The Advanced Guide To Door Lock Car Repair
The Advanced Guide To Door Lock Car Repair
Blog Article
How to Troubleshoot Door Lock Problems Before Calling a Mechanic
Utilizing a lock pick that is specialized or a key opener can assist. You can also spray linseed, or penetrating oils into the lock to lubricate it and allow it to move freely again.
However, it is not a task for the casual homeowner, and it is best left to a licensed, certified locksmith. Here are four common car door lock problems that locksmiths can fix for you:
Power door locks don't work
Door locks with power are useful however, they also bring more complex mechanisms into the vehicle. This also means that things can be faulty in various ways. If your door lock actuator doesn't work, it could be a serious issue that needs professional help. Before calling an expert try some basic troubleshooting methods.
The first thing you need to check is the battery on your key fob. If it's dead or nearly dead, that will obviously result in the locks not to work. Replacing the battery is a easy and affordable solution to this problem.
A faulty power actuator is another possible problem. This is a common problem that is generally easy to identify. You can utilize a multimeter to determine whether the power is working or not. If there is power however the actuator does not respond when you press the button to lock the door, it might be time to replace the actuator.
You can also try cleaning the contacts inside the door lock actuator. This is more involved than simply cleaning the switch, but it's often enough to resolve the issue. To do this, you'll have to remove the actuator from the door's panel and then take it off. There are usually bolts holding the exterior portion of the lock body together, so unscrew them and then remove the entire surface of the lock actuator.
Once you've removed the actuator, you must be cautious not to break the rod that connects it to the lock mechanism. Two bolts are usually located in the interior of the doors that house the rod. Make sure to remove them as well. Once the rod is disconnected, you can inspect the latch and make sure that it is properly aligned with the locking post.
If not an option, you can utilize a thin, long object to put between the lock and the door panel. This should open the locking mechanism, so you can open the door by hand.
The key fob isn't working.
If your car's key fob isn't working, it could be an unpleasant experience. There are a few options you can use to get it to work again. First, you must replace the battery. This simple step could save you from having to purchase a brand new fob. You can find a number of helpful YouTube videos that will show you how to do this in a few simple steps.
If this doesn't help, you may have to reprogram the fob. This is possible in the majority of cases, however it will require the assistance of a professional or your vehicle's dealer. It's not always easy since many of the latest vehicles include security features that have to be properly configured.
The fob could also be damaged. Physical force, water or scratches on the circuit could cause damage. This type of damage is typically not obvious and is only discovered by opening the fob up to examine the inside. You can look for any issues by inspecting the fob for signs of damage, such as cracks in the circuit board, teeny electronic components that aren't fully connected to the circuit board or loose buttons. Try to open the fob and take out the battery for a closer look at the connections. You can pry the fobs with a flathead. However, some require specialized tools and equipment that are only available at the dealer.
You can also try using the physical key to unlock your car's doors in the event that the fob isn't working. If the physical key you have doesn't unlock your car, you might need to call locksmiths for more serious repairs or visit a service center.
A faulty ignition cylinder could be the cause of your key fob not turning on or starting your car. This is typically a very expensive fix, so it's best left to a professional. If the key fob works with the door locks then it should still be possible to start your vehicle using the inductive backup system.
The lock is jammed
If you cannot turn your lock at all it is likely that something is jamming the mechanism. It could be as simple matter of the tumblers being clogged with dirt or rust. It could be that the pins inside are stuck in an unintentionally raised position. The first step is to lubricate the lock mechanism. Spray a dry lubricant, such as RP7 aerosol or graphite into the keyway. Insert the key a couple of times to release any debris stuck in the lock cylinder. This will also help to lubricate the mechanism and help prevent future problems.
You can also use brake cleaning fluid to lubricate lock cylinder parts and to take off any grime or rust that might be blocking the tumblers. You can buy brake cleaning fluid in the majority of home improvement stores or at auto supply stores. Just be sure to not make use of products that contain oil, such as WD-40, as these will cause clogging of the mechanism over time.
The door frame could be shifting due to temperature or weather changes. The deadbolt or latch on the door might no longer align properly with the hole in the frame. It is possible to fix this issue by tightening the hinges on the door and replacing any damaged or stripped screws.
It's always a good idea to check the condition of your door locks regularly. This will stop them from becoming broken or jammed, and will save you the time and money of calling a locksmith assistance. If you notice that you've locked your car or have a broken door lock, don't hesitate to call your trusted local mechanic to seek advice and assistance. They will be able to quickly determine the cause and suggest the best solution. They will be happy to help you, whether you need an immediate fix to your power doors or are having a more serious problem.
The lock is stuck.
Stuck locks can be more info frustrating however, they are an unavoidable part to owning a vehicle. You'll want to address the issue as quickly as you can before it gets worse. There are couple of quick and simple solutions that can to get out of this bind.
Begin by examining the lock to determine what is blocking it from working properly. Sometimes, a foreign object could get caught in the lock, or a screw may have become loose. You can fix one or both 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 are warped by long-term use.
Another common reason for a locked that is stuck is that it's worn out and isn't responding to the jiggling. If your lock stops turning when you move it around, it's likely that you need to replace it and ensure that it's keyed correctly.
If your lock is stuck and no amount wriggling, spraying lubricant, or altering the knob seems to work, you'll likely have to call a locksmith for assistance. They can remove a lock stuck without creating further damage to your door or car.
In some instances the cylinder of the lock is broken. This can happen if the lock was forced to open in the past or when there was an issue with the lock itself that wasn't repaired or replaced. It's a good idea to examine your cylinder on a regular basis for signs of corrosion or wear, and replace it as required. This will ensure that your vehicle is as safe as it can be. And if the lock cylinder is cracked or damaged, it can be a huge safety risk for your passengers and for you. Make sure you get any damaged cylinders fixed as soon as possible.