How to Troubleshoot Door Lock Problems Before Calling a Mechanic
You can also use keys or locks with a key opener to assist. You can also spray linseed or penetrating oils into the lock in order to lubricate and make it move freely again.
It is however not a task for the home-owner who isn't a professional and should be left to a licensed, certified locksmith. Here are four key lock problems that they can address:
Power door locks don't work
Door locks with power offer excellent convenience, but they also add a lot of more complicated mechanisms to the car. This also means that things can fail in various ways. If your door lock actuator doesn't work, it could be a serious problem that requires professional assistance. But, before you call for help from a professional it's a good idea to try some simple troubleshooting techniques.
Check the battery on your key fob. If it's not working or is nearly dead, it will cause the locks to not work. This problem can be easily and cheaply resolved by replacing the battery.
A malfunctioning power actuator is a different problem. This is a common problem and is usually straightforward to identify. You can use a multimeter to check whether the power is working or not. If there is power however the actuator does not respond when you hit the door lock button then it could be time to replace the actuator.
You can also try cleaning the contacts inside the door lock actuator. This is a little more involved than simply cleaning switches, but it's often enough to fix the issue. To do this, you'll have to take the actuator off and take it apart. There are usually bolts that hold the exterior of the body of the lock together So, remove them and then remove the entire face of the actuator.
After you have removed the actuator, be careful not harm the rod that connects it to the locking mechanism. Two bolts are usually located within the interior of the doors that hold the rod. Make sure to take them out as well. Once the rod is disconnected it is possible to open the door and check the latch to ensure it's properly aligned with the locking post.
If it's not possible, you can utilize a thin, long object to insert between the lock and the door panel. automatic car door lock repair will release the locking mechanism, so you can open the door by hand.
The key fob isn't working
It can be frustrating when your car's key fob doesn't work. There are several things you can do to get it working again. First, try changing the battery. This is a simple procedure that can save you the cost of replacing your fob completely. YouTube offers a variety of helpful videos that will guide you through this in just a few easy steps.
If this isn't working, you might require reprogramming your fob. This can be done in the majority of cases, however it requires the assistance of an expert or your car's dealer. It can be complicated because many modern vehicles have security features that need to be properly configured.
The fob could also be damaged. Water, physical force or scratches on the circuit could cause damage. Most of the time, the damage is not obvious and can only be detected by opening the fob to look inside. You can determine 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 may also open the fob to take out the battery and take a more detailed look. Using a flathead screwdriver, you can generally remove most fobs to gain access to the battery, however some require specialized tools or equipment that is only available at the dealership of your car.
You can also try using the physical key to open your car's doors If the fob isn't working. If the physical key doesn't unlock your car, it might be time to call an expert locksmith or visit an authorized service center for more serious repair.
If the key fob will not turn on or start your car, it may be due to a faulty ignition cylinder. This is a very costly fix and should be left to the experts. If the key fob works with the door locks then it should still be possible to start the vehicle through the 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 being clogged 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 aerosol or graphite into the keyway. Inject the key a couple of times to loosen any debris stuck in the lock cylinder. This will also help to lubricate the mechanism and prevent future issues.
You can also employ brake cleaning fluid to lubricate the lock cylinder components, and remove any rust or grime that may be blocking the tumblers. You can buy brake cleaning fluid from the majority of home improvement stores or at auto supply stores. It is recommended to avoid products that contain oil such as WD-40 because they can clog up the brake mechanism over time.
The door frame could have moved due to temperature or changes in the weather. This could cause the latch or deadbolt on the door to not align with the hole in the door frame. You can easily fix this issue by simply tightening the hinges on the door and replacing any broken or damaged screws.
Monitoring the condition of your locks is an excellent idea to check the condition of your locks regularly. This will stop them from becoming jammed or damaged, saving your time and money by not needing to contact a locksmith. Don't hesitate to call your local mechanic of choice in the event that you encounter a broken or locked door lock. They'll be able to quickly determine the cause and recommend the best method of action. They will be happy to assist you, no matter if you need an immediate fix to your power doors, or are experiencing a more significant issue.
The lock is jammed.
Locks stuck in lock positions can be a gruelling and often inevitable part of owning a car. Whether the lock is locked in an unlocked position, or simply won't turn at all, you're likely to want to address it sooner rather than later before your issue gets worse. Fortunately, there are a few easy and quick solutions that can to get out of this sticky situation.
Begin by looking at the lock to determine what is blocking its proper operation. Sometimes, a foreign object may get caught in the lock, or a screw may have become loose. You can resolve either of these issues by cleaning the lock or tightening the screws. You could also attempt to straighten or fix the ball inside your lock if they're bent or warped due to prolonged use.
A worn-out lock may also be the cause of a jammed lock. It will not respond to moving the knob. If your lock isn't turning when you twist the knob, it's time to replace it and make sure it is properly keyed with the other doors.
If your lock is truly stuck, and no amount of wriggling or spraying fluid seems to fix the issue, you'll need to contact an expert locksmith for assistance. They can safely remove a locked that is stuck without creating further damage to your door or vehicle.
Sometimes, the cylinder in the lock may be damaged. This can happen when the lock has been forced open in the past, or in the event of an issue with the lock itself that wasn't repaired or replaced. You should inspect your cylinder for signs of wear and corrosion regularly and replace the cylinder if necessary. This will ensure that your car is as secure as it can be. If the lock cylinder is damaged or cracked it could be a significant safety risk to you and your passengers. So be sure to have any damaged cylinders fixed as soon as possible.