How to Troubleshoot Door Lock Problems Before Calling a Mechanic
Utilizing a lock pick made for specific use or key opener may assist. You can spray linseed or penetrating oils into the lock to lubricate and make it move freely again.
It is best to leave it to a certified and licensed locksmith. Here are four key lock problems that they can fix:
Power door locks don't work
The power door locks are useful, but they also introduce more complex mechanisms into the car. This also means that things could be faulty in a variety of ways. If the door lock actuator isn't working it could be a major problem that requires expert assistance to fix. Before calling a mechanic, try some simple troubleshooting methods.
Check the battery on your key fob. If it's dead or almost dead, that will obviously cause the locks not to work. Replacing the battery is a simple and inexpensive solution to this problem.
Another potential problem is that the power actuator itself may be faulty. This is a very common problem and is usually easy to diagnose. You can use a digital multimeter to check whether the actuator is receiving power or not. If it is but the actuator isn't responding to the button for locking doors and it's time to replace it.
You can also clean the contacts on the door lock actuator. This is more involved than simply cleaning a switch but is often enough to fix the issue. To accomplish this, you'll need to remove the actuator and take it apart. There are usually bolts that hold the exterior of the body of the lock together So, remove them and then take off the entire face of the lock actuator.
After taking the actuator off be sure not to damage the rod connecting it to the locking mechanism. There are usually two more bolts in the interior of the door that keep the rod in place so make sure you remove them also. Once the rod has been disconnected, you can inspect the latch and ensure that it is aligned to the locking post.
If not, you can insert a thin, long object between the lock and the door panel. This should release the locking mechanism, so you can open the door manually.
The key fob isn't working.
If your car's key fob isn't working, it could be a frustrating experience. There are several things you can try to get it working again. First, try changing the battery. This simple change can save you from having to purchase a brand new fob. There are a lot of useful YouTube videos that will show you how to do this in just a couple of easy steps.
If this doesn't help it may be necessary to reprogram the fob. This can be done in the majority of cases, however it will require the assistance of an expert or your car's dealer. It can be complicated, as many newer vehicles come with security features that require to be properly configured.
Your fob may also be damaged. Water, physical force or scratches on the circuit can cause damage. The damage is usually not obvious and can only be discovered by opening the fob up to look inside. You can determine if there are any issues by examining the fob. Check for indications of damage like cracks on the circuit board or small electronic components that are not fully attached to circuit board. You can also break the fob to remove the battery and take a more detailed look. You can open most fobs open using a flathead, however some require specialized tools and equipment available at the dealer.
You could also try using the physical key to open your car doors in the event that the fob isn't working. If your physical key cannot unlock your car, you may need to contact a locksmith for more serious repairs or visit an authorized service center.
A faulty ignition cylinder could be the reason for your key fob not turning on or even starting your vehicle. This is typically a very expensive fix and is best left to an expert. If the key fob works with the door locks, then it should still be possible to start the car using the inductive backup system.
The lock is jammed.
If your lock does not turn even when you try to insert the key, it is likely to be something blocking the mechanism. It could be a simple as the tumblers are clogged with dirt or rust. It could be that the pins inside are stuck in an elevated position. First, 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 remove any debris that has gotten stuck in the lock cylinder. This will also help lubricate and safeguard the mechanism.
You can also make use of brake cleaner to lubricate lock cylinder parts and remove any rust and grime that could be obstructing the tumblers. You can purchase brake cleaning fluid from most auto stores or home improvement stores. Be vehicle door lock repair to not make use of products that contain oil, such as WD-40 as they will continue to clog the mechanism over time.
The door frame may have shifted due to temperature or changes in the weather. The latch or deadbolt of the door might not align correctly with the hole in the frame. This problem can be easily fixed by tightening hinges and replacing broken or stripped screws.
Regularly checking the condition of your locks is an excellent idea. This will prevent them from getting broken or jammed, and will help you avoid the time and money of calling a locksmith assistance. If you find that you have a locked car or have a broken door lock, don't hesitate to call your trusted local mechanic for assistance and advice. They can identify the problem quickly and recommend the best option. They'll be glad to assist you, no matter if you need an immediate fix to your power doors or experiencing a more serious problem.
The lock is stuck
Stuck locks can be frustrating however, they are an inevitable aspect of owning a car. You'll want to address the issue as quickly as you can before it gets worse. There are some simple and quick solutions to help you get out of this sticky situation.
Start by inspecting the lock to determine what is blocking it from working effectively. Sometimes, a foreign object may get stuck in the lock or a screw has become loose. You can fix one or both of these problems by cleaning the lock or tightening the screws. You can also attempt to straighten or fix the ball inside your lock, if they're damaged or are warped by long-term use.
A worn-out lock may also be the cause of an unlocked lock. It will not respond to the jiggling. If your lock has stopped turning when you jiggle the knob, it's 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 problem, you'll probably need to contact an expert locksmith for assistance. They can safely remove a stuck lock without damaging your door or vehicle.
In some instances the lock's cylinder is broken. This can occur in the event that the lock was opened prior to the incident instance, or if a lock problem was not repaired. It is recommended to check your cylinder for signs of corrosion and wear frequently and replace the cylinder if needed. This will ensure that your vehicle is as safe as possible. If the lock cylinder has been damaged or broken it could pose a serious safety risk for passengers and you. Therefore, make sure you have any damaged cylinders repaired as soon as you can.