Learn To Communicate Door Lock Car Repair To Your Boss
How to auto door locks repair Before Calling a Mechanic
You can use a lock pick or key opener to assist. You can also spray penetrating oil or linseed oil in the lock to lubricate it and make it move freely again.
But, it's not an undertaking for the casual homeowner and should be left to a licensed and certified locksmith. Here are four common car door lock problems that they'll fix for you:
Power door locks don't work
Power door locks offer great convenience, but they add a lot of more complicated mechanisms to the vehicle. This means that things could go wrong in a variety of ways. If the door lock actuator isn't working it could be a serious issue that needs professional help. However, before calling in a mechanic try some simple troubleshooting techniques.
The first thing you need to check is the battery on your key fob. If the battery is dead or close to death, it will cause the locks to not work. Replacing the battery is a relatively affordable and simple solution to this problem.
A defective power actuator is another possible problem. This is a frequent issue and is usually easy to diagnose. You can utilize a digital multimeter determine if power is reaching the actuator or not. If it is and the actuator isn't responding to the button for locking doors It's probably time to replace it.
You can also clean the contacts on the door lock actuator. This is a little more involved than cleaning a switch but is often enough to fix the issue. To do this, you'll need to remove the actuator from the door panel and take it off. There are typically bolts holding the exterior of the lock body together, so unscrew them and then take out the entire surface of the lock actuator.
After you have removed the actuator, be careful not cause damage to the rod that connects it to the locking mechanism. There are typically two bolts on the inside of the door that hold the rod in place so be sure to unscrew them as well. Once the rod is disconnected, you can open the door and inspect the latch to ensure it's properly aligned with the locking post.
If not, put a long, thin object between the lock and door panel. This should open any locking mechanism so you can open your door manually.
The key fob doesn't work
If your car's key fob isn't working, it could be a frustrating experience. Fortunately, there are some options you can use to get it to work again. First, try changing the battery. This is a simple procedure that could save you the expense of having to replace your device completely. You can find a number of useful YouTube videos that show you how to do this in a couple of easy steps.
If this doesn't work it may be necessary to re-program the fob. In most cases, this can be handled by an expert. It's not easy, as newer cars have security features that need to be properly configured.
Another possibility is that your fob has been damaged. Physical force, water, or scratches on the circuit can cause damage. Most of the time, the damage isn't evident and can only be identified by opening the fob and looking inside. You can check if there are any issues by looking at the fob. Find signs of damage such as cracks on the circuit board or tiny electronic components that are not fully attached to circuit board. You can also open up the fob and remove the battery for a closer look at the connections. You can pry most fobs open with a flathead. However, some require specialized tools and equipment that are only available at the dealership.
You could also try using the physical key to unlock your car doors in the event that the fob isn't working. If your key's physical counterpart cannot unlock your car, you may require contacting a locksmith for more serious repairs or visit an authorized service center.
A damaged ignition cylinder could be the cause for your key fob not turning on or even starting your car. This is typically a very expensive fix, and it's recommended to leave it to a professional. However, if the key fob is working fine with the door locks, it should still be capable of starting the car using its inductive backup system.
The lock is jammed
If you are unable to turn your lock at all it is most likely that something is blocking the mechanism. It could be a simple as the tumblers are blocked by dirt or rust. It could be that the pins inside are stuck in an unintentionally raised position. First, lubricate your lock mechanism. Spray a dry lubricant, like RP7 aerosol or graphite into the keyway. The key should be inserted a couple of times to release any debris stuck in the lock cylinder. This will also help lubricate the mechanism and prevent future issues.
You can also employ brake cleaner to lubricate lock cylinder parts and remove any rust and grime that may be blocking the tumblers. You can buy brake cleaning fluid from most auto stores or home improvement stores. Be sure to not use oil-based products such as WD-40 as they will continue to clog the mechanism over time.
Another issue that can cause the door locks to become jammed is that the frame of the door has shifted over time due to temperature and weather changes. This could cause the latch or deadbolt on the door to not align properly with the hole in the door frame. This problem is easily solved by tightening hinges and reinstalling broken or stripped screws.
Checking the condition regularly of your locks is an excellent idea. This will prevent them from getting jammed or broken and help you avoid the time and expense of calling a locksmith for assistance. If you discover that you have a locked car or broken door lock Do not hesitate to contact your local mechanic who you trust for advice and assistance. They can identify the problem quickly and recommend the best solution. They will be happy to assist you, whether you require an immediate fix to your power doors or experiencing a more significant issue.
The lock is jammed.
Locks that are stuck can be a pain, but are often an inevitable part of owning a vehicle. If your lock is locked in an unlocked position, or simply won't turn at all, you're likely need to take action sooner rather than later before your problem worsens. There are few easy and quick solutions that can get you out of this bind.
Begin by looking over the lock to see what's preventing its operation. Sometimes, a foreign object could get stuck in the lock or a screw can become loose. If one of these scenarios is the case, you might be able to fix the issue by cleaning out the lock or tightening the screw. You can also straighten or fix the ball bearings of your lock if they are warped or deformed from repeated use.
A worn-out lock could be the reason for an unlocked lock. It isn't responsive to the jiggling. If your lock doesn't turn when you play with it, it's likely that you need to replace it and ensure that it's keyed correctly.
If your lock is stuck and no amount of moving it around, spraying lubricant or altering the knob seems to be able to solve the problem, you'll likely have to call an expert locksmith. They have the knowledge and tools to safely remove a lock that's stuck without causing any additional damage to your car or door.
Sometimes, the cylinder in the lock may be damaged. This can occur in the event that the lock was forced open in the previous, or if a lock issue was not addressed. It is advisable to inspect your cylinder frequently for signs of wear or corrosion and replace it if necessary. This will help ensure that your car is as secure as it can be. If the lock cylinder is damaged or broken it could be a significant safety risk to you and your passengers. Therefore, make sure you have any damaged cylinders repaired as soon as you can.