How to Troubleshoot Door Lock Problems Before Calling a Mechanic You can also use a lock pick or key opener to aid. You can spray linseed or penetrating oils into the lock to make it lubricated and move freely. It is best to leave it to a certified and licensed locksmith. Here are four typical door lock car repair problems that locksmiths can fix for you: Power door locks don't work Power door locks provide great convenience, but they add a lot of more complicated mechanisms to the vehicle. That means that there are a lot more ways for things to go wrong too. If your door lock actuator isn't functioning it could be a serious issue that requires expert assistance to fix. Before calling an expert it's a good idea to try some simple troubleshooting techniques. The first thing to check is the battery on your key fob. If the battery is drained or close to death, it could cause the locks to cease working. This issue is easily and cheaply solved by replacing the battery. Another potential problem is that the power actuator itself could be defective. This is a frequent issue, and it's usually easy to diagnose. You can test with a multimeter whether the power is working or not. If power is present but the actuator doesn't respond when you hit the door lock button then it might be time to replace the actuator. You can also clean the contacts on the door lock actuator. This is a little more involved than cleaning a switch however it's usually enough to fix the issue. To accomplish this, you'll need to remove the actuator and disassemble it. There are usually bolts that hold the exterior portion of the body, so unscrew them and then take off the entire body of the lock actuator. After you've removed your actuator, you must be careful not to damage the rod that connects it to the lock mechanism. Two bolts are usually located inside the doors that hold the rod. Make sure to take them out as well. Once the rod has been disconnected, you can inspect the latch and ensure that it is correctly aligned with the locking post. If not, you can make use of a long, thin object to insert between the door panel and the lock. This should release the locking mechanism, so you can open the door manually. The key fob isn't working. If your car's key fob isn't working, it can be an unpleasant experience. There are a few options you can use to get it to work again. First, replace the battery. This is a simple step that can save you the cost of having to replace the entire fob. YouTube has a range of helpful videos that will show you how to accomplish this in a few simple steps. If this isn't working, you might have to reprogram your fob. In most cases, this can be done by an expert. It can be difficult because newer cars have security features that need to be set up correctly. Another possibility is that your fob is damaged. The cause of damage can be various reasons, including physical force, water, or scratches on the circuit board. This damage is often not visible and can only be discovered by opening the fob to look inside. You can identify any issues by inspecting the fob for indications of damage, including cracks in the circuit board, teeny electronic components not fully attached to the circuit board or loose buttons. You can also try to remove the fob from the inside and remove the battery to get a closer inspection of the connections. With a flathead screwdriver you can typically pry open most fobs and gain access to the battery, however some require specialized tools or equipment that can only be found at your car's dealership. If the fob doesn't work it is possible to open your car's doors using the physical key. If your physical key doesn't unlock your car, you may need to contact a locksmith for more serious repairs or visit an authorized service center. A faulty ignition cylinder could be the cause for your key fob not turning on or even starting your vehicle. This is a very costly fix and should be left to experts. However, if the key fob is working fine with the door locks, it should still be capable of starting the vehicle using its inductive backup system. The lock is jammed If you're unable to turn the lock at all, it is likely that something is blocking the mechanism. It could be a simple as the tumblers are blocked by dirt or rust, or it could be that the pins inside are stuck in an unintentionally raised position. The first thing to try is to grease the lock mechanism. Spray a dry lubricant like RP7 or graphite spray in the keyway, and then insert the key a few times to loosen any debris that has gotten stuck in the lock cylinder. This will also lubricate and protect the mechanism. You can also make use of brake cleaner to lubricate the parts of the lock cylinder, and also remove any rust and grime that might be blocking the tumblers. You can purchase brake cleaning fluid at many home improvement stores or auto supply stores. Be sure to not use oil-based products such as WD-40 since they can cause clogging of the mechanism over time. The frame of the door may have shifted due to temperature and weather changes. The latch or deadbolt of the door might no longer align correctly with the hole in the frame. It is easy to fix this issue by tightening the hinges on the door and replacing any damaged or loosened screws. It is recommended to inspect the condition of your door locks regularly. This will prevent them from being damaged or jammed, and will save your time and money by not needing to contact a locksmith. If you discover that you've locked your car or have a broken door lock do not hesitate to contact your trusted local mechanic for assistance and advice. They will be able to quickly diagnose the problem and suggest the best solution. No matter if you're seeking an easy fix for your power doors or a more serious problem, they will be glad to assist! The lock is stuck. Locks that are stuck are a frustrating and sometimes inevitable aspect of owning a vehicle. If car door locks repair is locked in an unlocked position, or simply won't turn in any way, you're likely need to take action sooner rather than later, before your problem worsens. There are quick and easy solutions to help you get out of this sticky situation. Start by inspecting the lock and determining what is blocking it from working effectively. A screw or other foreign object could have loosened. If one of these scenarios is the case, you might be able to resolve the issue by cleaning the lock or tightening the screw. You could also attempt to straighten or fix the balls in your lock if they're bent or have become warped from long-term use. Another common cause of a locked that is stuck is that it's simply worn out and not responding to the jiggling. If your lock isn't turning when you twist the knob, it's time to replace it. Also, make sure it is properly keyed to your other doors. If your lock is truly stuck, and no amount of wriggling, or spraying with oil seems to resolve the problem, you'll probably need to call an expert locksmith for assistance. They have the skills and tools to safely get rid of the lock that is stuck without causing damage to your car or door. In some cases the lock's cylinder is broken. This can occur in the event that the lock was forced open in the past instance, or if a lock problem was not repaired. You should inspect your cylinder for signs of wear and corrosion regularly and replace the cylinder if necessary. This will ensure that your car is as secure as it can be. If the lock cylinder is damaged or broken, it can create a risk of serious danger to you and your passengers. Make sure you get any damaged cylinders repaired as soon as possible.
car door locks repair
