You may want to wear gloves while untwisting the hanger to avoid poking yourself in the hand. Using pliers will make untwisting the hanger easier.
Many door lock posts have a groove or ridge that will make it easier to grip when using a coat hanger for this purpose. You may need to bend the hanger into a few different sized check marks or “V” shapes until you have one that will grip the post.
A wider prying surface such as a paint scraper is a better choice than something narrow like a screwdriver. Once pried open, place something like a folded up piece of cloth or rubber into the gap to hold it open.
It is important that you get to the post in a direction that allows you to apply pressure to it as you pull it up. Be careful not to put additional pressure on the window as it’s pried open or you may break it.
If the post pops up, the door will be unlocked and you can open it. You may need to try multiple times if the hanger slips off of the post.
If you’re having trouble hitting the unlock button with the tip of the coat hanger, try adding a small bit of rubber to the end. Wrap a small rubber band around the tip, for friction, or impale an eraser on the wire. This might help you get a better handle on the button surface.
You may need to guess and check the proper bends in the coat hanger a few times in order to get it right. Try not to bend the hanger too far, as bends will reduce its ability to press or pull directly on the slider.
Use a pair of pliers to make a small, strong hook or ledge. If you are sliding the hanger in the gap in the door frame instead of a window gap, it will need to be very thin.
Some vehicles will not permit the hanger to pass through because of the angle. You will then have to find a way to pry the window away from the door. If you tear the weather proofing, you will need to replace it or the door may leak.
You can still find the lock without a second pair of eyes, but enlisting some help will make the process far easier. Be patient and continue trying until you are able to snag or press the slide.
Be patient and continue trying until you are able to snag or press the slide. Be careful not to do further damage to the weather proofing as you move the hanger around.
You may need to bend the hook a few times in order to get it right. Make sure the rest of the hanger is a fairly straight line.
You may have to replace the weather stripping if you damage it during this process. It may be easier to insert the hanger with the hook facing the front or rear of the vehicle.
The hook will need to face inward in order to grip the lock bar. You may need to try a number of times in order to get this method right.
Different vehicles may have different interior door designs, so this method may not work on all vehicles. Do not use excessive force when pulling up on the pin or bar. Because you can’t see inside the door, you may be snagged on the wrong thing. In some vehicles you will need to pull the pin or bar back toward the rear of the car instead of up.
Pulling up and toward the rear of the car can help ensure you have leverage on the bar or pin as well as improving the odds that you get it right for your specific vehicle.
Be careful not to damage the weather strip on the door. Damaging your car will ultimately cost you more than hiring a professional to open the car. You may need to re-bend the hook if you pull too hard on the wrong part inside the door.
