How to Troubleshoot Door Lock Problems Before Calling a Mechanic
You can use lockspicks or a key opener to assist. You can also spray penetrating oil or linseed oils into the lock to help lubricate it and make it move freely again.
It is recommended to leave it to a certified, licensed locksmith. Here are four typical problems with car doors that they'll fix for you:
Power door locks don't work
The power door locks are useful however, they also bring more complex mechanisms into the vehicle. This means that things can be faulty in many ways. If the door lock actuator isn't functioning, it can be a major problem that requires professional help to fix. However, before calling an expert try some easy troubleshooting strategies.
The first thing to look at is the battery on your key fob. If the battery is dead or close to death it could cause the locks to cease working. Replacing the battery is a affordable and simple solution to this issue.
Another potential problem is that the power actuator itself might be faulty. This is a common problem that is generally easy to identify. You can test with a multimeter whether the power is working or not. If the power is there, but the actuator doesn't respond when you press the button to lock the door, it might be time to replace the actuator.
You could also try to clean the contacts in the door lock actuator. This is a bit more complicated than just cleaning a switch but is often enough to resolve the issue. To do this, you'll have to take the actuator off and disassemble it. Unscrew the bolts that hold the exterior section of lock body together, and then remove the entire actuator face of the lock.
After you've removed the actuator, it's important to be cautious not to damage the rod that connects it to the lock mechanism. Two bolts are typically located within the interior of the doors that contain the rod. Make sure you take them out as well. Once the rod is disconnected it is possible to open the door and inspect the latch to ensure it's properly aligned with the locking post.
If not, put a long, thin object between the lock and door panel. This should open the locking mechanism, and you can unlock the door by hand.
The key fob doesn't work
It can be quite frustrating when your car's key fob isn't working. There are a few things you can try to get it working again. First, you must replace the battery. This simple action could save you from having to buy a new fob. YouTube has a range of helpful videos that will guide you through this in just a few easy steps.
If this doesn't help, you may have to reprogram the fob. This is possible in most cases, but it requires the help of an expert or your car's dealer. It can be complicated since many of the latest cars have security features that need to be set up correctly.
Another possibility is that your fob is damaged. Damage can occur for many reasons, such as physical force, water, or scratches on the circuit board. This type of damage is typically not obvious and is only discovered by opening the fob to look inside. You can look for any issues by inspecting the fob for signs of damage, such as cracks in the circuit board, teeny electronic components not fully attached to the circuit board, or buttons that are loose. You may also open the fob in order to remove the battery and take a more detailed look. Using a flathead screwdriver, you can typically break open most fobs and gain access to the battery, however, some require more advanced tools or equipment that can only be found at the dealership for your vehicle.
You could also try using the physical key to unlock the doors of your car If the fob isn't working. If your physical key doesn't unlock your car, you may need to contact a locksmith for more serious repairs or visit an authorized service center.
If your key fob doesn't turn on or turn your car on, it may be due to a malfunctioning ignition cylinder. This is a expensive fix that should be left to experts. If the key fob works well with the door locks, it will be able to start the car through its inductive backup system.
The lock is jammed.
If your lock does not turn even when you try to insert the key, it's likely to be something blocking the mechanism. It could be as simple as the tumblers becoming blocked by dirt or rust, or the pins are stuck in a partially raised position. The first step is to lubricate the lock mechanism. Spray a dry lubricant such as RP7 aerosol or graphite into the keyway. Inject the key several times to remove any debris that has accumulated in the lock cylinder. This will also help lubricate and safeguard the mechanism.
You can also make use of brake cleaning fluid to lubricate the lock cylinder components and to take off any grime or rust that may be blocking the tumblers. You can buy brake cleaning fluid in the majority of home improvement stores or auto supply stores. Make sure not to use oil-based products such as WD-40, as these will cause clogging of the mechanism over time.
The door frame could have moved due to temperature or changes in the weather. This can cause the deadbolt or latch on the door to no longer align with the hole in the door frame. This problem can be easily resolved by tightening hinges and reinstalling broken or damaged screws.
It's always an excellent idea to examine the condition of your door locks regularly. This will prevent them from getting damaged or jammed, and will save you money and time by not having to call a locksmith. If you find that you have a locked car or have a broken door lock Do not hesitate to contact your local mechanic who you trust to seek advice and assistance. They will be able to quickly identify the issue and suggest the best method of action. No matter if you're looking for a quick fix to your power doors or have a more serious problem, they will be glad to assist!
The lock is stuck.
Locks that are stuck can be a pain however, they are an inevitable aspect of owning a vehicle. If your lock is locked but not in a secure position, or simply won't turn in any way, you're likely to want to address it earlier rather than later, before your problem worsens. There are few easy and quick solutions that can get you out of this difficult situation.
Begin by examining the lock and determining what's hindering it from functioning correctly. A screw or foreign object could have loosened. You can resolve either of these issues by cleaning the lock or tightening the screws. You can also try to straighten or fix the balls in your lock, if they're deformed or warped due to long-term use.
A damaged lock could be the cause of an unlocked lock. It won't respond to moving the knob. If your lock ceases to turn when you move it around, it's likely that you need to replace the lock and make sure that it's keyed correctly.
If your lock is truly stuck, and no amount of wriggling or spraying with fluid seems to fix the issue, you'll likely need to call a professional locksmith for help. They have the expertise and tools to safely take out a lock that's stuck without causing damage to your vehicle or door.
Sometimes, the cylinder of the lock is broken. This could happen if the lock was opened prior to the incident, or if a lock problem was not repaired. You should inspect your cylinder for signs of corrosion and wear frequently, and replace the cylinder if necessary. This will ensure that your vehicle is as secure as it can be. If vehicle lock repair is damaged or cracked, it can be a significant safety risk for you and your passengers. Make sure you get any damaged cylinders fixed as soon as possible.