So Youve Purchased Door Lock Car Repair Now What
How to Troubleshoot Door Lock Problems Before Calling a Mechanic
Using a specialized lock pick or key opener may aid. You can also spray penetrating oil or linseed oil into the lock to lubricate it and make it move freely again.
It is recommended to leave it to a certified, licensed locksmith. Here are four locks for cars issues that they can solve:
Power door locks don't work
Power door locks are convenient but they also introduce more complex mechanisms into the vehicle. This means there are a lot more ways for things to go wrong, too. If the door lock actuator isn't working, it can be a major issue that requires expert assistance to fix. Before calling in a mechanic try some basic troubleshooting methods.
Examine the battery in your key fob. If the battery is drained or close to death it will cause the locks to stop working. Replacing the battery is a simple and inexpensive solution to this problem.
A defective power actuator could be a issue. This is a common problem and is usually simple to determine. You can make use of a digital multimeter to determine whether the actuator is receiving power or not. If it is, and the actuator still does not respond to the button for locking doors, then it's likely time to replace it.
You can also clean the contacts on the door lock actuator. It's a bit more complicated than cleaning a switch, but usually is successful. To do this you will have to remove the actuator and take it apart. There are usually bolts holding the exterior section of the body, so unscrew them and then take off the entire body of the actuator.
After you've removed the actuator, it's important to be careful not to scratch the rod that connects it to the lock mechanism. Two bolts are usually located inside the doors that contain the rod. Make vehicle security to remove them too. Once the rod has been removed, you can examine the latch and make sure that it is aligned with the locking post.
If not, put a long, thin item between the lock and door panel. This should open any locking mechanism, so you can unlock your door manually.
The key fob doesn't work
If your car's key fob isn't working, it could be an extremely frustrating experience. Fortunately, there are some options you can use to get it working again. First, replace the battery. This is a simple procedure that can save you the cost of having to replace your device completely. YouTube offers a variety of useful videos that guide you through this in a few simple steps.
If this does not work, you might require reprogramming your fob. In most cases, this can be handled by an expert. It's not easy, as newer cars come with security features that have to be properly configured.
Another possibility is that your fob is damaged. Physical force, water, or scratches on the circuit may cause damage. The majority of the time, the damage is not obvious and can only be identified by opening up the fob and looking inside. You can look for any issues by inspecting the fob for indications of damage, like cracks in the circuit board, teeny electronic components that are not connected to the circuit board or buttons that are loose. You can also remove the fob from the inside and take out the battery for a closer inspection of the connections. With a flathead screwdriver you can usually remove most fobs to gain access to the battery but some require more specialized tools or equipment that can only be found at your car's dealership.
If the fob doesn't work, you can try opening your car's doors using a physical key. If the physical key doesn't unlock your car, it might be time to contact an locksmith or go to the service center for more extensive repair.
A malfunctioning ignition cylinder may be the cause for your key fob not turning on or starting your vehicle. This is a very expensive fix that should be left to experts. If the key fob works fine with the door locks, then it should still be possible to start the vehicle through the inductive backup system.
The lock is jammed
If you're unable to turn the lock at all it is most likely that something is blocking the mechanism. It could be a simple as the tumblers are clogged with dirt or rust. It could be that the pins inside are stuck in a partially raised position. The first step is to lubricate the mechanism of the lock. Spray an oil-based dry lubricant, such as RP7 or graphite spray into the keyway, and then insert the key a few times to loosen any debris that is stuck in the lock cylinder. This will also help in lubricating the mechanism and prevent future problems.
You can also make use of brake cleaner to lubricate parts of the lock cylinder and to get rid of any grime and rust that might be blocking the tumblers. You can buy brake cleaning fluid in many home improvement stores or at auto supply stores. Just be sure to not make use of products that contain oil, such as WD-40 since they can continue to clog the mechanism over time.
The door frame may be shifting due to temperature or changes in the weather. The latch or deadbolt of the door may no longer align correctly with the hole in the frame. This issue can be easily fixed by tightening hinges, and replacing broken or damaged screws.
Monitoring the condition of your locks is a good idea to check the condition of your locks regularly. This will prevent them from getting broken or jammed, and will help you avoid the hassle and expense of calling a locksmith assistance. If you discover that you've locked your car or broken door lock Do not hesitate to contact your local mechanic of choice to seek advice and assistance. They'll be able to identify the problem quickly and recommend the best course. They'll be delighted to assist you, whether you need a quick fix for your power doors, or are experiencing a more serious issue.
The lock is jammed.
Locks that are stuck can be a pain however, they are an unavoidable part to owning a vehicle. If your lock is stuck in an unlocked position, or simply won't turn in any way, you're likely to want to address it sooner rather than later, before your problem worsens. There are a few quick and easy solutions to aid you in getting out of this tense situation.
Start by inspecting the lock to determine what is hindering it from functioning properly. Sometimes, a foreign object may get caught in the lock, or a screw has become loose. If either of these situations is the case, you may be able to fix the issue by cleaning out the lock, or tightening the screw. You can also straighten or fix the balls of the lock if they've become warped or deformed from repeated use.
Another common reason for stuck locks is that it's simply worn out and doesn't respond to the jiggling. If your lock stops turning when you move it around, it's likely time to replace the lock and ensure that it is keyed correctly.
If your lock is stuck, and no amount of wriggling or spraying oil seems to resolve the issue, you'll likely have to call an expert locksmith. They have the knowledge and tools to safely get rid of the lock that is stuck without causing damage to your car or door.
Sometimes, the cylinder in the lock may be damaged. This could be the case in the event that the lock was forced open in the past or the lock problem was not repaired. You should inspect your cylinder for signs of wear and corrosion frequently and replace the cylinder when necessary. This will ensure that your vehicle is as secure as possible. If the lock cylinder is cracked or damaged it could pose a huge safety risk for your passengers and you. Make sure you repair any damaged cylinders as soon as you can.
