How to Troubleshoot Door Lock Problems Before Calling a Mechanic
You can use a lock pick or key opener to aid. You can spray linseed or penetrating oils into the lock to lubricate and make it move again freely.
It is however not a task for the casual homeowner and should be left to a licensed and certified locksmith. Here are four common car door lock problems that they'll fix for you:
Power door locks don't work
Door locks with power offer an incredible convenience, but they add a lot of more complicated mechanisms to the car. This also means that things can go wrong in various ways. If your door lock actuator isn't functioning, it can be a major issue that requires expert assistance to solve. Before you call a mechanic, try some simple ways to troubleshoot.
The first thing you need to check is the battery on your key fob. If the battery is drained or close to death, it could cause the locks to stop working. Replacing the battery is a easy and affordable solution to this problem.
Another potential problem is that the power actuator itself could be defective. This is a very common issue and is typically easy to diagnose. You can utilize a multimeter to determine if the power is reaching or not. If it is, and the actuator still isn't responding to the button for locking doors It's probably time to replace it.
You can also clean the contacts on the door lock actuator. This is a little more involved than simply cleaning a switch however it's usually enough to fix the issue. To do this you will have to take the actuator off and disassemble it. Unscrew the bolts that join the exterior section of lock body and remove the entire lock actuator face.
After you've removed the actuator, it is important to be cautious not to scratch the rod that connects it to the lock mechanism. Two bolts are usually found within the interior of the doors that house the rod. Make sure to remove them as well. After how to fix a broken car door lock is removed, you can examine the latch to ensure that it is aligned with the locking post.
If not, you can insert a thin, long item between the lock and door panel. This should open any locking mechanism and you can unlock your door by hand.
The key fob isn't working.
If your car's key fob isn't working, it could be a frustrating experience. Fortunately, there are some ways to get it to work again. First, you can try changing the battery. This is a simple step that can save you the cost of having to replace the entire fob. YouTube has a number helpful videos that will help you accomplish this in just a few easy steps.
If this doesn't help it may be necessary to reprogram the fob. In most cases, this can be handled by a professional. It isn't easy since newer vehicles include security features that need to be properly configured.
Another possibility is that your fob has been damaged. Damage can occur for many reasons, such as water, physical force, or scratches on the circuit board. The majority of the time, the damage isn't obvious and can only be detected by opening up the fob to look inside. You can check for any issues by inspecting the fob for indications of damage, like cracks in the circuit board, tiny electronic components that are not connected to the circuit board or loose buttons. Try to open the fob and remove the battery for a closer inspection of the connections. It is possible to pry most fobs open using a flathead, however some require specialized tools and equipment that is only available at the dealership.
You could also try using the physical key to open the doors of your car If the fob isn't working. If your physical key cannot unlock your car, you may need to call an expert locksmith for more extensive repairs or visit an authorized service center.
A faulty ignition cylinder could be the cause of your key fob not turning on or even starting your vehicle. This is a very costly fix and should be left to the experts. If the key fob works with the door locks, it should be possible to start the car using the inductive backup system.
The lock is jammed.
If you're unable to turn the lock at all it is most likely that something is jamming the mechanism. It could be a simple issue because the tumblers are clogged with dirt or rust or it could be that the pins inside are stuck in a partially raised position. First, you must lubricate your lock mechanism. Spray an oil-based dry lubricant, such as RP7 or graphite spray in the keyway, and then insert the key several times to loosen any debris stuck in the lock cylinder. This will also help lubricate and safeguard the mechanism.
You can also use brake cleaning fluid to lubricate lock cylinder parts and take off any grime or rust that might be blocking the tumblers. You can purchase brake cleaning fluid at most auto supply or home improvement stores. Just be sure to not make use of oil-based products like WD-40, as these will keep clogging the mechanism over time.
Another common problem that can cause the door locks to jam is the fact that the door frame has changed over time due temperature and weather changes. The latch or deadbolt of the door may no longer align correctly with the hole on the frame. You can easily fix this issue by tightening the hinges on the door and replacing any broken or stripped screws.
It is always recommended to inspect the condition of your door locks on a regular basis. This will stop them from getting damaged or jammed and help you avoid the time and money of calling a locksmith assistance. Don't hesitate to call your local mechanic of choice when you discover an unlocked or broken door lock. They will be able to quickly determine the cause and recommend the best solution. No matter if you're seeking an easy solution to your power doors or have a more serious problem, they will be happy to help!
The lock is stuck
Locks that are stuck can be a pain However, they are usually an unavoidable part to owning a car. Whether the lock is locked in an unlocked position, or simply won't turn at all, you're likely be looking to fix it earlier rather than later, before the problem gets worse. Fortunately, there are a few easy and quick solutions that will get you out of this bind.
Begin by looking over the lock to see what is blocking its proper operation. Sometimes a foreign object can be caught in the lock, or a screw has become loose. If either of these situations is the case, you may be able to fix the issue by cleaning out the lock, or tightening the screw. You could also attempt to straighten or fix the ball in your lock, if they're damaged or warped due to the use of the lock for a long time.
Another common reason for a locked that is stuck is that it's simply worn out and not responding to jiggling. If your lock isn't turning when you jiggle the knob, it's likely 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 fluid seems to fix the issue, you'll likely need to contact an expert locksmith. They can safely remove a lock stuck without creating further damage to your door or vehicle.
In a few cases the cylinder of the lock is actually broken. This can occur if the lock was opened in the past, or if a lock problem was not fixed. You should check your cylinder for signs of wear and corrosion regularly, and replace the cylinder if necessary. This will ensure that your vehicle is as secure as it can be. And if the lock cylinder is cracked or damaged it could pose an extremely risk to the safety of your passengers as well as you. Make sure you repair any damaged cylinders as quickly as you can.