How to Troubleshoot Door Lock Problems Before Calling a Mechanic
You can use lockspicks or a key opener to aid. You can also squirt penetrating oil or linseed oils into the lock to help lubricate it and make it move freely.
It is recommended to leave it to a certified, licensed locksmith who is licensed, certified and certified. Here are four key lock problems that they can address:
Power door locks don't work
Door locks with power offer excellent convenience, but they bring more complex mechanisms to the vehicle. This means there are plenty of ways for things to go wrong, as well. If the door lock actuator isn't working it could be a serious issue that requires professional help to fix. But, before you call an expert it's a good idea to try some easy troubleshooting strategies.
The first thing to check is the battery on your key fob. If the battery is dead or is close to dying it could cause the locks to not work. This problem can be easily and inexpensively resolved by replacing the battery.
A defective power actuator is another possible problem. This is a common problem that is generally easy to diagnose. You can test with a multimeter if the power is reaching or not. If power is present however the actuator does not respond when you hit the door lock button then it may be time to replace the actuator.
You can also clean the contacts on the door lock actuator. This is a little more complicated than just cleaning a switch however it's usually enough to resolve the issue. To do their explanation , you'll have to take the actuator off and take it apart. There are usually bolts that hold the exterior portion of the body So, remove them and then take off the entire body of the actuator.
After taking the actuator off take care not to harm the rod that connects it to the locking mechanism. There are usually two more bolts on the inside of the door that hold the rod in place therefore, you must remove those as well. Once the rod is removed, you can examine the latch and make sure that it is aligned with the locking post.
If not, you can insert a long, thin item between the lock and door panel. This should release any locking mechanism so you can open your door by hand.
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 do to make it work. First, change the battery. This is a straightforward step that could save you the cost of having to replace your device completely. YouTube has a number useful videos that will help you accomplish this in just a few easy steps.
If this isn't working, you might have to reprogram your fob. In most cases, this can be handled by an expert. It can be complicated since many of the latest cars have security features that need to be properly configured.
Another possibility is that your fob has been damaged. Physical force, water or scratches on the circuit may cause damage. This type of damage is typically not obvious and is only discovered by opening the fob up to inspect inside. You can check for these issues by examining the fob for any signs of damage, like cracks on the circuit board, teeny electronic components not fully attached to the circuit board, or buttons that are not in good condition. You can also remove the fob from the inside and remove the battery for a closer look at the connections. It is possible to pry most fobs open using a flathead, however certain ones require special tools and equipment that are only available at the dealership.
You can also try using the physical key to unlock the doors of your car If the fob isn't working. If the physical key isn't able to unlock your car, it may be time to call an locksmith or go to an authorized service center for more extensive repair.
A malfunctioning ignition cylinder may be the reason for your key fob not turning on or starting your vehicle. This is usually a very expensive fix and is best left to an expert. However, if the key fob works well with the door locks, it will be capable of starting the car using its inductive backup system.
The lock is jammed.
If you're unable to turn the lock at all, it is likely that something is blocking the mechanism. It could be a simple matter of the tumblers being clogged with dirt or rust or it could be that the pins inside are stuck in an elevated position. The first thing to try is to grease the lock mechanism. Spray a dry lubricant like RP7 spray or graphite aerosol into the keyway. Insert the key a couple of times to remove any debris that has accumulated in the lock cylinder. This will also help to lubricate the mechanism and prevent future issues.
You can also employ brake cleaner to lubricate parts of the lock cylinder and to remove any rust and grime that could be obstructing the tumblers. You can buy brake cleaning fluid in most home improvement centers or auto supply stores. You should avoid using products that contain oil such as WD-40 since they can block up the brake mechanism over time.
Another issue that could cause the door locks to jam is that the frame of the door has changed over time due temperature and weather fluctuations. This could cause the deadbolt or latch on the door to no longer align properly with the hole in the frame of the door. This issue is easily solved by tightening hinges and reinstalling broken or damaged screws.
It's always an excellent idea to examine the condition of your door locks regularly. This will help prevent them from getting broken or jammed, and will help you avoid the time and expense of calling a locksmith for assistance. If you notice that you have a locked car or have a broken door lock do not hesitate to contact your local mechanic of choice to seek advice and assistance. They'll be able quickly determine the cause and suggest the best method of action. They'll be delighted to assist you, no matter if you need a quick fix for your power doors or are having a more serious problem.
The lock is stuck
Locks that are stuck can be a pain However, they are usually an unavoidable part to owning a vehicle. You'll want to fix the problem as soon as possible, before it gets worse. There are simple and quick solutions that can assist you in escaping this sticky situation.
Begin by examining the lock and determining what's hindering it from functioning correctly. A screw or other foreign object could have loosened. You can resolve either of these problems by cleaning the lock or tightening the screws. You could also straighten or repair the ball bearings of your lock if they are warped or deformed from repeated use.
A worn-out lock could be the cause of an unlocked lock. It will not respond to jiggling. If your lock doesn't turn when you jiggle it, it is likely time to replace the lock and ensure that it's keyed correctly.
If your lock is stuck and no amount moving it around, spraying lubricant or changing the knob doesn't seem to be able to solve the problem, you'll likely have to call a locksmith for assistance. They can safely remove a stuck lock without creating further damage to your door or car.
In some instances the cylinder of the lock is actually broken. This can happen when the lock was forced open in the past or in the event of an issue with the lock that was not repaired or replaced. It is recommended to check your cylinder regularly for signs of corrosion or wear, and replace it as required. This will help to ensure that your vehicle is as safe as it can be. And if the lock cylinder is damaged or cracked it could pose an extremely risk to the safety of your passengers and you. Make sure you repair any damaged cylinders as soon as you can.