The Companies That Are The Least Well-Known To Follow In The Door Lock Car Repair Industry How to Troubleshoot Door Lock Problems Before Calling a Mechanic

Utilizing a lock pick made for specific use or key opener may aid. You can spray linseed or penetrating oils into the lock to lubricate and make it move again freely.

But, it's not a task for the home-owner who isn't a professional, and it is best left to a licensed, certified locksmith. Here are four locks for cars problems that they can fix:

Power door locks don't work

Power door locks are convenient however, they also bring more complex mechanisms into the car. This also means that things could be faulty in many ways. If your door lock actuator isn't working it could be a major issue that needs professional help. However, before calling an expert it's a good idea to try some easy troubleshooting strategies.

Check the battery in your key fob. If the battery is dying or near death it will cause the locks to stop working. This issue is easily and cheaply resolved by replacing the battery.

A faulty power actuator is a different problem. This is a common problem and is usually easy to diagnose. You can use a multimeter to check whether the power is working or not. If power is present, but the actuator doesn't respond when you press the button for locking doors, then it may be time to replace the actuator.

You could also try cleaning the contacts inside the door lock actuator. It's more complicated than cleaning a switch, however it generally it works. To do this, you'll have to take the actuator off and take it apart. There are usually bolts holding the exterior section of the lock body together, so unscrew them and then remove the entire surface of the lock actuator.

After you have removed the actuator, be careful not damage the rod connecting it to the locking mechanism. Suggested Online site are usually located within the interior of the doors that house the rod. Make sure to remove them too. Once the rod is unplugged it is possible to open the door and check the latch to make sure it's properly aligned with the locking post.

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

The key fob isn't working.

It can be frustrating when your car key fob won't work. There are a few ways to get it to work again. First, replace the battery. This is a straightforward step that could help you avoid the cost of replacing the entire fob. You can find a number of helpful YouTube videos that show you how to accomplish this in just a few simple steps.

If this isn't working, you might have to reprogram your fob. This is possible in the majority of cases, but it will require the assistance of a professional or your vehicle's dealer. It's not easy because many modern vehicles include security features that have to be configured correctly.

Your fob could also be damaged. The cause of damage can be various reasons, such as physical force, water or scratches on the circuit board. Most of the time, the damage is not obvious and can only be detected by opening the fob and looking inside. You can determine whether there are any issues by looking at the fob. Look for indications of damage, such as cracks on the circuit board or tiny electronic components that are not fully attached to circuit board. Try to open up the fob and remove the battery for a closer look at the connections. With a flathead screwdriver you can typically pry open most fobs and gain access to the battery, however, some require more advanced tools or equipment that is only available at the dealership for your vehicle.

If the fob doesn't work, you can try opening your car's doors using the physical key. If the physical key doesn't unlock your car, it might be time to contact an locksmith or go to an authorized service center for more extensive repair.

If your key fob doesn't turn on or start your car It could be due to a defective ignition cylinder. This is a very expensive fix that should be left to experts. If the key fob is working well with the door locks, it should be capable of starting the car using its inductive backup system.

The lock is jammed

If you're unable to turn the lock at all it is likely that something is jamming the mechanism. It could be as simple as the tumblers are clogged with dirt or rust. It could be that the pins inside are stuck in an unintentionally raised position. The first thing to try is to grease the mechanism of the lock. Spray a dry lubricant like RP7 or graphite spray in the keyway and then insert the key several times to release any debris that is stuck in the lock cylinder. This will also help lubricate and safeguard the mechanism.

You can also make use of 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 from most auto stores or home improvement stores. It is recommended to avoid products containing oil, such as WD-40 as they will clog up the brake mechanism over time.

The frame of the door may have shifted due to temperature or changes in the weather. The deadbolt or latch of the door might no longer align properly with the hole on the frame. This problem can be easily fixed by tightening hinges and replacing broken or damaged screws.

It is always a good idea to check the condition of your door locks on a regular basis. This will stop them from being jammed or damaged, saving you money and time by not having to call a locksmith. If you discover that you've locked your car or broken door lock, don't hesitate to call your trusted local mechanic to seek advice and assistance. They will be able to quickly diagnose the problem and recommend the most effective course of action. They'll be glad to help you, whether you require an immediate fix for your power doors, or are experiencing a more serious problem.

The lock is stuck.

Locks that are stuck can be a pain However, they are usually an inevitable aspect of owning a vehicle. Whether the lock is stuck in an unlocked position, or won't turn at all, you're going need to take action sooner rather than later, before the problem gets worse. There are fortunately a few quick and easy solutions that will get you out of this bind.


Begin by inspecting the lock and determining what's hindering it from functioning properly. A screw or foreign object could have loosened. You can fix either of these problems by cleaning the lock or tightening the screws. You can also straighten or repair the balls of the lock if they've become bent or damaged because of repeated use.

A damaged lock could be the cause of a jammed lock. It isn't responsive to moving the knob. If your lock has stopped turning when you twist the knob, it's time to replace it and ensure that it's properly keyed to your other doors.

If your lock is stuck, and no amount of wriggling, or spraying with lubricant seems to solve the problem, you'll probably have to call an expert locksmith. They have the knowledge and tools to safely get rid of a lock that's stuck without causing any additional damage to your vehicle or door.

Sometimes, the lock cylinder is damaged. This could happen in the event that the lock was forced open in the past, or if a lock problem was not fixed. You should check your cylinder for signs of corrosion and wear frequently and replace the cylinder if needed. This will ensure that your car is as secure as possible. If the lock cylinder is cracked or damaged, it can be a huge safety risk for your passengers as well as you. Make sure you get any damaged cylinders repaired as soon as you can.