An Easy-To-Follow Guide To Door Lock Car Repair
An Easy-To-Follow Guide To Door Lock Car Repair
Blog Article
How to Troubleshoot Door Lock Problems Before Calling a Mechanic
You can also use keys or locks with a key opener to assist. You can also spray linseed or penetrating oils into the lock in order to make it lubricated and move freely again.
It is however not an undertaking for the casual homeowner and should be left to a licensed, certified locksmith. Here are four common door lock car repair problems that they can fix:
Power door locks don't work
Power door locks provide excellent convenience, but they also introduce a lot more complex mechanisms to the car. This also means that things could fail in a variety of ways. If your door lock actuator isn't working it could be a major problem that requires professional assistance to solve. Before you call a mechanic try a few simple troubleshooting techniques.
The first thing to look at is the battery inside your key fob. If it's dead or almost dead, that will obviously cause the locks to not function properly. Replacing the battery is a simple and inexpensive solution to this issue.
Another potential problem is that the power actuator itself could be defective. This is a typical issue that is generally simple to determine. You can utilize a multimeter to determine if the power is reaching or not. If power is present but the actuator doesn't respond when you press the door lock button then it could be time to replace the actuator.
You can also clean the contacts on the door lock actuator. It's a bit more complicated than cleaning a switch, however it usually works. To do this, you'll have to take the actuator off and disassemble it. Unscrew the bolts holding the exterior part of the lock body and remove the entire face of the lock actuator.
Once you've removed the actuator, you must be careful not to scratch the rod that connects it to the lock mechanism. Two bolts are usually found within the interior of the doors that contain the rod. Be sure to take them out as well. Once the rod is removed, you can examine the latch and ensure that it is properly aligned with the locking post.
If not, insert a thin, long object between the lock and the door panel. This will release the locking mechanism, and you can unlock the door manually.
The key fob won't work.
If your car's key fob isn't working, it can be a frustrating experience. There are a few steps you can try to get it working again. First, you must replace the battery. This is a straightforward step that can save you the expense of replacing the entire fob. YouTube has a number useful videos that help you accomplish this in just a few easy steps.
If this doesn't work it may be necessary to re-program the fob. This is possible in the majority of cases, however it requires the help of a professional or your car's dealer. It's not easy, as newer cars come with security features that must be configured correctly.
The fob could also be damaged. Physical force, water, or scratches on the circuit could cause damage. This type of damage is typically not visible and can only be detected by opening the fob to examine the inside. You can identify any issues by inspecting the fob for any signs of damage, including cracks on the circuit board, tiny electronic components not fully attached to the circuit board, or buttons that are loose. You can also open up the fob and remove the battery for a closer inspection of the connections. With a flathead screwdriver you can typically pry open most fobs and gain access to the battery, however, some require more advanced tools or equipment that can only be found at your car's dealership.
If the fob isn't working it is possible to open your car doors with the physical key. If your key's physical counterpart doesn't unlock your car, you may need to call an expert locksmith for more extensive repairs or visit a service center.
A malfunctioning ignition cylinder may be the cause for your key fob not turning on or even starting your car. This is usually a very expensive fix and is recommended to leave it to a professional. However, if the key fob works fine with the door locks, it should still be capable of starting the vehicle using its inductive backup system.
The lock is jammed
If your lock will not move at all, despite trying to insert the key, it's likely to be something blocking the mechanism. It could be as straightforward as the tumblers getting blocked by dirt or rust, or the pins are stuck in an partially raised position. The first thing to try is to grease the lock mechanism. Spray a dry lubricant such as RP7 or graphite spray into the keyway, and then insert the key a few times to remove any debris stuck in the lock cylinder. This will also help to lubricate and protect the mechanism.
You can also make use of brake cleaner to lubricate parts of the lock cylinder, and also remove any rust and grime that may be blocking the tumblers. You can purchase brake cleaning fluid from most auto supply or home improvement stores. Make sure not to make use of products that contain oil, such as WD-40 as they will keep clogging the mechanism over time.
Another common problem that can cause the door locks to get jammed is that the door frame has changed fix car lock in time due to temperature and weather changes. This can cause the latch or deadbolt on the door to no longer align properly with the hole in the door frame. This problem can be easily resolved by tightening hinges and replacing broken or stripped screws.
Checking the condition regularly of your locks is a good idea. This will help prevent them from becoming damaged or jammed and help you avoid the time and expense of calling a locksmith for assistance. Don't hesitate to contact your local mechanic who you trust in the event that you encounter a broken or locked door lock. They'll be able to identify the problem quickly and recommend the best option. Whether you are seeking an easy solution to your power doors or have a more serious problem, they will be glad to assist!
The lock is stuck
Locks that are stuck can be a pain however, they are an unavoidable part to owning a car. You'll want to resolve the problem as soon as you can, before it gets worse. Fortunately, there are a couple of quick and simple solutions that can get you out of this difficult situation.
Begin by examining the lock to determine what is stopping it from working effectively. Sometimes a foreign object can be stuck in the lock or a screw has become loose. If either of these problems is the case, you might be able fix the issue by cleaning the lock or tightening the screw. You could also straighten or repair the balls of your lock if they're damaged or warped due to repeated use.
A worn-out lock may also be the cause of an unlocked lock. It isn't responsive to moving the knob. If your lock isn't turning when you turn the knob, it's time to replace it. Also make sure it is keyed correctly with your other doors.
If your lock is stuck and nothing 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 skills and tools to safely take out the lock that is stuck without causing damage to your car or door.
In some instances, the lock cylinder itself is broken. This could happen if the lock has been forced to open in the past or when there was a problem with the lock that was not repaired or replaced. You should inspect your cylinder for signs of wear and corrosion regularly and replace the cylinder if needed. This will help to ensure that your car is as safe as it can be. If the lock cylinder is damaged or broken, it can pose a serious safety risk for you and your passengers. Make sure you repair any damaged cylinders as fast as you can.