Car Door Lock Repairs: It's Not As Expensive As You Think
Car Door Lock Repairs
The lock on the car's door is an essential part of your vehicle's overall security. If the door lock on your car is damaged or does not work correctly, you must have it repaired by a professional.
There are a few door locks for cars that can be fixed by a mechanic, such as a broken key. However, the most common issues require a locksmith to solve.
Wiring Issues
When you press the lock key on your key fob, it sends a message to a solenoid on your car door. The solenoid converts your electronic signal into a mechanical action. In this case it turns a steel rod which was previously required an ignition key to turn the traditional lock for cars. When the solenoid fails it will be difficult to open your car door.
Even the simplest door lock that is powered by electricity is made of multiple interconnected components. The electrical connection that relays instructions to unlock and lock the actuator may fail due to many reasons.
Fuses are among the most frequently encountered car electrical problems, and the fuse relating to your door lock's power might have blown. You can find an illustration in your owner's manual to help you determine the fuse responsible. Replace the fuse and then lock your door once more.
The mechanical component of your door lock is also susceptible to wear and wear and tear. It is a complicated assembly of gears and cables, and an engine that could malfunction or become disaligned. The latch itself can also be damaged due to physical damage or failure to open the lock or the normal use that all automotive components have to endure.
It's important to know that a majority of the common problems that arise with your door locks powered by electricity are easily fixed without taking your vehicle to a shop. You can use a voltmeter to investigate and identify any wiring that may be causing the issue. Performing regular inspections and making sure that your door lock components are lubricated will help reduce wear and tear. If you are still having trouble with your door locks that are powered and need help, call a professional assistance. A professional car mechanic will have the necessary tools and expertise to complete the repair quickly. In many cases, your manufacturer's warranty will cover the repair. In certain cases the broken lock may be too damaged and you'll have to replace the actuator or the entire door latch mechanism.
Stuck Latch
A stuck latch is the most frequent reason behind the failure of a door lock. When this happens, it indicates that the metal latch isn't fitting into the hole of the strike plate in a proper manner and this creates friction between the two. This could be due to various factors, including wood expansion or moisture. You are likely to be able to resolve this issue with a few simple troubleshooting.
First, make sure that it is the latch that is stuck rather than the handle or the cylinder that is keyed. If it's the latch, you can try several different things to fix it. Begin by pushing the latch into its position using the help of a screwdriver. This is much easier than using a credit or debit card, since the screwdriver will fit in the space where the latch is located.
You may also want to lubricate the latch. This is a quick fix you can make using WD-40. You can use the straw included with the can to spray the lubricant onto the latch. After you've completed this, you should be able feel the latch moving and loosen.
If the lubricant isn't able to work, you can try using needle-nose pliers and jiggle the mechanism. This can help break up any rust that is causing the latch to not fall into place correctly. If the pliers fail to work, you may have to replace the latch.
A structural issue can cause the latch to become stuck. The repeated slamming can cause damage and warping to parts of the mechanism. This is particularly applicable to the rods that connect to the metal responsible for the latch movement. This could be a cause for concern requiring the assistance of an expert.
Lock Cylinder
The lock cylinder is where your keys go to unlock the door or trunk. It's also where wear and tear can occur. If you're having trouble when your car doors aren't locking, it could be that the cylinder is jammed, and needs to be lubricated in order to fix the issue. To lubricate the cylinder first spray some brake cleaner into it to get rid of any dirt or grime. Then, put a thin piece of lubricant, like white grease, into the keyhole. You can also make use of WD-40 that includes a long, thin red straw that you can stick directly into the keyhole. You can also spray a little more lubricant into the hole and turn the key several times to spread it out and make sure everything is oil-free.
Cylinder locks can also be vulnerable to a condition known as "lock snapping." This occurs when the notches on your keys wear down, or aren't at the correct size and position to trigger the pin tumblers inside the cylinder to move upwards and downwards. This creates an opening between the lower and upper pins which prevents the cylinders from moving when they are inserted into the trunk lock or door lock. It could be a major problem, as that you will not be able to open your vehicle and will require replacing the cylinder.
A locked cylinder that's seized can be a pain to deal with, but it's actually pretty simple. You can take out the screw with a flat head that holds the cylinder into position using a screwdriver. Once you've removed the screw be sure to put it in a safe location to ensure that you don't lose it. Insert the key and switch it to the RUN, ACC or START positions according to your vehicle's repair instructions. After you've done this, remove the key and you should be in a position to pull the cylinder that was previously in the lock housing.
The only thing more difficult than lubricating your lock cylinder is getting it removed from your vehicle. To do this you will have to take off the door cover and maybe other covers or panels. Then, remove the screw holding the cylinder. Then you'll need to use a pick or awl remove the cylinder from its housing for the lock.
Lost Keys
It's a terrifying feeling to look in your purse or pocket and discover that your keys aren't there. It's important to always have an extra car key with you. Store it in a place that you or someone else is able to locate it. In the past having lost or misplaced your car keys was not a big deal. You could just call locksmith or roadside assistance, and have them open your door for you. Today, however, vehicles have become more technologically advanced and keys have also followed suit which means they are more expensive to replace in the event of losing keys.
You can try a couple of different methods to gain access back into your vehicle after locking your keys inside, but be cautious because some of them aren't safe. If you have a pet or a small child locked in your car, do not try to break the windows to release them. This is risky and could cause further damage to the vehicle. If vehicle lock repair near me don't have a slim Jim, don't attempt to open the lock of your car with pliers or screwsdrivers, as this can cause more damage.
Another way to ensure that you don't lock your keys in your car is to have a locksmith create you a spare that will be always accessible. The locksmith can install it in a spot that you, or someone else you trust, is able to find. You should always keep the spare key in your car to be able quickly access your car if necessary.
If you lose your keys, and it's a newer model with chip, a locksmith might require you to unlock your vehicle and rekey the locks or make you a brand new key. This is a more involved process and can cost you hundreds of dollars. If you can locate an online replacement chipped key, you may be able save money by having a professional install it for you.