How to Troubleshoot Door Lock Problems Before Calling a Mechanic

You can also use a lock pick or key opener to aid. You can spray linseed or penetrating oils into the lock to make it lubricated and move freely.

It is however not a task for the average homeowner, and it is best left to a licensed, certified locksmith. Here are four most frequent car door lock problems that they'll fix for you:

Power door locks don't work

Door locks with power offer an incredible convenience, but they bring more complex mechanisms to the vehicle. This means that there are plenty of ways for things to go wrong too. If your door lock actuator isn't working it could be a serious problem that needs professional help. However, before calling for help from a professional, it's worth trying some easy troubleshooting strategies.

The first thing to look at is the battery inside your key fob. If the battery is dead or near death, it will cause the locks to cease working. Replacing the battery is a affordable and simple solution to this problem.

A faulty power actuator is another possible issue. This is a typical issue and is usually simple to determine. You can utilize a digital multimeter determine whether power is reaching the actuator or not. If it is and the actuator doesn't respond to the button for locking doors, then it's likely time to replace it.

You could also try to clean the contacts in the door lock actuator. It's a little more difficult than cleaning a switch, but generally it works. To do this, you'll have to remove the actuator and disassemble it. Unscrew the bolts that join the exterior part of the lock body together and then remove the entire actuator face of the lock.

After taking the actuator off, be careful not damage the rod connecting it to the locking mechanism. Two bolts are usually located in the interior of the doors that hold the rod. Make sure to take them out as well. After the rod has been removed it is possible to open the door and examine the latch to ensure it's properly aligned with the locking post.

If not, insert a long, thin item between the lock and the door panel. This should release any locking mechanism, so you can open your door by hand.

The key fob doesn't work

If your car key fob isn't working, it can be a frustrating experience. There are a few things you can do to get it working again. First, replace the battery. This simple change can help you avoid needing to purchase a new fob. YouTube has a number useful videos that help you accomplish this in a few simple steps.

If this doesn't help, you may have to re-program the fob. In most cases, this should be handled by an expert. It's not easy because newer cars have security features that have to be set up correctly.

Your fob could also be damaged. Physical force, water, or scratches on the circuit can cause damage. The majority of the time, the damage isn't obvious and can only be identified by opening the fob to look inside. You can check if there are any issues by examining the fob. Find signs of damage such as cracks on the circuit board, or tiny electronic components that are not fully connected to the circuit board. You can also open the fob to take out the battery and take a closer look. Using a flathead screwdriver, you can typically break 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 doesn't work, you can try opening your car's doors using the physical key. If your physical key doesn't unlock your car, you might need to call an expert locksmith for more extensive repairs or visit an authorized service center.

If your key fob doesn't turn on or turn your car on, it may be due to a defective ignition cylinder. This is a very expensive fix that should be left to experts. If the key fob works fine with the door locks, it should be possible to start the vehicle through the inductive backup system.

The lock is jammed.

If your lock does not move at all, despite trying to insert the key, there is likely to be a problem with 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 unintentionally raised position. The first thing to try is to grease the mechanism of the lock. Spray a dry lubricant like RP7 spray or graphite aerosol, into the keyway. The key should be inserted several times to remove any debris stuck in the lock cylinder. This will also help to lubricate and protect the mechanism.

You can also use brake cleaning fluid to lubricate lock cylinder parts and take off any grime or rust that could be obstructing the tumblers. You can purchase brake cleaning fluid at most auto supply or home improvement stores. Be sure to not make use of products that contain oil, such as WD-40 as they will continue to clog the mechanism over time.

The frame of the door may have moved due to temperature or weather changes. This could cause the latch or deadbolt on the door to no longer line up correctly with the hole in the door frame. You can easily solve this problem by tightening the hinges on the door and replacing any damaged or damaged screws.

It's always recommended to inspect the condition of your door locks on a regular basis. This will prevent them from becoming jammed or broken and help you avoid the hassle and expense of calling a locksmith assistance. If you find that you have a locked vehicle or a damaged door lock do not hesitate to contact your trusted local mechanic for advice and assistance. They will be able diagnose the issue quickly and recommend the best course. No matter if you're seeking an easy fix for your power doors or a more significant problem, they will be glad to assist!

The lock is stuck.

Locks that are stuck can be a pain however, they are an inevitable part of owning a car. Whether the lock is locked in an unlocked position, or won't turn in any way, you're likely need to take action earlier rather than later, before the problem gets worse. There are some simple and quick solutions to aid you in getting out of this sticky situation.

Start by examining the lock to see what's preventing its operation. Sometimes a foreign object can be stuck in the lock or a screw has become loose. You can resolve either of these problems by cleaning the lock or tightening the screws. You can also try straightening or fixing the ball inside your lock, if they're deformed or have become warped from long-term use.

Another common cause of a stuck lock is that it's worn out and isn't responding to jiggling. If your lock doesn't turn when you jiggle it, it is likely time to replace it and ensure that it is keyed correctly.

If your lock is stuck and nothing moving it around, spraying lubricant or changing the knob doesn't seem 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 any additional damage to your vehicle or door.

In a few cases the lock's cylinder is actually broken. This could happen if the lock was forced to open in the past or when there was a problem with the lock that fix car door near me was not repaired or replaced. You should check your cylinder for signs of corrosion and wear frequently, and replace the cylinder when necessary. This will help ensure that your vehicle is as secure as possible. And if the lock cylinder is cracked or damaged it could pose an extremely risk to the safety of your passengers as well as you. Therefore, make sure you have any damaged cylinders repaired in the earliest time possible.