How to Troubleshoot Door Lock Problems Before Calling a Mechanic
You can also use lockspicks or a key opener to help. You can also squirt penetrating oil or linseed oil in the lock to help lubricate it and make it move freely.
It is however not a project for the average homeowner, and it is best left to a licensed and certified locksmith. Here are four typical problems with car doors that they'll fix for you:
Power door locks don't work
The power door locks are useful but they also introduce more complicated mechanisms into the vehicle. This also means that things can go wrong in many ways. If your door lock actuator isn't working, it could be a major issue that requires expert assistance. Before calling a mechanic try a few simple troubleshooting techniques.
The first thing to check is the battery on your key fob. If the battery is dying or near death, it could cause the locks to cease working. Replacing the battery is a easy and affordable solution to this problem.
A defective power actuator could be a issue. This is a very common problem and is usually simple to identify. You can utilize a digital multimeter check if the actuator is receiving power or not. If it is but the actuator does not respond to the door lock button, then it's likely time to replace it.
You can also try to clean the contacts in the door lock actuator. This is more involved than cleaning the switch, but it's often enough to fix the issue. To do this, you'll need remove the actuator from the door panel and then take it off. Unscrew the bolts that hold the exterior section of lock body together, and then remove the entire face of the lock actuator.
After removing the actuator be sure not to harm the rod that connects it to the locking mechanism. There are typically two additional bolts in the interior of the door that hold the rod in place therefore, you must remove them also. Once the rod has been disconnected, you can inspect the latch and make sure that it is aligned to the locking post.
If not, you can insert a long, thin object between the lock and door panel. This will release the locking mechanism, and you can unlock the door manually.
The key fob doesn't work
If your car's key fob isn't working, it could be an extremely frustrating experience. There are a few ways to make it work again. First, you must replace the battery. This simple action could help you avoid having to buy a new fob. YouTube offers a variety of helpful videos that will help you accomplish this in a few simple steps.
If this doesn't work it may be necessary to reprogram the fob. In the majority of cases, this can be handled by an expert. It isn't easy since newer vehicles have security features that need to be set up correctly.
Your fob may also be damaged. Physical force, water or scratches on the circuit may cause damage. Oftentimes, this damage isn't evident and can only be diagnosed by opening the fob to inspect inside. You can determine if there are any issues by looking at the fob. Find signs of damage such as cracks on the circuit board or small electronic components that are not completely connected to the circuit board. Try to open up the fob and remove the battery to get an inspection of the connections. You can open most fobs open with a flathead, but some require specialized tools and equipment available at the dealership.
If the fob doesn't work it is possible to open your car's doors using a physical key. If your key's physical counterpart does not unlock your car, you may require contacting an expert locksmith for more extensive repairs or visit an authorized service center.
A malfunctioning ignition cylinder may be the cause for your key fob not turning on or starting your car. This is usually a very expensive fix and is recommended to leave it to a professional. If the key fob works 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're unable to turn the lock it is most likely that something is jamming the mechanism. It could be as simple matter of the tumblers being clogged with dirt or rust or it could be that the pins inside are stuck in a partially raised position. The first step is to lubricate the mechanism of the lock. Spray a dry lubricant, such as RP7 aerosol or graphite into the keyway. The key should be inserted several times to release any debris that has accumulated in the lock cylinder. This will also 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 might be blocking the tumblers. You can purchase brake cleaning fluid from many auto store or home improvement stores. Make sure not to make use of products that contain oil, such as WD-40 as they will cause clogging of the mechanism over time.
Another issue that can cause the door locks to jam is the fact that the door frame has shifted over time due to weather and temperature changes. The latch or deadbolt of the door might no longer align correctly with the hole in the frame. You can easily fix this issue by tightening the hinges on the door and replacing any damaged or stripped screws.
Monitoring the condition of your locks is a good idea to regularly check the condition of your locks. This will stop them from getting damaged or jammed and save you the time and money of calling a locksmith assistance. If you notice that you have a locked car or broken door lock Do not hesitate to contact your local mechanic of choice to seek advice and assistance. They will be able diagnose the problem quickly and recommend the best course. If you're seeking an easy solution to your power doors or a more significant problem, they will be happy to help!
The lock is jammed.
Locks that are stuck are a frustrating and sometimes inevitable aspect of owning a vehicle. You'll want to resolve the issue as soon as possible, before it gets worse. Fortunately, there are a few quick and easy fixes that can help get you out of this bind.
Begin by looking at the lock to find out what is preventing its operation. Sometimes, a foreign object could be trapped in the lock, or a screw has become loose. If either of these situations is the case, you may be able fix the issue by cleaning the lock or tightening the screw. You can also straighten or repair the balls of your lock if they're bent or damaged from repeated use.
A worn-out lock could be the cause of a locked that is jammed. It won't respond to the jiggling. If your lock ceases to turn when you play with it, it's likely time to replace it and ensure that it's keyed correctly.
If electronic lock repair near me is stuck and nothing moving it around, spraying lubricant or altering the knob seems to be able to solve the problem, you'll likely have to call locksmith assistance. They can safely remove a stuck lock without causing further damage to your door or car.
Sometimes, the lock cylinder is broken. This could happen if the lock was forced to open in the past or if there was a problem with the lock that was not repaired or replaced. It is recommended to examine your cylinder on a regular basis for signs of wear or corrosion, and replace it as necessary. This will ensure that your vehicle is as secure as possible. If the lock cylinder has been damaged or cracked it could be a significant safety risk to passengers and you. Make sure you repair any damaged cylinders as soon as you can.