Is Technology Making Door Lock Car Repair Better Or Worse?
How to Troubleshoot Door Lock Problems Before Calling a Mechanic
You can use keys or locks with a key opener to help. You can also spray linseed, or penetrating oils into the lock in order to lubricate it and allow it to move again freely.
However, it is not a task for the average homeowner and should be left to a licensed and certified locksmith. Here are four typical problems with car doors that they can fix:
Power door locks don't work
Door locks with power are useful but they also introduce more complex mechanisms into the vehicle. This means there are plenty of possibilities for things to go wrong, too. If the door lock actuator isn't functioning it could be a serious issue that requires professional assistance to solve. Before calling a professional try a few simple troubleshooting methods.
Check the battery on your key fob. If it's not working or is nearly dead, that will obviously cause the locks not to work. This issue can be easily and cheaply resolved by replacing the battery.
Another possibility is that the power actuator itself may be defective. This is a frequent issue, and it's usually simple to determine. You can utilize a digital multimeter check whether the actuator is getting power or not. If it is but the actuator does not respond to the button for locking doors It's probably time to replace it.
You can also try cleaning the contacts inside the door lock actuator. It's a little more difficult than cleaning a switch but generally works. To do this you will have to take the actuator off and disassemble it. Unscrew the bolts holding the exterior portion of the lock body together, and then remove the entire actuator face of the lock.
After removing the actuator, be careful not harm the rod that connects it to the locking mechanism. There are typically two bolts in the interior of the door that keep the rod in place therefore, you must remove the bolts too. After the rod has been removed it is possible to open the door and inspect the latch to ensure it is properly aligned with the locking post.
If it's not possible, you can make use of a long, thin object to insert between the lock and the door panel. This should release any locking mechanism, so you can open your door manually.
The key fob won't work.
If your car key fob isn't working, it could be a frustrating experience. There are a few things you can try to get it to work again. The first step is to change the battery. This is a simple procedure that can save you the cost of replacing the entire fob. YouTube offers a variety of useful videos that will guide you through this in a few simple steps.
If this does not work, you might have to reprogram your fob. This is possible in the majority of cases, however it requires the assistance of an expert or your car's dealer. It's not always easy since many of the latest vehicles have security features that need to be set up correctly.
Another possibility is that your fob has been damaged. Physical force, water or scratches on the circuit can cause damage. The damage is usually not evident and can only be detected by opening the fob to inspect inside. You can check for any issues by inspecting the fob for any signs of damage, like cracks on the circuit board, teeny electronic components that are not connected to the circuit board, or buttons that are loose. lock repair & services near me G28CarKeys can also remove the fob from the inside and take out the battery for a closer look at the connections. With a flathead screwdriver you can typically pry open most fobs and gain access to the battery, however, some require more advanced tools or equipment that is only available at your car's dealership.
You could also try using the physical key to unlock the doors of your car in the event that the fob isn't working. If the physical key can't unlock your car, it could be time to contact an expert locksmith or visit an authorized service center for more serious repair.
A damaged ignition cylinder could be the cause of your key fob not turning on or starting your vehicle. This is usually an expensive fix and is best left to a professional. If the key fob works well with the door locks, it should be capable of starting the car through its inductive backup system.
The lock is jammed.
If you are unable to turn your lock at all it is likely that something is jamming the mechanism. It could be as simple as the tumblers are clogged with dirt or rust or it could be that the pins inside are stuck in a partially raised position. The first thing to try is to lubricate the mechanism of the lock. Spray a dry lubricant, like RP7 aerosol or graphite into the keyway. Inject the key a couple of times to remove any debris stuck in the lock cylinder. This will also help lubricate the mechanism and help prevent future problems.
You can also use 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 from many home improvement stores or auto supply stores. Make sure not to make use of oil-based products like WD-40, as these will keep clogging the mechanism over time.
Another common problem that can cause the door locks to become jammed is the fact that the door frame has changed in time due to temperature and weather fluctuations. This could cause the latch or deadbolt on the door to no longer align properly with the hole in the frame of the door. This problem is easily solved by tightening hinges and replacing broken or damaged screws.
Regularly checking the condition of your locks is a good idea. This will prevent them from being jammed or damaged, saving you time and money by not needing to call a locksmith. If you notice that you have a locked car or have a broken door lock, don't hesitate to call your trusted local mechanic for advice and assistance. They will be able diagnose the issue quickly and recommend the best solution. They'll be delighted to assist you, no matter if you need an immediate fix for your power doors or having a more serious problem.
The lock is jammed.
Locks that are stuck are a frustrating and often inevitable part of owning a car. You'll want to resolve the issue as quickly as you can before it gets worse. There are couple of quick and simple solutions that will get you out of this bind.
Start by inspecting the lock to determine what is hindering it from functioning correctly. Sometimes, a foreign object may get caught in the lock, or a screw has become loose. If one of these scenarios is the case, you might be able fix the issue by cleaning out the lock or tightening the screw. You could also straighten or repair the balls of your lock if they're damaged or warped from repeated use.
Another common cause of a stuck lock is that it's worn out and doesn't respond to the jiggling. If your lock has stopped turning when you turn the knob, it's time to replace it. Also, ensure that it's properly keyed with the other doors.
If your lock is truly stuck, and no amount of wriggling or spraying with fluid seems to fix the issue, you'll need to call an expert locksmith. They have the knowledge and tools to safely take out a lock that's stuck without causing any additional damage to your car or door.
In a few cases the cylinder of the lock is broken. This could happen if the lock was forced open in the past, or when there was a problem with the lock itself that wasn't repaired or replaced. It is recommended to check your cylinder for signs of wear and corrosion regularly, and replace the cylinder if necessary. This will help ensure that your car is as secure as possible. If the lock cylinder is damaged or broken it could be a significant safety risk for passengers and you. Make sure you repair any damaged cylinders as quickly as you can.