How to Troubleshoot Door Lock Problems Before Calling a Mechanic
Utilizing a lock pick that is specialized or key opener may help. You can also squirt penetrating oil or linseed oil into the lock to lubricate it and get it moving freely.
However, it is not a task for the home-owner who isn't a professional and should be left to a licensed, certified locksmith. Here are four car door lock problems that they can fix:
Power door locks don't work
Power door locks provide excellent convenience, but they add a lot of more complicated mechanisms to the car. This means that there are plenty of ways for things to go wrong too. If the door lock actuator doesn't work it could be a serious problem that requires professional assistance. But, before you call an expert, it's worth trying some basic troubleshooting methods.
The first thing to check is the battery inside your key fob. If it's dead or nearly dead, that will obviously result in the locks not to function. This issue is easily and cheaply solved by replacing the battery.
Another possibility is that the power actuator itself may be defective. This is a frequent issue that is generally easy to diagnose. You can use a multimeter to check whether the power is working or not. If the power is there however the actuator does not respond when you press the door lock button then it may be time to replace the actuator.
You can also clean the contacts on the door lock actuator. This is a bit more involved than cleaning a switch but is often enough to fix the issue. To do this, you'll need to remove the actuator from the door panel and take it off. Unscrew the bolts that hold the exterior part of the lock body together and then remove the entire face of the lock actuator.
After removing the actuator be sure not to harm the rod that connects it to the locking mechanism. There are usually two more bolts on the inside of the door that keep the rod in place so make sure you remove those as well. After the rod has been removed it is possible to open the door and check the latch to ensure it is properly aligned with the locking post.
If not, insert a thin, long object between the lock and door panel. This should release the locking mechanism so you can open the door by hand.
The key fob won't work.
It can be quite frustrating when your car's key fob doesn't work. However, there are some options you can use to get it to work again. First, replace the battery. This is a straightforward step that could save you the expense of replacing the entire fob. YouTube has a number useful videos that guide you through this in just a few easy steps.
If this doesn't help it may be necessary to reset the fob. In most cases, this should be handled by a professional. It's not easy since many of the latest automobiles include security features that have to be properly configured.
Your fob may also be damaged. Damage can occur for various reasons, including physical force, water, or scratches on the circuit board. Oftentimes, this damage isn't evident and can only be identified by opening the fob to look inside. You can identify any issues by inspecting the fob for signs of damage, including cracks in the circuit board, tiny electronic components not fully attached to the circuit board, or loose buttons. You may also open the fob to remove the battery and have a closer look. You can open the fobs apart using a flathead, however some require specialized tools and equipment that are only available at the dealer.
You could also try using the physical key to unlock the doors of your car in the event that the fob isn't working. If the physical key can't unlock your car, it might be time to call an expert locksmith or visit a service centre for a more extensive repair.
A faulty ignition cylinder could be the reason for your key fob not turning on or even starting your vehicle. This is a very costly fix and should be left to experts. If the key fob is working perfectly with the door locks, it should still be capable of starting the car through its inductive backup system.
The lock is jammed.
If you cannot turn your lock, it is likely that something is jamming the mechanism. It could be as simple as the tumblers becoming clogged by dirt or rust, or that the pins are stuck in an partially raised position. The first step is to grease the lock mechanism. Spray a dry lubricant like RP7 spray or graphite aerosol into the keyway. The key should be inserted several times to remove any debris that has accumulated in the lock cylinder. This will also help lubricate the mechanism and prevent future issues.
You can also employ brake cleaning fluid to lubricate lock cylinder parts, and take off any grime or rust that may be blocking the tumblers. You can purchase brake cleaning fluid from many auto supply or home improvement stores. Just be sure to not make use of oil-based products like WD-40 since they can continue to clog the mechanism over time.
Another common problem that can cause your door locks to become jammed is the fact that the door frame has shifted over time due temperature and weather changes. This can cause the deadbolt or latch on the door to not align properly with the hole in the frame of the door. You can easily fix this issue by tightening the hinges on the door and replacing any broken or damaged screws.
It is a good idea to check the condition of your door locks on a regular basis. lock repair services near me will help prevent them from becoming jammed or broken and help you avoid the time and expense of contacting a locksmith for assistance. If you find that you've locked your car or broken door lock do not hesitate to contact your local mechanic of choice to seek assistance and advice. They'll be able to identify the problem quickly and recommend the best course. They'll be delighted to help you, whether you require an immediate fix for your power doors or experiencing a more significant problem.
The lock is stuck
Locks that are stuck can be a pain, but are often an unavoidable part to owning a vehicle. If your lock is locked in an unlocked position, or simply won't turn at all, you're likely be looking to fix it sooner rather than later before your problem worsens. Fortunately, there are a few quick and easy solutions that can to get out of this difficult situation.
Begin by looking at the lock to find out what is blocking its proper operation. Sometimes a foreign object can be trapped in the lock, or a screw has become loose. If either of these situations is the case, you might be able to resolve the issue by cleaning the lock or tightening the screw. You can also straighten or repair the ball bearings of your lock if they're warped or deformed because of repeated use.
Another common reason for a stuck lock is that it's simply worn out and not responding to the jiggling. If your lock stops turning when you jiggle it, it is likely time to replace it and ensure that it is keyed correctly.
If your lock is truly stuck, and no amount of wriggling or spraying with oil seems to resolve the issue, you'll likely need to call a professional locksmith for help. They can safely remove a lock stuck without damaging your door or vehicle.
In some instances the cylinder of the lock is broken. This could happen if the lock was forced open in the past, or in the event of a problem with the lock itself that wasn't repaired or replaced. It is recommended to check your cylinder for signs of wear and corrosion regularly, and replace the cylinder if necessary. This will ensure that your car is as safe as it can be. If the lock cylinder is cracked or damaged it could pose a huge safety risk for your passengers and for you. So be sure to have any damaged cylinders repaired as soon as possible.