So You've Bought Door Lock Car Repair ... Now What?
So You've Bought Door Lock Car Repair ... Now What?
Blog Article
How to Troubleshoot Door Lock Problems Before Calling a Mechanic
You can use a lock pick or key opener to assist. You can also spray penetrating oil or linseed oil into the lock to help lubricate it and get it moving freely again.
It is best to delegate it to a certified, licensed locksmith who is licensed, certified and certified. Here are four most frequent car door lock problems that they'll fix for you:
Power door locks don't work
Power door locks are convenient however, they also bring more complex mechanisms into the car. This means there are a lot more possibilities for things to go wrong, too. If the door lock actuator isn't working, it could be a serious problem that needs professional help. Before calling a mechanic, try some simple troubleshooting methods.
The first thing to check is the battery in your key fob. If it's dead or nearly dead, it will cause the locks to not work. Replacing the battery is a simple and inexpensive solution to this problem.
A faulty power actuator is a different issue. This is a frequent issue that is generally easy to diagnose. You can utilize a digital multimeter see whether the actuator is receiving power or not. If it is but the actuator isn't responding to the door lock button and it's time to replace it.
You can also clean the contacts on the door lock actuator. This is a little more involved than cleaning a switch, but it's often enough to resolve the issue. To accomplish this, you'll need to remove the actuator from the door panel and then take it off. There are usually bolts that hold the exterior of the body of the lock together, so unscrew them and then take out the entire surface of the lock actuator.
Once you've removed the actuator, you must be careful not to break the rod that connects it to the lock mechanism. There are typically two bolts on the inside of the door that keep the rod in place so be sure to unscrew the bolts also. Once the rod has been removed, you are able to inspect the latch and make sure that it is properly aligned to the locking post.
If not, you can insert a long, thin item between the lock and the door panel. This will release any locking mechanism so you can open your door manually.
The key fob won't work.
If your car key fob isn't working properly, it can be an extremely frustrating experience. There are a few steps you can try to make it work again. First, change the battery. This is a simple step that could help you avoid the cost of having to replace the entire fob. YouTube offers a variety of useful videos that guide you through this in just a few easy steps.
If this does not work, you might have to reprogram your fob. This is possible in the majority of cases, but it requires the assistance of a professional or your vehicle's dealer. It can be difficult, as newer cars include security features that have to be configured correctly.
Another possibility is that your fob is damaged. Damage can occur for a number of reasons, such as water, physical force, or scratches on the circuit board. The majority of the time, the damage isn't obvious and can only be diagnosed by opening the fob to inspect inside. You can check if there are any issues by examining the fob. Check for indications of damage like cracks on the circuit board or tiny electronic components that are not completely connected to the circuit board. You can also open the fob in order to remove the battery and take a closer look. You can open the fobs using a flathead, however certain ones require special tools and equipment that is 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 you have cannot unlock your car, you may need to contact a locksmith for more serious repairs or visit a service center.
If the key fob won't turn on or start your car It could be due to a faulty ignition cylinder. This is a very costly fix and should be left to the experts. If the key fob works fine with the door locks then it should still be possible to start the car using the inductive backup system.
The lock is jammed.
If you are unable to turn your lock, it is likely that something is blocking the mechanism. It could be as simple as the tumblers being blocked by rust or dirt, or the pins are stuck in a partially raised position. The first thing to do is to lubricate the mechanism of the lock. Spray a dry lubricant, such as RP7 spray or graphite aerosol into the keyway. The key should be inserted a couple of times to loosen any debris stuck in the lock cylinder. This will also help lubricate the mechanism and help prevent future issues.
You can also make use of brake cleaner to lubricate parts of the lock cylinder, and also remove any grime or rust that could be obstructing the tumblers. You can buy brake cleaning fluid in most home improvement centers or auto supply stores. Make sure not to make use of products that contain oil, locksmith repair near me such as WD-40, as these will continue to clog the mechanism over time.
Another common problem that can cause the door locks to jam is the fact that the door frame has shifted in time due to temperature and weather changes. The deadbolt or latch of the door may no longer align with the hole in the frame. It is easy to fix this issue by tightening the hinges on the door and replacing any broken or loosened screws.
Regularly checking the condition of your locks is an excellent idea to regularly check the condition of your locks. This will prevent them from becoming damaged or jammed and help you avoid the hassle and expense of calling a locksmith for assistance. Don't hesitate to call your trusted local mechanic in the event that you encounter damaged or locked door lock. They will be able to quickly diagnose the problem and recommend the most effective course of action. They'll be delighted to help you, whether you require an immediate fix for your power doors or are experiencing a more significant issue.
The lock is stuck
Stuck locks can be frustrating however, they are an unavoidable part to owning a car. You'll want to resolve the issue as soon as you can before it gets worse. There are some simple and quick solutions to aid you in getting out of this difficult situation.
Begin by looking over the lock to determine what is blocking its proper operation. A screw or other foreign object could have become loose. You can resolve either of these issues by cleaning the lock or tightening the screws. You can also straighten or repair the ball bearings of the lock if they've become warped or deformed from repeated use.
A worn-out lock may also be the reason for an unlocked lock. It will not respond to moving the knob. If your lock isn't turning when you turn the knob, it's likely time to replace it and make sure it is keyed correctly with your other doors.
If your lock is stuck and no amount of wriggling or spraying with oil seems to resolve the issue, you'll likely need to contact an expert locksmith for assistance. They have the skills and tools to safely remove the lock that is stuck without causing damage to your car or door.
In some instances, the lock cylinder itself is actually broken. This could happen if the lock has been forced open in the past or when there was a problem with the lock itself that was not repaired or replaced. It's a good idea to examine your cylinder on a regular basis for signs of wear or corrosion and replace it when needed. This will ensure that your vehicle is as secure as it can be. If the lock cylinder is damaged or cracked, it can be dangerous for your passengers as well as you. So be sure to have any damaged cylinders repaired as soon as you can.