Why We Love Door Lock Car Repair (And You Should Too!)
How to Troubleshoot Door Lock Problems Before Calling a Mechanic
Utilizing a lock pick made for specific use or a key opener could aid. You can also spray penetrating oil or linseed oil in the lock to lubricate it and get it moving freely again.
But, it's not a project for the home-owner who isn't a professional, and it is best left to a licensed and certified locksmith. Here are four car door lock problems that they can address:
Power door locks don't work
Door locks with power offer excellent convenience, but they also bring more complex mechanisms to the vehicle. This means that things could be faulty in many ways. If your door lock actuator doesn't work, it could be a major issue that needs professional help. But, before you call for help from a professional try some easy troubleshooting strategies.
Examine the battery in your key fob. If the battery is dying or near death, it could cause the locks to cease working. Replacing the battery is a relatively affordable and simple solution to this problem.
A faulty power actuator could be a issue. This is a very common problem and is usually straightforward to identify. You can make use of a digital multimeter to see whether the actuator is receiving power or not. If it is, and the actuator still isn't responding to the button for locking doors It's probably time to replace it.
It is also possible to clean the contacts in the door lock actuator. This is a bit more involved than simply cleaning a switch but is often enough to resolve the issue. To do this you will need to remove the actuator and take it apart. There are usually bolts holding the exterior of the body take them off and then remove the entire body of the lock actuator.
After taking the actuator off be sure not to damage the rod connecting it to the locking mechanism. Two bolts are typically located within the interior of the doors that hold the rod. Be sure to remove them as well. Once the rod is removed, you can examine the latch and ensure that it is aligned with the locking post.
If not, you can put a long, thin item between the lock and the door panel. This should open the locking mechanism, so you can open the door manually.
The key fob isn't working
If your car's key fob isn't working properly, it can be an extremely frustrating experience. Fortunately, there are some things you can try to get it to work again. First, you must replace the battery. This simple step could save you from having to buy a new fob. YouTube offers a variety of useful videos that show you how to accomplish this in just a few easy steps.
If this doesn't work, you may have to reprogram your fob. In the majority of cases, this can be done by an expert. It's not easy, as many newer cars have security features that need to be properly configured.
Another possibility is that your fob is damaged. car locks repair near me , water, or scratches on the circuit could cause damage. The damage is usually not visible and can only be discovered by opening the fob up to examine the inside. You can check whether there are any issues by examining the fob. Look for 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 try to remove the fob from the inside and remove the battery for a closer inspection of the connections. With a flathead screwdriver you can usually break open most fobs and gain access to the battery but some require more specialized tools or equipment that can only be found at your car's dealership.
You can also try using the physical key to unlock your car doors, if the fob isn't working. If the physical key doesn't unlock your car, it might be time to contact an locksmith or go to a service centre for a more extensive repair.
A damaged ignition cylinder could be the reason for your key fob not turning on or even starting your car. This is a very expensive fix that should be left to the experts. However, if the key fob is working well with the door locks, it should be capable of starting the car through its inductive backup system.
The lock is jammed.
If you're unable to turn the lock at all it is most likely that something is blocking the mechanism. It could be as simple as the tumblers becoming blocked by rust or dirt or the pins are stuck in an partially raised position. First, you must lubricate your lock mechanism. Spray a dry lubricant such as RP7 or graphite spray into the keyway and then insert the key a few times to release any debris that has gotten stuck in the lock cylinder. This will also help to lubricate and protect the mechanism.
You can also use brake cleaner to lubricate the parts of the lock cylinder and to remove any grime or rust that could be obstructing the tumblers. You can buy brake cleaning fluid at many home improvement stores or auto supply stores. Make sure not to make use of oil-based products like WD-40 since they can cause clogging of the mechanism over time.
Another common problem that can cause your door locks to become jammed is that the frame of the door has shifted in time due to temperature and weather changes. The deadbolt or latch on the door might no longer align with the hole on the frame. This issue can be easily resolved by tightening hinges, and replacing damaged or stripped screws.
Checking the condition regularly of your locks is a good idea. This will prevent them from becoming jammed or broken and help you avoid the hassle and expense of contacting a locksmith for assistance. If you discover that you've locked your car or broken door lock do not hesitate to contact your local mechanic who you trust for assistance and advice. They'll be able to identify the issue quickly and recommend the best solution. Whether you are seeking an easy fix for your power doors or a more serious issue, they'll be more than happy to assist!
The lock is stuck
Stuck locks can be frustrating, but are often an inevitable aspect of owning a car. If the lock is locked in an unlocked position, or simply won't turn at all, you're going need to take action earlier rather than later, before the problem gets worse. Fortunately, there are a few quick and easy solutions that will to get out of this bind.
Begin by examining the lock and determining what is stopping it from working properly. A screw or other foreign object could have loosened. 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 can also straighten or fix the ball bearings of your lock if they are warped or deformed from repeated use.
Another common reason for stuck locks is that it's simply worn out and isn't responding to jiggling. If your lock has stopped turning when you jiggle the knob, it's likely time to replace it and make sure it is keyed correctly with your other doors.
If your lock is stuck and nothing moving it around, spraying lubricant or altering the knob seems to be able to solve the problem, you'll probably need to call a locksmith for assistance. They have the expertise and tools to safely remove the lock that is stuck without causing damage to your vehicle or door.
In some instances the lock's cylinder is broken. This can happen when the lock was forced to open in the past or when there was a problem with the lock itself that was not repaired or replaced. It is recommended to inspect your cylinder frequently for signs of wear or corrosion and replace it when required. This will ensure that your vehicle is as secure as it is. If the lock cylinder is damaged or cracked, it can be a significant safety risk to passengers and you. Therefore, make sure you have any damaged cylinders repaired as soon as possible.