How to Troubleshoot Door Lock Problems 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 get it moving freely.
It is recommended to leave it to a certified, licensed locksmith. Here are four typical door lock car repair problems that locksmiths can fix for you:
Power door locks don't work
The power door locks are useful, but they also introduce more complex mechanisms into the car. This also means that things could go wrong in many ways. If your door lock actuator isn't functioning it could be a serious issue that requires expert assistance to solve. Before calling a professional, try some simple ways to troubleshoot.
Check the battery in your key fob. If it's dead or nearly dead, it will cause the locks to not work. Replacing the battery is a relatively easy and affordable solution to this issue.
Another potential problem is that the power actuator itself could be defective. This is a common issue and is typically straightforward to identify. You can use a multimeter to check if the power is reaching or not. If power is present but the actuator doesn't respond when you press the button for locking doors, then it could be time to replace the actuator.
You can also clean the contacts on the door lock actuator. This is a little more complicated than just cleaning a switch but is often enough to fix the issue. To do this, you'll have to remove the actuator from the door's panel and then take it off. There are typically bolts holding the exterior portion of the lock body together So, remove them and then remove the entire body of the lock actuator.
After taking the actuator off take care not to harm the rod that connects it to the locking mechanism. Two bolts are usually found within the interior of the doors that hold the rod. Be sure to remove them as well. Once the rod is removed, you are able to inspect the latch to ensure that it is aligned to the locking post.
If not, insert a thin, long item between the lock and the door panel. This will release the locking mechanism, so you can open the door manually.
The key fob isn't working.
It can be a hassle when your car's key fob won't work. There are a few things you can try to make it work again. The first step is to change the battery. This simple step could save you from needing to purchase a new fob. You can find a number of useful YouTube videos that will show you how to do this in a couple of easy steps.
If this doesn't help you, you might need to reset the fob. In most cases, this should be handled by an expert. It isn't easy, as newer cars come with security features that have to be properly configured.
The fob could also be damaged. Physical force, water or scratches on the circuit may cause damage. This damage is often not evident and is only discovered by opening the fob up to look inside. car alarm system can check whether there are any issues by looking at the fob. Find indications of damage, such as cracks on the circuit board or small electronic components that aren't fully attached to circuit board. You can also break the fob in order to remove the battery and take a more detailed look. With a flathead screwdriver you can generally break open most fobs and gain access to the battery, however, some require more advanced tools or equipment that is only available at the dealership of your car.
If the fob doesn't work it is possible to open your car's doors using the physical key. If your physical key does not unlock your car, you might need to contact an expert locksmith for more extensive repairs or visit a service center.
A damaged ignition cylinder could be the cause for your key fob not turning on or starting your car. This is usually a very expensive fix, so it's best left to an expert. If the key fob is working well with the door locks, it should still be able to start the car using its inductive backup system.
The lock is jammed.
If you cannot turn your lock it is likely that something is jamming the mechanism. It could be as simple as the tumblers being blocked by rust or dirt or the pins may be stuck in an partially raised position. First, lubricate your lock mechanism. Spray a dry lubricant such as RP7 or graphite spray in 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 the mechanism and help prevent future issues.
You can also use brake cleaning fluid to lubricate lock cylinder parts and to remove any rust or grime that might be blocking the tumblers. You can purchase brake cleaning fluid in many home improvement stores or at auto supply stores. You should avoid using products containing oil, such as WD-40 since they can block up the brake mechanism over time.
Another issue that could cause your door locks to get jammed is that the frame of the door has moved over time due temperature and weather changes. This can cause the deadbolt or latch on the door to not line up correctly with the hole in the door frame. You can easily solve this problem by tightening the hinges on the door and replacing any damaged or stripped screws.
It is recommended to inspect the condition of your door locks regularly. This will prevent them from getting damaged or jammed and save you the time and money of contacting a locksmith for assistance. Don't hesitate to contact your local mechanic of choice in the event that you encounter damaged or locked door lock. They will be able to quickly determine the cause and recommend the most effective course of action. They'll be glad to assist you, no matter if you need a quick fix for your power doors, or are having a more serious issue.
The lock is jammed.
Locks that are stuck are a frustrating and sometimes 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 be looking to fix it sooner rather than later before the problem gets worse. There are fortunately a few easy and quick solutions that will get you out of this sticky situation.
Begin by looking at the lock to see what's preventing its operation. A screw or foreign object could have loosened. If either of these problems is the case, you might be able fix the issue by cleaning the lock or tightening the screw. You can also straighten or fix the ball bearings of your lock if they are warped or deformed due to repeated use.
A worn-out lock could be the cause of a locked that is jammed. It won't respond to the jiggling. If your lock isn't turning when you turn the knob, it's time to replace it and make sure it is properly keyed with the other doors.
If your lock is stuck, and no amount of wriggling, or spraying with oil seems to resolve the issue, you'll have to call an expert locksmith for assistance. They have the expertise and tools to safely take out locks that are stuck without causing damage to your car or door.
Sometimes, the cylinder of the lock is broken. This can happen if the lock has been forced to open in the past or if there was an issue with the lock that was not repaired or replaced. It is advisable to inspect your cylinder frequently for signs of wear or corrosion and replace it if needed. This will help ensure that your vehicle is as secure as it can be. And if the lock cylinder is cracked or damaged it could pose a huge safety risk for your passengers as well as you. Be sure to fix any damaged cylinders as soon as you can.