Watch This: How Car Lock Door Repair Is Gaining Ground And What We Can Do About It
Simple DIY Car Door Lock Repair
Car door lock issues can be frustrating and may seem like a daunting task to resolve. However, the majority of issues can be resolved using simple DIY fixes.
Spray brake cleaning fluid in the lock cylinders in order to remove rust and dirt. Then, lubricate your latch mechanism with white grease to keep it from being stuck or frozen.
Signs of a Malfunctioning lock
If your key isn't able to turn into the lock it's a sign you should be aware. It could be due to a corroded lock cylinder spring or a dirty or chipped key that's been in your pocket for a long period of time. If you try to fix the issue yourself, you can cause further damage to the door and lock. It is recommended to call an expert locksmith.
If your door locks, but stops latching, this is another indication that the mechanism for the lock has failed and must be replaced. A broken lock isn't only more difficult to open but also makes the door more vulnerable to burglary, so it is crucial to get the issue fixed in the shortest time possible.
It can be costly to fix a damaged lock, which is why it's better to replace it instead of trying to repair it. This could cost you more in the end. The right replacement parts is essential for this process, so it is recommended that you review the original manual and/or contact the manufacturer to identify exactly what part is required for your door. This will stop you from buying parts that are not compatible with your lock, or trying to install the wrong components.
It is also common for locks to become stiff and hard to turn around this can be caused by many different problems. Fortunately this is a simple fix by applying some lubrication. You can use graphite or silicone to reduce friction and make the lock more comfortable to use. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions when choosing a lubricant, as some products can trap dirt and other particles within the lock, making it difficult to operate.
If your lock's cylinder is turning by itself, this is a sign that someone has played with it. It is likely that this has been done to stop you from opening your door, therefore it is important to take the necessary steps to ensure the security of your home. To do this, you'll need to get access to the set screws on cylinders. They are located beneath the door's faceplate and can be tightened so that they are not loose.
Removing the Interior Door Handle or Door Panel
Many cars have a panel on the door that controls things such as the window and the lock, and this is typically attached to the vehicle with small screws and bolts. These are typically tricky to get at especially on older vehicles. The first step in removing this is to wedge a screwdriver along the lower edge of the control panel, and then pry it up. The next step is to unhook the handle. To accomplish this, you'll need a special tool sold in larger auto parts stores. One model is more similar to pliers, with flat hook-shaped knives. The tool is placed in an opening on the inside of the handle. It is then pushed in to grab the C clip which holds it in place. Once this is completed, you can remove the handle from its place.
It may be necessary to remove the handle from the car in order to get to the latch, however it's not always required. The key is to do the process slowly and steadily and be careful not to put too much pressure on the clips that keep the handle in place. This process will be easier if you have a friend to help you.
After you have the handle and panel removed, it is an excellent idea to look over the area and remove any screws that are visible. This will ensure that you are not missing any screws which could cause problems in the future and will aid in reinstalling the door panel following the repair.
Keep in mind all the bolts, screws, and covers that are used to secure the panel to your vehicle. You can label them and place them in separate bags to help you locate them when you are required to replace your panel. This will spare you a lot of stress and time in the future.
Cleaning the Lock Cylinder
If your car's door lock cylinder isn't turning, it may be the result of corrosion or other problems within. It is worth cleaning and lubricating it, since this will keep internal mechanisms from being broken or snapped.
First, spray a general purpose cleaner such as WD-40 into the lock cylinder. This will clean out and lubricate the mechanism, making it easier to operate. Make sure to spray the entire interior of the lock and the cylinder including the latch switch, to ensure that it's free from debris.
Next, lubricate your lock cylinder with a dry lubricant, such as graphite or a commercial door lock lubricant. Avoid using liquid lubricants as they can attract dust and dirt. If the cylinder has not been lubricated, it could be more difficult to open and shut the door since the key could stick or break.
Using lock system or a similar long, thin tool made of metal can help you get the lock assembly apart to clean it and lubricate it. It's not an easy task as you will have to take off the door's panels as well as other components, such as the window clock, and possibly some subpanels and covers.
After the assembly is removed and you are ready to use a rag, wipe down all of the surfaces. It's a good idea clean all the tumblers, as well. After the entire assembly is cleaned it is able to be put back together. It is important to place the tumblers and springs back in the correct order so that they are all lined up properly when you put them into the cylinder.
Finally, reinstall the assembly and test it. If the lock isn't working properly, it might be time to call an expert for a complete replacement of the cylinder for your car door. They'll be able to offer you suggestions on what the problem is and the best way to fix it. Be aware, however, that this is a more expensive option than replacing the lock assembly. But, it's the best way to ensure that your car door is secure and can be opened using a single key.
Moving the Latch
Whenever you operate the outside or inside door handle of your vehicle, the mechanism extends metal rods (or other linkage) which release the latch from its anchor. These are usually attached to plastic fasteners which are joined by special adhesives. Your car could become stuck in an open position if the rod of metal is separated from its fastener, or if the fasteners are broken.
A professional automotive locksmith can inspect the inner door assembly for any problems and reattach rods that were disconnected. They are equipped to take off the interior panel of the door and gain access to the latch assembly. This is a job that the majority of people would not want to tackle themselves especially when they're late for work or have other obligations.
Another reason why your car door may get stuck is that the interior latch release cable is disconnected from the actuator. This could happen if the lock has been jiggered or when the door or its parts have been damaged due to an accident or a hard smash.
The good news is that this issue is usually solved by simply connecting the rod for actuator to its actuator with an screwdriver and turning it clockwise. This will enable the latch to be placed properly and will allow you to open the door manually from the inside or the outside.
This type of malfunction is most often caused by excessive wear on the bushings that connect the rods that move these components. If they're worn out, it is easy to get slop between them that makes the whole mechanism move and not latch or lock correctly. You can test this by pulling the inner and outer handles individually while watching the other moving parts for movement.