Home Articles How to Fix a Door Not Closing How to Fix a Door Not ClosingAll of the sudden the door will not close A latch is used to keep the door, glove box, center console, trunk and hood closed and then allow the item to open once the latch has been released. common part has a common problem which is if the latch clasp falls closed while the door or item is open the latch will not work. This is because the striker that is supposed to be inside of the latch clasp is trapped outside while the striker bounces off of the backside of the clasp. A striker is used on the opposite side of the latch and is what the latch hangs onto to keep a particular item When the latch is released the striker is free to move outward from the latch allowing the door to open. when a latch is opened it can have a rebound effect that can sometimes close the latch just after releasing the striker causing the door or item not to shut onceWhen you try to shut the door it will bounce abruptly and then stay open.
What Does it Cost? A repair shop will fix this problem for no charge if they are upstanding and want to help the customer. You can fix this problem yourself using a simple ink pen or screwdriver. There is a video of this job being done at the bottom of this guide. Inspect the door latch to see if the orientation of the clasp is in the closed or open position. will be able to tell this because you will see and open place surrounded by theThis open place is where the sticker would normally be when the door is 2. Open the Latch While using a screwdriver inserted into the latch clasp hold the door handlePull the screwdriver outward from the door latch. This will reopen theThis operation is easy so almost anything can be used to open the Once the door latch clasp has been released the door will return to normal working order. Close the door and reopen it to confirm the fix and you are all set. Here is a video of one of our mechanics doing the job.
If you have any door latch questions, please visit our forum. repair advice, please ask our community of mechanics is happy to help you and it is always 100% free. We hope you enjoyed this guide and video. We are creating a full set of subscribe to our 2CarPros YouTube channel and check back often for new videos which are uploaded almostWhy won't my car key turn in the door lock? February 19, 2010 Subscribe The car key goes into the door lock, but it won't turn. What's wrong and how can I fix it?Having your car door lock stuck is one downside to the need of having to lock your car doors to prevent vandalism and theft. There are many reasons that they may occur, not limited to being frozen, breaking, or needing a bit of loosening.Whatever the cause, it is an extremely frustrating experience if your key won't unlock car door. Having a vehicle that is not working properly when you need it is not very useful. That is why you will find several ways that you can fix your stuck lock below.
Why Is My Car Door Lock Stuck? If there is dirt inside the lock, extreme weather conditions may cause the lock to stop working. When the key won’t unlock your car door, the main culprit is most likely dirt. Dirt between the springs absorb water and when it gets cold enough it will freeze, casing the springs and wafers to be frozen in place.Another cause of a car door lock being stuck may be a simple need for lubrication. Using a graphite powder or W-D 40 may do the trick by removing the debris and dust from the gears and giving them a bit of lubrication to begin moving again. Car Door Lock Stuck, How to Fix It Add a Lubricant to the Lock Is your car door lock stuck? The first thing you want to do, because it is the simplest of all the fixes is to lubricate the door lock tumblers. You can use an aerosol can or tube of graphite powder. If it is still sticking, slowly wiggle the key then add more graphite. Repeat this process if necessary. It might be a good idea to wait a few minutes after spraying the graphite to give it time to work into the crevices.
This is the best method to use when your car door lock is frozen and the key won’t turn. There may be times when the key is worn or broken. Be sure that you check your key for excessively worn sections. You may need to purchase a new key. However, do not use the worn key. If you do not have the original, then you will need to have the dealership cut you a new key. Once you have the new key, keep it in a safe place and only use a duplicate. Remove the Door Panel If neither of the above methods worked, it is time to look further inside your door for the cause. Remove the panel by ensuring that you have released all the hidden screws and clips. Search everywhere otherwise you may not be able to remove the panel, or you may even break the panel. Once you have ensured all the screws and clips are released, pry gently on the corner of the door panel.Once the panel is loose and removable, disconnect any wiring harnesses and additional mounting screws. Inspect the Lock Cylinder and Assembly
Check the lock cylinder with a flashlight. This is attached to lock activation rods. Check to see that the rods are all secure and properly aligned. Then, check the lock assembly for any broken parts. Check the Door Lock Motor On power door locks, the motor drives the rod that controls the lock and unlock switch. You can test your key for proper operation by unhooking the rod on the motor. If it works, you know that the door lock motor needs to be replaced. When you are locked out of your car, you may need to call a locksmith. If you are unable to get beneath the window to pop the lock, then it is time to call for help. The locksmith will use specialized tools to unlock your car.How does someone release a stuck door latch? Releasing a stuck car door latch requires using a screwdriver to release the clasp. Once the latch is open the door will be able to catch the locking mechanism and close. How do you remove a rear view mirror button? How do you remove a Schlage door lock?
How do you replace interior door panels on Chevy vehicles? Follow these steps to properly insert the screwdriver into the clasp and release its position.Prepare the vehicle to be servicedFirst make sure the vehicle is on a level ground with the e-brake on.Open the doorInspect the latch, and see how far in the clasp is stuck.Slide a screwdriver into the claspUse a screwdriver and slide it into the clasp. Slowly pull up to release it.Check the doorCheck the lock on the door by opening and closing it. Learn more about Car Parts & Maintenance How do you fix a door that won't latch? To fix a door that doesn't latch, tighten any loose screws on the hinges, latch and strike plate; loosen the door knob; and lubricate the latch. Doors, Windows, & Locks What are some tips for a stuck door lock? If a car door lock is stuck, first try lubricating the lock with special products, such as graphite powder in an aerosol or tube, as this is the easiest so... Where can you find a truck latch replacement?