Unquestionable Evidence That You Need Door Lock Car Repair How to Troubleshoot Door Lock Problems Before Calling a Mechanic

You can also use a lock pick or key opener to aid. You can also spray penetrating oil or linseed oil into the lock to lubricate it and get it moving freely.


But, it's not a project for the home-owner who isn't a professional and should be left to a licensed and certified locksmith. Here are four typical problems with car doors that they can fix:

Power door locks don't work

Power door locks provide excellent convenience, but they introduce a lot more complex mechanisms to the vehicle. This also means that things could fail in a variety of ways. If the door lock actuator isn't working, it could be a major issue that requires professional assistance. Before calling a professional try a few simple troubleshooting techniques.

Examine the battery in your key fob. If the battery is dead or is close to dying it could cause the locks to not work. This issue can be easily and inexpensively resolved by replacing the battery.

A malfunctioning power actuator could be a issue. This is a very common issue that is generally straightforward to identify. You can utilize a digital multimeter see if the actuator is getting power or not. If there is power however the actuator does not respond when you hit the button to lock the door, it may be time to replace the actuator.

You can also try to clean the contacts of the door lock actuator. This is a little more involved than cleaning the switch, but it's often enough to resolve the issue. To accomplish this, you'll have to remove the actuator from the door panel and then take it apart. Unscrew the bolts holding the exterior part of the lock body together, and then remove the entire face of the lock actuator.

After you have removed the actuator take care not to damage the rod connecting it to the locking mechanism. Two bolts are typically located inside the doors that hold the rod. Be sure to take them out as well. Once the rod is disconnected it is possible to open the door and examine the latch to make sure it's properly aligned with the locking post.

If not, you can insert a long, thin object between the lock and the door panel. This should release any locking mechanism and you can unlock your door manually.

The key fob won't work.

If your car key fob isn't working, it can be an extremely frustrating experience. There are several things you can try to make it work. First, change the battery. This is a simple step that can save you the cost of replacing your fob completely. YouTube has a number helpful videos that will help you accomplish this in a couple of easy steps.

If this isn't working, you might require reprogramming your fob. In most cases, this should be done by a professional. It can be difficult because newer cars include security features that need to be properly configured.

The fob could also be damaged. Damage can occur for various reasons, such as water, physical force, or scratches on the circuit board. Oftentimes, this damage is not obvious and can only be detected by opening the fob and looking inside. You can determine if there are any issues by looking at the fob. Check for indications of damage like cracks on the circuit board, or tiny electronic components that are not fully connected to the circuit board. You can also try to open the fob and remove the battery to get a closer look at the connections. It is possible to pry the fobs apart with a flathead, but certain ones require special tools and equipment that is only available at the dealer.

If the fob does not work it is possible to open your car doors with the physical key. If your key's physical counterpart cannot unlock your car, you may need to call an expert locksmith for more extensive repairs or visit an authorized service center.

A faulty ignition cylinder could be the reason for your key fob not turning on or starting your car. This is usually an expensive fix and is best left to an expert. If the key fob works fine with the door locks it should be possible to start the vehicle through the inductive backup system.

The lock is jammed.

If your lock does not turn even when you try to insert the key, there is likely to be something blocking the mechanism. It could be as straightforward as the tumblers getting blocked by rust or dirt or the pins are stuck in a partially raised position. First, you must lubricate your lock mechanism. Spray an oil-based dry lubricant, such as RP7 or graphite spray in the keyway, and then insert the key several times to remove any debris stuck in the lock cylinder. This will also help in lubricating the mechanism and prevent future problems.

You can also employ brake cleaning fluid to help lubricate the parts of a lock cylinder and to take off any grime or rust that may be blocking the tumblers. You can buy brake cleaning fluid at most auto supply or home improvement stores. Avoid using products containing oil, such as WD-40 as they will clog the brake mechanism over time.

The frame of the door may be shifting due to temperature and weather changes. The deadbolt or latch of the door might no longer align with the hole in the frame. It is possible to fix this issue by simply tightening the hinges on the door and replacing any broken or stripped screws.

Regularly checking the condition of your locks is an excellent idea to check the condition of your locks regularly. This will stop them from being jammed or damaged, saving you time and money by not needing to contact a locksmith. If you discover that you have a locked car or broken door lock, don't hesitate to call your local mechanic who you trust for assistance and advice. They'll be able quickly diagnose the problem and recommend the best solution. Whether you are seeking a quick fix to your power doors or have a more serious problem, they will be happy to help!

The lock is jammed.

Locks stuck in the middle can be quite frustrating However, they are usually an unavoidable part to owning a car. You'll want to address the problem as soon as you can and before it gets any worse. There are a few quick and easy solutions to help you get out of this sticky situation.

Begin by looking at the lock to determine what is preventing its operation. A screw or other foreign object could have loosened. If either of these situations is the case, you may be able to fix the issue by cleaning out the lock or tightening the screw. You could also straighten or repair the balls of your lock if they are bent or damaged from repeated use.

Another common cause of stuck locks is that it's worn out and doesn't respond to jiggling. If your lock ceases to turn when you move it around, it's likely time to replace it and ensure that it's keyed correctly.

If your lock is stuck and no amount of trying to wiggle it, spraying lubricant or changing the knob doesn't seem to help, you will likely need to contact locksmith assistance. They have the expertise and tools to safely remove the lock that is stuck, without causing damage to your car or door.

Sometimes, the cylinder in the lock may be damaged. car door lock repairs could happen if the lock was forced open in the past or in the event of an issue with the lock itself that wasn't repaired or replaced. It is recommended to inspect your cylinder frequently for signs of wear or corrosion, and replace it as required. This will ensure that your vehicle is as safe as possible. If the lock cylinder has been damaged or cracked it could be a significant safety risk to passengers and you. Make sure to repair any damaged cylinders as soon as you can.