What Is Door Lock Car Repair' History? History Of Door Lock Car Repair How to Troubleshoot Door Lock Problems Before Calling a Mechanic

Using a specialized lock pick or key opener may assist. You can also squirt penetrating oil or linseed oils into the lock to lubricate it and make it move freely.

However, it is not an undertaking for the average homeowner and should be left to a licensed, certified locksmith. Here are four typical door lock car repair problems that they can fix:

Power door locks don't work

Door locks with power offer an incredible convenience, but they also bring more complex mechanisms to the car. This means that things could be faulty in a variety of ways. If the door lock actuator isn't functioning it could be a major issue that requires expert assistance to fix. But, before you call an expert, it's worth trying some easy troubleshooting strategies.

The first thing to look at is the battery inside your key fob. If it's not working or is nearly dead, that will obviously cause the locks to not function properly. Replacing the battery is a relatively simple and inexpensive solution to this problem.

Another possible issue is that the power actuator itself might be defective. This is a typical issue, and it's usually easy to diagnose. You can make use of a digital multimeter to determine whether the actuator is getting power or not. If it is and the actuator does not respond to the button for locking doors and it's time to replace it.

You can also clean the contacts on the door lock actuator. It's more complicated than cleaning a switch, but generally works. To accomplish this, you'll have to remove the actuator and disassemble it. There are usually bolts that hold the exterior section of the body take them off and then remove the entire face of the lock actuator.

Once you've removed the actuator, you must be careful not to scratch the rod that connects it to the lock mechanism. There are usually two more bolts on the inside of the door that hold the rod in place therefore, you must remove those too. Once the rod has been removed, you can examine the latch and make sure that it is properly aligned to the locking post.

If not an option, you can utilize a thin, long object to put between the door panel and the lock. This will release any locking mechanism, so you can unlock your door by hand.

The key fob won't work.


It can be a hassle when your car's key fob won't work. There are a few steps you can try to make it work again. First, change the battery. This simple step could save you from needing to purchase a new fob. YouTube offers a variety of helpful videos that will help you accomplish this in a few simple steps.

If this doesn't help it may be necessary to reset the fob. This is possible in the majority of cases, however it requires the assistance of a professional or your vehicle's dealer. It can be complicated because many modern vehicles include security features that have to be properly configured.

Another possibility is that your fob is damaged. It could be damaged due to a number of reasons, such as physical force, water or scratches on the circuit board. The damage is usually not visible and is only discovered by opening the fob up to inspect inside. You can check if there are any issues by examining the fob. Look for signs of damage such as cracks on the circuit board, or tiny electronic components that are not fully attached to circuit board. You can also try to open up the fob and remove the battery for a closer look at the connections. With car door lock repair can usually remove most fobs to gain access to the battery but some require more specialized tools or equipment that can only be found 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 can't unlock your car, it could be time to contact an expert locksmith or visit the service center for more extensive repair.

If the key fob will not turn on or turn your car on, it may be due to a malfunctioning ignition cylinder. This is a very expensive fix that should be left to the experts. If the key fob is working with the door locks, it should be possible to start the car using the inductive backup system.

The lock is jammed

If you cannot turn your lock at all it is most likely that something is jamming the mechanism. It could be a simple matter of the tumblers being blocked by dirt or rust or it could be that the pins inside are stuck in an elevated position. The first step is to lubricate the lock mechanism. Spray a dry lubricant such as RP7 or graphite spray in the keyway, and then insert the key several times to remove any debris that has gotten stuck in the lock cylinder. This will also help to lubricate the mechanism and avoid future issues.

You can also make use of brake cleaning fluid to lubricate lock cylinder parts and to get rid of any grime or rust that could be obstructing the tumblers. You can buy brake cleaning fluid from most auto store or home improvement stores. It is recommended to avoid oil-based products like WD-40 since they can block the brake mechanism over time.

The door frame could have shifted due to temperature and weather changes. This can cause the deadbolt or latch on the door to not align with the hole in the door frame. It is easy to solve this problem by tightening the hinges on the door and replacing any damaged or damaged screws.

It is recommended to inspect the condition of your door locks regularly. This will help prevent them from being damaged or jammed, which will save you time and money by not having to contact a locksmith. Do not hesitate to contact your local mechanic who you trust if you find yourself with a broken or locked door lock. They'll be able to quickly identify the issue and recommend the most effective method of action. They'll be glad to assist you, no matter if 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 part of owning a car. If your lock is stuck in an unlocked position, or simply won't turn at all, you're likely need to take action earlier rather than later, before your issue gets worse. There are couple of quick and simple fixes that can help get you out of this difficult situation.

Start by inspecting the lock and determining what's blocking it from working effectively. A screw or a foreign object could have become loose. You can fix one or both of these problems by cleaning the lock or tightening the screws. You can also try straightening or fixing the ball in your lock, if they're deformed or are warped by long-term use.

Another reason for stuck locks is that it's worn out and isn't responding to jiggling. If your lock has stopped turning when you twist the knob, it's likely time to replace it and make sure it is properly keyed with the other doors.

If your lock is stuck and no amount of wriggling, or spraying with oil seems to resolve the issue, you'll likely need to call an expert locksmith for assistance. They have the expertise and tools to safely take out a lock that's stuck without causing damage to your car or door.

Sometimes, the cylinder of the lock may be damaged. This can happen if the lock has been forced open in the past, or when there was a problem with the lock itself that was not repaired or replaced. It's a good idea to check your cylinder regularly for signs of wear or corrosion and replace it when required. This will help to ensure that your vehicle is as secure as possible. If the lock cylinder has been damaged or broken, it can pose a serious safety risk to passengers and you. Make sure you repair any damaged cylinders as fast as you can.