. Enter the factory-set five-digit code.
  2. Use your personal code instead if you’ve set one.
  3. Press 3 and 4 within five seconds after entering the code to unlock all the doors.

Forgot the code? Check your owner’s manual — a wallet-sized card is often included with it. No luck? Your dealership can help. We’re happy to track it down for you at Jim Burke Ford.

DIY Unlocking Methods (Use Caution)

There are a couple of DIY tricks that might work if your keys are locked inside and the built-in features are unavailable. These work best with older Ford models that have manual locks, but they come with risks. You could scratch the paint, damage the door seals, or break the lock mechanism. Proceed with caution — and only if you understand and accept the associated risks.

Using the Shoelace or String Method (for Older Models With Manual Locks)

This method only works if your car has a pull-up style lock knob:

  1. Tie a slipknot in the middle of a shoelace or strong string.
  2. Slide the shoelace into the top corner of the door, working it into the cabin.
  3. Guide the loop down toward the lock knob.
  4. Tighten the loop around the knob and pull upward to unlock the door.

This may take a few tries. Be careful not to scratch the door or damage the rubber seal around it.

Using a Slim Jim (for Experienced Individuals Only)

A slim jim can hook the lock mechanism inside the door. It slides between the window and the weather stripping.

However, using it incorrectly can damage the wiring or rods inside the door. Many newer vehicles have protection against this method, and using a slim jim is illegal in some states, depending on the user’s intent. We don’t recommend it unless you’re trained.

Using a Wire Coat Hanger (for Older Vehicles With Manual Locks)

Like the shoelace method, this only works with older pull-up locks:

  1. Straighten the hanger but keep a small hook on one end.
  2. Pry open the top of the door slightly — just enough to insert the hanger.
  3. Guide the hook toward the lock knob, engage it and pull up to unlock the door.

Be careful. This can damage the window seals and scratch the interior.

Using the Plastic Wedge and Rod Method

This method allows you to access the interior of the car through a small gap in the door:

  1. Use a plastic or air wedge (or even a door stop) between the weather stripping and door frame to gently pry open a gap wide enough for the rod.
  2. Slide a long rod or similar tool through the opening.
  3. Hit the unlock button or pull the handle from the inside.

Take it slowly. Too much pressure can cause the frame to bend or damage the panels. Stay clear of airbags and wires.

Calling for Help

If none of these methods work — or you simply want a safer option — it may be time to seek help. Getting locked out is frustrating, but you have choices.

Roadside Assistance Options

You likely have access to Ford Roadside Assistance if your Ford vehicle is still under warranty. It offers professional lockout services, saving you time and reducing the risk of damage. Many insurance companies provide similar help if you’re out of warranty.

Locksmith Services

A professional locksmith can quickly unlock car doors, especially if they have experience with Ford vehicles. Look for someone reputable. It might cost more, but you avoid damage and stress.

Dealership Assistance

If you’re in the Bakersfield, California, area, give our service department at Jim Burke Ford a call. We can help with key replacement, provide lockout support, or guide you through built-in unlocking options.

Preventing Future Lockouts

Getting locked out once is enough. A few simple steps can prevent it from happening again:

Setting up a keypad entry code or using the FordPass app makes getting into your car easier and more reliable, especially if you lock yourself out again. These features are game changers, especially when used together.

Call Jim Burke Ford in Bakersfield if You’re Locked Out

There are plenty of ways to unlock a Ford car with the keys locked inside, but not all of them are safe or easy. Built-in options, such as the FordPass app or keypad entry, are your best bet. If you’re ever in doubt, call Jim Burke Ford for help. We can get you back on the road fast. Schedule a service appointment for support with lockouts, spare keys, or keyless entry upgrades.

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