How to Troubleshoot Door Lock Problems Before Calling a Mechanic
Using a specialized lock pick or a key opener can help. You can spray linseed or penetrating oils into the lock in order to make it lubricated and move freely again.
But, it's not an undertaking for the home-owner who isn't a professional, and it is best left to a licensed, certified locksmith. Here are four car door lock problems that they can address:
Power door locks don't work
Power door locks provide great convenience, but they also introduce a lot more complex mechanisms to the vehicle. This means that there are a lot more possibilities for things to go wrong, as well. If the door lock actuator doesn't work it could be a serious problem that needs professional help. Before calling a professional try a few simple ways to troubleshoot.
Check the battery on your key fob. If it's dead or nearly dead, it will cause the locks not to function. This problem can be easily and inexpensively solved by replacing the battery.
Another possible issue is that the power actuator itself might be faulty. This is a frequent problem and is usually straightforward to identify. You can utilize a multimeter to determine whether the power is working or not. If it is, and the actuator still does not respond to the door lock button, then it's likely time to replace it.
It is also possible to clean the contacts of the door lock actuator. It's a little more difficult than cleaning a switch, however it generally it works. To accomplish this, you'll need remove the actuator from the door panel and then take it apart. Unscrew the bolts holding the exterior part of the lock body together and then remove the entire actuator face of the lock.
Once you've removed the actuator, it's important to be careful not to damage the rod that connects it to the lock mechanism. Two bolts are typically located within the interior of the doors that hold the rod. Make sure to remove them too. Once the rod is disconnected, you can open the door and inspect the latch to make sure it's properly aligned with the locking post.
If not, you can insert a long, thin object between the lock and the door panel. This should open the locking mechanism so you can open the door by hand.
The key fob doesn't work
If your car key fob isn't working, it can be an extremely frustrating experience. Fortunately, there are some options you can use to get it working again. First, try changing the battery. This is a straightforward step that can save you the expense of having to replace your fob completely. You can find a number of helpful YouTube videos that will show you how to accomplish this in just a few simple steps.
If this doesn't help, you may have to reprogram the fob. In the majority of cases, this can be done by a professional. It's not easy, as newer cars include security features that need to be set up correctly.
Another possibility is that your fob has been damaged. Water, physical force or scratches on the circuit may cause damage. This type of damage is typically not visible and can only be discovered by opening the fob up to look inside. You can look for any issues by inspecting the fob for any signs of damage, including cracks on the circuit board, teeny electronic components that aren't fully connected to the circuit board, or loose buttons. You can also open the fob in order to remove the battery and take a closer look. You can open the fobs apart with a flathead. However, certain ones require special tools and equipment that is only available at the dealership.
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 call an expert locksmith or visit an authorized service center for more serious repair.
If the key fob will not turn on or turn your car on It could be due to a faulty ignition cylinder. This is typically a very expensive fix and is best left to a professional. However, if the key fob works fine with the door locks, it should be able to start the car using its inductive backup system.
The lock is jammed
If you're unable to turn the lock it is likely that something is jamming the mechanism. It could be as straightforward as the tumblers getting blocked by rust or dirt or the pins are stuck in an partially raised position. The first thing to try is to grease the lock mechanism. Spray a dry lubricant such as RP7 or graphite spray into the keyway and then insert the key a few times to remove any debris that has gotten stuck in the lock cylinder. This will also help to lubricate and protect the mechanism.
You can also employ brake cleaning fluid to lubricate the lock cylinder components and take off any grime or rust that might be blocking the tumblers. You can buy brake cleaning fluid from many auto store or home improvement stores. Make sure not to use oil-based products such as WD-40 since they can cause clogging of the mechanism over time.
Another issue that can cause the door locks to get jammed is the fact that the door frame has shifted in time due to weather and temperature changes. The latch or deadbolt of the door might not align correctly with the hole on the frame. This problem is easily solved by tightening hinges, and replacing damaged or stripped screws.
It is always a good idea to check the condition of your door locks regularly. car lock repair shop near me will prevent them from being jammed or damaged, saving you time and money by not needing to contact a locksmith. If you discover that you've locked your vehicle or a damaged door lock do not hesitate to contact your local mechanic of choice to seek advice and assistance. They'll be able to quickly diagnose the problem and recommend the best solution. No matter if you're looking for a quick fix to your power doors or a more significant issue, they'll be glad to assist!
The lock is jammed.
Locks stuck in lock positions can be a gruelling and often inevitable part of owning a vehicle. You'll want to fix the problem as soon as you can and before it gets any worse. There are simple and quick solutions that can help you get out of this tense situation.
Begin by examining the lock to determine what is hindering it from functioning properly. A screw or a foreign object could have become loose. You can resolve either of these issues by cleaning the lock or tightening the screws. You can also straighten or fix the balls of the lock if they've become damaged or warped because of repeated use.
Another reason for a stuck lock is that it's simply worn out and doesn't respond to jiggling. If your lock has stopped turning when you jiggle the knob, it's likely time to replace it and make sure it is properly keyed with the other doors.
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 remove a lock stuck without damaging your door or vehicle.
In a few cases, the lock cylinder itself is actually broken. This could happen if the lock was forced open in the past instance, or if a lock problem was not repaired. It's a good idea to check your cylinder regularly for signs of corrosion or wear, and replace it as required. This will ensure that your vehicle is as secure as it can be. And if the lock cylinder is damaged or cracked, it can be an extremely risk to the safety of your passengers and you. Make sure you repair any damaged cylinders as fast as you can.