How to Troubleshoot Door Lock Problems Before Calling a Mechanic
You can also use keys or locks with a key opener to help. You can also spray penetrating oil or linseed oil in the lock to help lubricate it and make it move freely again.
But, it's not an undertaking for the casual homeowner, and it is best left to a licensed, certified locksmith. Here are four key lock issues that they can solve:
Power door locks don't work
Power door locks offer excellent convenience, but they also add a lot of more complicated mechanisms to the vehicle. This means that there are many ways for things to go wrong as well. If the door lock actuator isn't working, it can be a major problem that requires professional assistance to solve. Before calling a mechanic try these ways to troubleshoot.
Examine the battery in your key fob. If it's not working or is nearly dead, it will result in the locks not to function. Replacing the battery is a relatively easy and affordable solution to this issue.
repair car door lock is that the power actuator itself may be faulty. This is a common problem that is generally easy to diagnose. You can utilize a digital multimeter check whether power is reaching the actuator or not. If it is but the actuator doesn't respond to the door lock button and it's time to replace it.
You can also clean the contacts on the door lock actuator. It's a bit more complicated than cleaning a switch, however it generally works. To do this, you'll need remove the actuator from the door's panel and then take it apart. There are usually bolts holding the exterior portion of the body, so unscrew them and then take out the entire face of the lock actuator.
Once you've removed the actuator, you must be cautious not to damage the rod that connects it to the lock mechanism. Two bolts are usually found in the interior of the doors that house the rod. Make sure you remove them too. After the rod has been removed it is possible to open the door and check the latch to make sure it's aligned correctly with the locking post.
If not, insert a thin, long item between the lock and the door panel. This will release any locking mechanism and you can unlock your door by hand.
The key fob won't work.
It can be quite frustrating when your car key fob doesn't work. There are several things you can try to get it working again. First, you must replace the battery. This is a straightforward step that can save you the cost of having to replace your device completely. There are a lot of useful YouTube videos that show you how to do this in just a few simple steps.
If this doesn't help you, you might need to re-program the fob. In most cases, this should be handled by a professional. It can be complicated, as many newer vehicles have security features that need to be properly configured.
The fob could also be damaged. Damage can occur for a number of reasons, including physical force, water or scratches on the circuit board. This type of damage is typically not visible and can only be detected by opening the fob up to examine the inside. You can check if there are any issues by examining the fob. Find indications of damage, such as cracks on the circuit board, or tiny electronic components that aren't fully attached to circuit board. You can also open the fob to take out the battery and take a more detailed look. You can open the fobs with a flathead. However, some require specialized tools and equipment that are only available at the dealership.
If the fob doesn't work, you can try opening your car's doors using a physical key. If the physical key doesn't unlock your car, it may be time to call an locksmith or go to an authorized service center for more serious repair.
A malfunctioning ignition cylinder may be the cause for your key fob not turning on or starting your vehicle. This is typically a very expensive fix, so it's best left to an expert. If the key fob is working with the door locks then it's possible to start the car using the inductive backup system.
The lock is jammed.
If you cannot turn your lock it is most likely that something is jamming the mechanism. It could be as simple issue because the tumblers are blocked by dirt or rust or it could be that the pins inside are stuck in an unintentionally raised 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 loosen any debris stuck in the lock cylinder. This will also help in lubricating the mechanism and avoid future issues.
You can also employ brake cleaner to lubricate the parts of the lock cylinder, and also get rid of any grime and rust that may be blocking the tumblers. You can buy brake cleaning fluid at most auto store or home improvement stores. Just be sure to not make use of oil-based products like WD-40 as they will cause clogging of the mechanism over time.
The door frame may have shifted due to temperature and weather changes. This could cause the deadbolt or latch on the door to not align with the hole in the door frame. This issue can be easily resolved by tightening hinges, and replacing damaged or stripped screws.
It is always an excellent idea to examine the condition of your door locks regularly. This will help prevent them from becoming damaged or jammed, which will save you money and time by not having to contact a locksmith. Don't hesitate to contact your local mechanic who you trust if you find yourself with damaged or locked door lock. They will be able to quickly determine the cause and suggest the best course of action. No matter if you're seeking an easy solution to your power doors or have a more serious problem, they will be glad to assist!
The lock is jammed.
Locks that are stuck can be a pain, but are often an inevitable part of owning a car. You'll want to resolve the issue as soon as you can before it gets worse. There are fortunately a couple of quick and simple solutions that will to get out of this difficult situation.
Begin by examining the lock and determining what is stopping it from working correctly. A screw or a foreign object could have loosened. If either of these situations is the case, you might be able to resolve the issue by cleaning the lock or tightening the screw. You can also straighten or fix the ball bearings of your lock if they are damaged or warped due to repeated use.
Another common cause of stuck locks is that it's simply worn out and isn't responding to the jiggling. If your lock has stopped turning when you turn the knob, it's time to replace it and ensure that it's keyed correctly with your other doors.
If your lock is stuck and no amount moving it around, spraying lubricant or altering the knob seems to help, you will probably need to call a locksmith for assistance. They have the expertise and tools to safely get rid of a lock that's stuck without causing damage to your door or car.
In some cases the lock's cylinder is broken. This can occur if the lock was forced open prior to the incident instance, 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 the lock cylinder is damaged or cracked it could be a significant safety risk for passengers and you. Make sure to repair any damaged cylinders as quickly as you can.