15 Of The Most Popular Pinterest Boards Of All Time About Car Door Lock Repairs Car Door Lock Repairs

The door lock of your car is a vital part of the overall security of your car. If the door lock on your car is broken or does not work correctly, you must have it repaired by a professional.

There are some car door locks that can be fixed by a mechanic for example, a damaged key. However, the most prevalent problems require a locksmith to solve.

Wiring Issues

When you press the lock button on your key fob it sends an electrical signal to a solenoid within your car door. The solenoid transforms the electronic signal into an action that is mechanical that, in this instance, moves a rod made of steel, which used to require the turning of a key in the traditional lock. If the solenoid malfunctions it will be difficult to open your car door.

Even the simplest door lock that is powered by electricity is made of several interconnected components. The electrical connection that relays instructions to unlock and lock the actuator can fail for a variety of reasons.

Fuses are among the most common electrical problems in vehicles. The door lock's power fuse could have failed to blow. You can find a diagram in your owner's manual which will help you identify which fuse is responsible. Replace it, and then lock your door again.

The mechanical portion of your door lock's power source is also susceptible to wear and tear. It is a complex assembly of cables and gears as well as a motor that can malfunction or become unbalanced. The latch may be damaged by physical damage or a failed attempt to push the lock open.

It's important to know that the majority of the common problems that arise with your door locks powered by electricity can be resolved without having to take your vehicle to a garage. You can use a voltmeter troubleshoot and inspect any wiring that might be the cause of the problem. Conducting regular inspections and making sure that your door lock components are lubricated can help to prevent wear and tear. Contact a professional if you're still experiencing issues with your power door lock. A skilled mechanic has the tools and experience to complete the repair quickly. In most cases, repairs will be covered under the manufacturer's warranty. In some instances the broken lock may be too damaged and you will need to replace the actuator or the entire door latch mechanism.

Stuck Latch

A stuck latch is the most frequent reason for the failure of a door lock. If this happens, it means that the latch isn't fitting into the the strike plate in a proper manner and this causes friction between the two. This could be caused by various factors, such as the expansion of wood or moisture. This problem can be resolved by a simple fix.

Examine the latch to determine if it's the latch and not the handle or keyed cylinder. If it's the latch then you could try a few different things to resolve it. Begin by pushing the latch into its position using a screwdriver. This is much easier than attempting to use credit card since the screwdriver is able to fit in the space the latch sits in.

You may also want to grease the latch. This is a quick fix you can make by using WD-40. You can use the straw that comes with the can to spray the lubricant into the latch. You will feel the latch loosen and move around once you have done this.

If the lubricant does not work, you can try using needle-nose pliers and jiggle the mechanism. This will help eliminate any rust that causes the latch to not drop into place properly. If the pliers aren't working, then you may need to replace the latch completely.

Structural damage can also cause the latch to become stuck. The repeated slamming of the latch can damage and warp parts of the mechanism. This is particularly true for the rods of connecting metal that are responsible for the latch movement. This could be a problem that requires the help of an expert.

Lock Cylinder

The lock cylinder is where you insert your keys to unlock a door or trunk. It's also where the most wear and tear can happen. If your car's doors are not locking, the cylinder could be jammed and requires oiling to resolve the issue. Spray brake cleaner onto the cylinder to get rid of any dirt and grime. Place a thin strip like white grease, of lubricant into the keyhole. You could also use WD-40 which is a long red straw you can stick directly into the keyhole. Spray some oil into the hole and then turn the key several times. This will ensure that everything is oiled.

Cylinder locks are also prone to a problem known as "lock snapping." This occurs when the notches in your keys wear out, or aren't at the correct height or position to trigger the pin tumblers inside the cylinder to move up and down. This causes an opening between the upper and lower pins that prevents the cylinders from moving when they are inserted into the door lock or trunk. It can be a big problem, as you won't be able to unlock your car and have to replace the cylinder.

It's not difficult to repair a locked cylinder that has become stuck. There's typically a screw that holds the cylinder in place and you can take it off it with the help of a screwdriver. Once you've removed the screw be sure to store it in a safe place to ensure that you don't lose it. Then you can insert the key and switch it to the ACC RUN, ACC START position, according to the repair instructions for your specific vehicle. Once you've completed that, remove the key. You should be able remove the old cylinder from the lock housing.


The only thing harder than lubricating the lock's the cylinder is removing it of your vehicle. To do this you will have to take off the door panel, and maybe other covers or panels. Then, remove the screw that holds the cylinder in position. You'll then need to make use of an awl, or a screwdriver to pull the lock cylinder off.

Lost Keys

It's a frightening feeling to look in your purse or pocket and find that your keys aren't there. That's why it is so important to keep a spare key with you at all times, and to store it somewhere that you or someone else will be able to retrieve it when needed. In vehicle door lock repair having lost or misplaced your car keys wasn't really a big deal. In the past, calling roadside assistance or a professional locksmith to open your car door was not a big deal. The keys to modern cars are more expensive as well as more complicated.

There are many ways you can try and get into your car when you put your keys inside it, but you should be cautious as some of these methods aren't always safe. For instance, if have a pet or child locked in the car with you, you shouldn't attempt to break the window to let them out, since this could be dangerous and could cause further damage to your vehicle. If you don't own a slim Jim, you shouldn't try to pick the lock of your car with screwsdrivers or pliers, because this could cause further damage.

Another way to ensure that you don't lock your keys inside the car is to have a locksmith create you a spare that will be always accessible. The locksmith can put it in a spot that you, or a person you are confident in, will be able to locate. Always keep the spare key with you to allow quick access to your car if necessary.

If you lose your key, and it's a different model with chip, a locksmith could require you to unlock your vehicle and rekey your locks, or create a brand new key. This is a very complicated process that could cost hundreds of dollars. However, if you can find a replacement chipped key online, you might be in a position to save money by buying this key and hiring a professional locksmith to install it in your vehicle for you.