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How to Troubleshoot Door Lock Problems Before Calling a Mechanic
Utilizing a lock pick made for specific use or a key opener could help. You can also spray linseed, or penetrating oils into the lock in order to make it lubricated and move freely again.
It is best to delegate it to a certified, licensed locksmith who is licensed, certified and certified. Here are four typical car door lock problems that locksmiths can fix for you:
Power door locks don't work
The power door locks are useful however, they also bring more complicated mechanisms into the vehicle. That means that there are a lot more possibilities for things to go wrong, as well. If your door lock actuator isn't functioning it could be a serious issue that requires professional help to fix. Before calling in a mechanic try some basic troubleshooting methods.
Check the battery on your key fob. If the battery is dying or close to death, it will cause the locks to not work. Replacing the battery is a relatively easy and affordable solution to this problem.
A malfunctioning power actuator is a different problem. This is a very common problem and is usually straightforward to identify. You can use a digital multimeter to check whether power is reaching the actuator or not. If there is power however the actuator does not respond when you press the door lock button then it could be time to replace the actuator.
You could also try to clean the contacts of the door lock actuator. This is more involved than simply cleaning switches, but it's often enough to solve the problem. To do this, you'll need to remove the actuator and disassemble it. There are typically bolts holding the exterior of the lock body together, so unscrew them and then take off the entire face of the actuator.
After removing the actuator take care not to damage the rod connecting it to the locking mechanism. There are usually two more bolts in the interior of the door that hold the rod in place, so be sure to unscrew those as well. Once the rod is disconnected, you can open the door and inspect the latch to ensure it is properly aligned with the locking post.
If not, you can insert a thin, long object between the lock and the door panel. This should release the locking mechanism so you can open the door manually.
The key fob isn't working.
It can be a hassle if your car key fob won't work. Fortunately, there are some options you can use to make it work again. First, you must replace the battery. This is a simple step that can save you the cost of replacing your device completely. YouTube offers a variety of useful videos that show you how to accomplish this in a few simple steps.
If this does not work, you might need to re-program your fob. This can be done in the majority of cases, but it will require the assistance of an expert or your car's dealer. It's not easy since many of the latest automobiles come with security features that require to be set up correctly.
Your fob could also be damaged. Physical force, water or scratches on the circuit may cause damage. Oftentimes, this damage isn't evident and can only be diagnosed by opening the fob to look inside. You can check whether there are any issues by inspecting the fob. Look for signs of damage such as cracks on the circuit board, or tiny electronic components that aren't completely connected to the circuit board. You can also break the fob in order to remove the battery and have a closer look. You can open most fobs open with a flathead, but some require specialized tools and equipment that is only available at the dealership.
If the fob isn't working If the fob doesn't work, try opening your car doors with the physical key. If the physical key isn't able to unlock your car, it could be time to call an expert locksmith or visit an authorized service center for more extensive repair.
A malfunctioning ignition cylinder may be the reason for your key fob not turning on or even starting your car. This is a expensive fix that should be left to experts. If the key fob works fine with the door locks, it will be capable of starting the car through its inductive backup system.
The lock is jammed
If your lock won't move at all, despite trying to insert the key, there is likely something jamming the mechanism. It could be as straightforward as the tumblers getting clogged by rust or dirt, or that the pins are stuck in a partially raised position. The first step is to lubricate the lock mechanism. Spray an oil-based dry lubricant, such as RP7 or graphite spray into the keyway and then insert the key several times to release any debris that is stuck in the lock cylinder. This will also help to lubricate the mechanism and avoid future problems.
You can also make use of brake cleaning fluid to help lubricate the parts of a lock cylinder, and remove any rust or grime that might be blocking the tumblers. You can purchase brake cleaning fluid from many auto supply or home improvement stores. Just be sure to not use oil-based products such as WD-40, as these will cause clogging of the mechanism over time.
Another issue that could cause your door locks to jam is the fact that the door frame has moved over time due to temperature and weather changes. This could cause the latch or deadbolt on the door to no longer align with the hole in the door frame. This problem can be easily resolved by tightening hinges and reinstalling broken or stripped screws.
Regularly checking the condition of your locks is an excellent idea. This will help prevent them from getting broken or jammed, and will save you the time and money of calling a locksmith for assistance. Don't hesitate to call your trusted local mechanic when you discover a broken or locked door lock. They will be able to quickly identify the issue and recommend the best course of action. No matter if you're seeking an easy fix for your power doors or have a more serious issue, they'll be more than happy to assist!
The lock is stuck
Locks that are stuck can be a pain, but are often an unavoidable part to owning a vehicle. Whether the lock is stuck in an unlocked position, or won't turn at all, you're likely be looking to fix it earlier rather than later, before your issue gets worse. There are simple and quick fixes that will aid you in getting out of this difficult situation.
Start by inspecting the lock and determining what's stopping it from working correctly. A screw or other foreign object could have loosened. You can fix one or both of these issues by cleaning the lock or tightening the screws. You could also straighten or repair the balls of the lock if they've become bent or damaged due to repeated use.
Another common cause of a locked that is stuck is that it's worn out and doesn't respond to 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 to your other doors.
If your lock is stuck and no amount of wriggling, or spraying with oil seems to resolve the issue, you'll likely need 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 door or car.
Sometimes, the cylinder in the lock is broken. vehicle door lock repair could happen if the lock was forced to open in the past or in the event of a problem with the lock itself that was not repaired or replaced. It is recommended to check your cylinder for signs of corrosion and wear frequently, and replace the cylinder if needed. This will ensure that your vehicle is as secure as it can be. If the lock cylinder is damaged or broken it could be a significant safety risk to passengers and you. Make sure to repair any damaged cylinders as quickly as you can.