Then You've Found Your Door Lock Car Repair ... Now What?
How to Troubleshoot Door Lock Problems Before Calling a Mechanic Utilizing a lock pick that is specialized or a key opener could aid. You can also squirt penetrating oil or linseed oil into the lock to lubricate it and get it moving freely again. It is recommended to leave it to a professional, licensed locksmith. Here are four key lock issues that they can solve: Power door locks don't work The power door locks are useful but they also introduce more complex mechanisms into the vehicle. This also means that things could be faulty in various ways. If the door lock actuator isn't working it could be a major issue that requires professional help to solve. Before you call a mechanic try a few simple troubleshooting techniques. Check the battery on your key fob. If it's dead or nearly dead, that will obviously result in the locks not to function. This problem can be easily and inexpensively solved by replacing the battery. A malfunctioning power actuator is a different issue. This is a common problem and is usually easy to diagnose. You can utilize a multimeter to determine whether the power is reaching or not. If power is present but the actuator doesn't respond when you press the button for locking doors, then it could be time to replace the actuator. You can also try cleaning the contacts inside the door lock actuator. It's a bit more complicated than cleaning a switch but often is successful. To accomplish this, you'll have to take the actuator off and take it apart. Unscrew the bolts that join the exterior part of the 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 scratch the rod that connects it to the lock mechanism. Two bolts are usually located within the interior of the doors that contain the rod. Be sure to take them out as well. Once the rod is unplugged, you can open the door and check the latch to ensure it's properly aligned with the locking post. If it's not an option, you can utilize a thin, long object to put between the lock and the door panel. This should release any locking mechanism so you can unlock your door manually. The key fob isn't working If your car's key fob isn't working, it can be a frustrating experience. There are several things you can try to get it working again. First, you must replace the battery. This is a straightforward step that could save you the cost of replacing your device completely. YouTube has a range of useful videos that help you accomplish this in a couple of easy steps. If this doesn't work, you may need to re-program your fob. This is possible in the majority of cases, but it requires the assistance of an expert or your car's dealer. It's not easy, as many newer vehicles come with security features that require to be set up correctly. Your fob could also be damaged. It could be damaged due to various reasons, including physical force, water, or scratches on the circuit board. The majority of the time, the damage isn't evident and can only be diagnosed by opening up the fob to inspect inside. You can check for these issues by examining the fob for signs of damage, like cracks in the circuit board, teeny electronic components that aren't fully connected to the circuit board, or buttons that are loose. Try to remove the fob from the inside and remove the battery for a closer look at the connections. It is possible to pry the fobs apart using a flathead, however certain ones require special tools and equipment that are only available at the dealer. You can also try using the physical key to open your car's doors in the event that the fob isn't working. If your key's physical counterpart doesn't unlock your car, you might require contacting a locksmith for more serious repairs or visit a service center. A faulty ignition cylinder could be the reason for your key fob not turning on or starting your car. This is a very expensive fix that should be left to experts. If the key fob works perfectly with the door locks, it should be capable of starting the car using its inductive backup system. The lock is jammed If you are unable to turn your lock at all it is most likely that something is blocking the mechanism. It could be a simple issue because the tumblers are clogged with dirt or rust. It could be that the pins inside are stuck in an unintentionally raised position. The first step is to grease the lock mechanism. Spray a dry lubricant, like 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 in lubricating the mechanism and prevent future problems. You can also employ brake cleaning fluid to lubricate lock cylinder parts, and take off any grime or rust that could be obstructing the tumblers. You can purchase brake cleaning fluid from many auto supply or home improvement stores. Just be sure to not use oil-based products such as WD-40, as these will keep clogging the mechanism over time. Another issue that can cause your door locks to get jammed is the fact that the door frame has moved over time due to temperature and weather fluctuations. The latch or deadbolt of the door may no longer align correctly with the hole on the frame. It is possible to solve this problem by tightening the hinges on the door and replacing any broken or stripped screws. Regularly checking the condition of your locks is an excellent idea to regularly check the condition of your locks. This will stop 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 car or have a broken door lock do not hesitate to contact your local mechanic of choice for advice and assistance. They'll be able to quickly determine the cause and suggest the best method of action. No matter if you're looking for an easy solution to your power doors or a more significant problem, they will be more than happy to assist! The lock is stuck. Locks that are stuck can be a pain However, they are usually an unavoidable part to owning a car. You'll want to fix the issue as quickly as possible before it gets worse. There are quick and easy fixes that will assist you in escaping this sticky situation. Begin by inspecting the lock and determining what is hindering it from functioning correctly. Sometimes, a foreign object could be stuck in the lock or a screw can become loose. If either of these problems is the case, you might be able to fix the issue by cleaning out the lock, or tightening the screw. You could also straighten or repair the balls of your lock if they're warped or deformed due to repeated use. A damaged lock could be the cause of a locked that is jammed. It will not respond to jiggling. If your lock ceases to turn when you play with it, it's likely that you need to replace the lock and make sure that it's keyed correctly. If your lock is stuck and nothing moving it around, spraying lubricant or changing the knob doesn't seem to work, you'll probably need to call an expert locksmith. They can remove a stuck lock without causing further damage to your car or door. Sometimes, vehicle door lock repair G28CarKeys of the lock is damaged. This could happen if the lock was forced open prior to the incident or the lock problem was not fixed. It's a good idea to inspect your cylinder frequently for signs of corrosion or wear, and replace it as needed. This will ensure that your car is as secure as it can be. And if the lock cylinder is cracked or damaged it could pose a huge safety risk for your passengers as well as you. Make sure you repair any damaged cylinders as soon as you can.