How to Troubleshoot Door Lock Problems Before Calling a Mechanic
Utilizing a lock pick made for specific use or a key opener could aid. You can also spray linseed or penetrating oils into the lock to lubricate it and allow it to move freely.
It is however not a project for the home-owner who isn't a professional, 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
The power door locks are useful however, they also bring more complex mechanisms into the car. This means there are many ways for things to go wrong as well. If the door lock actuator doesn't work it could be a major issue that needs professional help. Before calling a professional, try some simple troubleshooting techniques.
Check the battery in your key fob. If it's not working or is nearly dead, that will obviously cause the locks to not work. This issue can be easily and cheaply solved by replacing the battery.
A defective power actuator could be a problem. This is a common problem and is usually easy to diagnose. You can use a digital multimeter to determine whether power is reaching the actuator or not. If there is power, but the actuator doesn't respond when you press the button to lock the door, it might be time to replace the actuator.
You can also clean the contacts on the door lock actuator. This is a little more involved than cleaning the switch however it's usually enough to resolve the issue. To do this, you'll have to take the actuator off and take it apart. There are usually bolts holding the exterior of the lock body together take them off and then remove the entire face of the actuator.
After taking the actuator off, be careful not harm the rod that connects it to the locking mechanism. Two bolts are usually located within the interior of the doors that contain the rod. Make sure to remove them too. After the rod is removed, you can examine the latch and make sure that it is correctly aligned to the locking post.
If not an option, you can utilize a thin, long object to insert between the door panel and the lock. This will release the locking mechanism so you can open the door manually.
The key fob isn't working.
It can be a hassle if your car key fob doesn't work. Fortunately, there are some options you can use to get it to work again. First, try changing the battery. This simple change can help you avoid having to buy a new fob. You can find a number of useful YouTube videos that demonstrate how to do this in a few easy steps.
If this isn't working, you might need to re-program your fob. In most cases, this should be done by an expert. It can be difficult because newer cars come with security features that need to be set up correctly.
Your fob may also be damaged. Damage can occur for various reasons, including physical force, water or scratches on the circuit board. The damage is usually not evident and can only be discovered by opening the fob up to inspect inside. You can check whether there are any issues by inspecting the fob. Look for indications of damage like cracks on the circuit board, or tiny electronic components that aren't completely connected to the circuit board. You can also break the fob in order to remove the battery and take a more detailed look. Using a flathead screwdriver, you can generally break open most fobs and gain access to the battery, however some require specialized tools or equipment that is only available at the dealership of your car.
If the fob doesn't work If the fob doesn't work, try opening your car's doors using a physical key. If the physical key doesn't unlock your car, it may be time to contact an locksmith or go to the service center for more extensive repair.
A faulty ignition cylinder could be the cause of your key fob not turning on or starting your vehicle. This is typically a very expensive fix, and it's best left to a professional. If the key fob works fine with the door locks, it should be able to start the car through its inductive backup system.
The lock is jammed.
If you are unable to turn your lock at all, it is likely that something is jamming 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 step is to grease the mechanism of the lock. Spray a dry lubricant like RP7 spray or graphite aerosol, into the keyway. Insert the key several times to release any debris that has accumulated in the lock cylinder. This will also help lubricate the mechanism and avoid future problems.
You can also use brake cleaner to lubricate the lock cylinder parts and get rid of any grime and rust that could be obstructing the tumblers. You can buy brake cleaning fluid at most home improvement centers or auto supply stores. Make sure not to make use of products that contain oil, such as WD-40 since they can cause clogging of the mechanism over time.
The door frame may have shifted due to temperature and changes in the weather. This could cause the latch or deadbolt on the door to not line up correctly with the hole in the frame of the door. It is easy to fix this issue by simply tightening the hinges on the door and replacing any damaged or stripped screws.
Monitoring 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 money and time by not needing to call a locksmith. Do not hesitate to contact your local mechanic of choice if you find yourself with damaged or locked door lock. They will be able diagnose the issue quickly and recommend the best option. They'll be glad to help you, whether you need an immediate fix for your power doors or experiencing a more serious issue.
The lock is stuck.
Locks stuck in lock positions can be a gruelling and often inevitable part of owning a car. You'll want to address the problem as soon as you can and before it gets any worse. Fortunately, there are a few easy and quick fixes that can help to get out of this bind.
Begin by looking at the lock to see what is preventing its operation. Sometimes, lock replacement near me may be stuck in the lock or a screw can become loose. You can resolve either of these issues by cleaning the lock or tightening the screws. You could also try to straighten or fix the ball inside your lock if they're bent or are warped by long-term use.
Another common reason for a locked that is stuck is that it's worn out and doesn't respond to the jiggling. If your lock ceases to turn when you jiggle it, it is likely that you need to replace the lock and make sure that it's properly keyed.
If your lock is stuck, and no amount of wriggling or spraying with lubricant seems to solve the issue, you'll need to call an expert locksmith for assistance. They have the expertise and tools to safely remove a lock that's stuck, without causing damage to your door or car.
In some instances the cylinder of the lock is actually broken. This could happen if the lock was opened in the previous or the lock problem was not repaired. You should inspect your cylinder for signs of corrosion and wear regularly and replace the cylinder when necessary. This will ensure that your vehicle is as secure as possible. If the lock cylinder is damaged or cracked it could pose a serious safety risk for passengers and you. So be sure to have any damaged cylinders fixed as soon as you can.