These Are The Most Common Mistakes People Make With Car Lock Door Repair Simple DIY Car Door Lock Repair

Problems with locking your car door can be frustrating and may appear like a daunting issue to fix. Most common problems can be fixed by simple DIY fixes.

To begin, spray brake cleaning fluid into the cylinders of the lock to remove rust and flush it out or dirt. Next, lubricate the latch mechanism with white grease to keep it from getting stuck or frozen.

Signs of a malfunctioning lock

When your key will not easily turn inside the lock, that is a sign that it requires attention. This could be due to an corroded cylinder spring in your lock, a chipped or dirty key that has been kept in your pocket for a long time. If you attempt to fix the issue yourself you could cause further damage to the lock and door. It is recommended to seek out an expert locksmith.

If your door locks but it freezes when it is latching, this is a indication that the lock mechanism is broken and needs to be replaced. A faulty lock is not just more difficult to open however it also makes the door much easier to break into so it is important that you get the issue fixed in the shortest time possible.

It can be expensive to fix a damaged lock, so it's recommended to replace it instead of trying to fix it. This may cost you more in the end. It is important to have the right replacement parts for this process. Check the original manual or contact the manufacturer for the exact part needed for your door. This will prevent you from purchasing parts that aren't compatible with your lock, or from trying to install the wrong components.


It is also typical for locks to become stiff and hard to turn around, which could be due to many different problems. This is a straightforward fix, just apply some grease. Graphite or silicone sprays can be used to ease the friction between the parts and make your lock easier to use. Follow the manufacturer's instructions when selecting a lubricant. Some products can trap dirt or other debris inside the lock, making it difficult to operate.

If your lock cylinder is turning by itself, this is an indication that someone has tampered with it. This is most likely done to prevent you being able access your door. It is therefore essential to secure your home. You'll need to look at the cylinder set screw. These screws are located beneath the front door's faceplate. They can be tightened in order to keep them from becoming loose.

Remove the Door Handle or Door Panel

A lot of cars have an opening panel which controls things like the window and the lock, and this is usually fastened to the vehicle by small screws and bolts. These are typically difficult to reach particularly on older vehicles. In general the first thing you need to do is put a screwdriver into the lower edge of your control panel, and lift it up. The next step is to take off the handle. In order to do this, you'll need an appropriate tool sold in larger auto parts stores. One common type looks more like a plier with hook-shaped blades that are flat. The tool is inserted into a groove inside of the door handle and pushes into the groove to grab the C-clip that keeps it in place. Once this is done, you are able to remove the handle from its place.

In certain situations, you might need to remove the handle off the vehicle completely to get access to the latch mechanism, but this will not always be required. The key is to take the process slowly and steadily, trying not to put too much pressure on the clips that hold the handle in place. This step will be much easier if there is someone to assist you.

It is a good idea to remove all screws visible after taking off the handle and panel. This will help you to avoid missing any hidden screws which could cause problems in the future. It also makes it easier to install your door panel.

Also, make sure to keep an eye on the screws, bolts, and covers that are used to attach the panel to the vehicle. It is a good idea to store them in bags that are labeled separately so that you can easily locate them when it comes time to install the panel. This will help you save much time and headaches later.

Cleaning the Lock Cylinder

If the cylinder of your door lock in your car is not turning, this could be a sign there's rust or some other internal problem. Cleaning and lubricating the cylinder can help to prevent internal mechanisms from breaking or snapping.

Spray WD-40 or a different general-purpose cleaner into the lock cylinder. This will clean and lubricate your lock mechanism, making it easier to operate. Make sure mobile car central locking repairs spray the entire interior of the lock as well as the cylinder including the latch switch to ensure that it's clean and free of any obstructions.

Then, you need to lubricate your lock cylinder using an oil-based lubricant such as graphite or commercial door lock lubricant. Avoid using liquid lubricants, as it can attract dust and dirt. If the cylinder is not been lubricated, it will be difficult to open and close the door, as the key could stick or break.

You can employ a chenille or any other long, thin metal tools to take the lock assembly apart so that you can clean and lubricate the lock components. It's not a simple task as you will have to take off the door's panels as well as other components, including the window clock and possibly some covers and subpanels.

Use a rag and wipe all surfaces after the assembly has been taken apart. It's a good idea clean the tumblers, too. After the entire assembly has been cleaned, it's time to reinstall it. It is crucial to put the tumblers and springs back in the proper order to ensure that they are aligned properly when you insert them into the cylinder.

Then, you can reinstall the lock and test it. If the lock isn't working, it could be time to contact a professional for a full replacement of the cylinder for your car door. They will be able to give you suggestions about the problem and how to fix. Be aware that this is a costlier option than replacing the lock assembly. However, it's the most secure way to ensure that your car door is secure and able to be opened with just a single key.

Moving the Latch

Whenever you operate the inside or outside car door handle the mechanism extends metal rods (or other linkage) which release the latch from its anchor. They are typically attached to plastic fasteners that bind them together using specialized adhesives. If a metal rod is separated from its fastener, or if the plastic fasteners themselves are broken and causing your car to get stuck in an open position.

A professional automotive locksmith will be able to examine the inner door assembly for any issues and then reattach rods that are disconnected. They have the tools to take off the interior panel of the door and gain access to the latch assembly. Many people will not want to do this job themselves, especially if they are late for work or have other obligations.

Another reason why your car door may get stuck is because the interior latch release cable has been disconnected from its actuator. This can happen when someone has jimmied the lock or if there was physical damage to the door or its parts due to an accident or a hard hit.

The good part is that this issue can be resolved by simply connecting the actuator rod to its actuator with a screwdriver and turning it clockwise. This will move the latch back into its proper orientation and should allow the door to be opened manually from either inside or outside.

This type of malfunction is often the result of excessive wear on the bushings connecting rods that move all these parts. When they wear, it's possible to accumulate slop in between them that makes the mechanism move and not latch correctly. You can test this by pulling on the inner and outer handles individually while watching all the moving parts for movement.