11 Ways To Completely Revamp Your Door Lock Car Repair
How to Troubleshoot Door Lock Problems Before Calling a Mechanic
Using a specialized lock pick or a key opener could aid. You can also spray penetrating oil or linseed oils into the lock to lubricate it and make it move freely again.
It is however not a task for the average homeowner, and it is best left to a licensed, certified locksmith. Here are four car door lock issues that they can solve:
Power door locks don't work
Power door locks are convenient, but they also introduce more complicated mechanisms into the vehicle. That means that there are a lot more possibilities for things to go wrong as well. If your door lock actuator isn't working it could be a major issue that requires professional assistance to solve. But, before you call in a mechanic it's a good idea to try some easy troubleshooting strategies.
The first thing to look at is the battery on your key fob. If the battery is drained or near death it will cause the locks to cease working. This problem is easily and cheaply solved by replacing the battery.
Another potential problem is that the power actuator itself might be defective. This is a typical issue and is usually easy to identify. You can make use of a digital multimeter to determine whether the actuator is getting power or not. If it is, and the actuator still does not respond to the button for locking doors and it's time to replace it.
You can also clean the contacts on the door lock actuator. It's a little more difficult than cleaning a switch but often it works. To accomplish this, you'll need remove the actuator from the door panel and take it off. Unscrew the bolts that hold the exterior part of the lock body and remove the entire actuator face of the lock.
After you have removed the actuator, be careful not damage the rod connecting it to the locking mechanism. Two bolts are usually located inside the doors that contain the rod. Be sure to remove them as well. After the rod has been removed then you can open the door and inspect the latch to ensure it's properly aligned with the locking post.
If it's not an option, you can utilize a thin, long object to place between the door panel and the lock. This will release any locking mechanism, so you can open your 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 make it work again. The first step is to change the battery. This is a simple step that could help you avoid the cost of replacing your fob completely. YouTube has a range of helpful videos that will help you accomplish this in just a few easy steps.
If this doesn't work, you may have to reset the fob. This is possible in the majority of cases, but it requires the help of a professional or your vehicle's dealer. It can be difficult, as newer cars have security features that must be properly configured.
Another possibility is that your fob has been damaged. Damage can occur for a number of reasons, including physical force, water, or scratches on the circuit board. This type of damage is typically not visible and is only discovered by opening the fob up to inspect inside. You can look for any issues by inspecting the fob for signs of damage, such as cracks on the circuit board, tiny electronic components that are not connected to the circuit board, or buttons that are loose. Try to remove the fob from the inside and take out the battery for a closer inspection of the connections. By using a flathead screwdriver you can generally break open most fobs and gain access to the battery however, some require more advanced tools or equipment that is only available at the dealership for your vehicle.
If the fob isn't working it is possible to open your car's doors using the physical key. If the physical key you have does not unlock your car, you may require contacting 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 even starting your car. 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's possible to start the vehicle through the inductive backup system.
The lock is jammed.
If you cannot turn your lock at all it is most likely that something is blocking the mechanism. It could be as simple matter of the tumblers being blocked by dirt or rust. It could be that the pins inside are stuck in an unintentionally raised position. First, lubricate your lock mechanism. Spray a dry lubricant like RP7 spray or graphite aerosol, into the keyway. Inject the key several times to loosen any debris that has accumulated in the lock cylinder. This will also lubricate and protect the mechanism.
You can also employ brake cleaning fluid to lubricate lock cylinder parts, and get rid of any grime or rust that might be blocking the tumblers. You can purchase brake cleaning fluid from most auto store or home improvement stores. Be sure to not make use of oil-based products like WD-40 as they will keep clogging the mechanism over time.
The frame of the door may have shifted due to temperature or weather changes. The deadbolt or latch on the door might not align properly with the hole on the frame. It is easy to solve this problem by tightening the hinges on the door and replacing any damaged or loosened screws.
It is a good idea to check the condition of your door locks regularly. This will help prevent them from getting broken or jammed, and will save you the time and money of contacting a locksmith for assistance. If you find that you have a locked car or broken door lock Do not hesitate to contact your trusted local mechanic to seek assistance and advice. They can identify the issue quickly and recommend the best course. G28 Car Keys will be happy to assist you, whether you require an immediate fix to your power doors, or are experiencing a more significant issue.
The lock is jammed.
Locks that are stuck are a frustrating and sometimes inevitable aspect of owning a vehicle. You'll want to address the issue as soon as possible and before it gets any worse. There are some simple and quick solutions to assist you in escaping this difficult situation.
Begin by examining the lock to determine what is stopping it from working properly. A screw or other foreign object could have loosened. You can fix either of these problems by cleaning the lock or tightening the screws. You can also straighten or fix the ball bearings of your lock if they are damaged or warped from repeated use.
Another common reason for stuck locks is that it's worn out and not responding to jiggling. If your lock stops turning when you play with it, it's likely time to replace the lock and ensure that it's properly keyed.
If your lock is truly stuck and no amount of wriggling or spraying fluid seems to fix the problem, you'll probably need to contact a professional locksmith for help. They can remove a lock stuck without damaging your door or vehicle.
Sometimes, the cylinder in the lock is damaged. This can occur if the lock was opened in the past instance, or if a lock problem was not fixed. You should check your cylinder for signs of corrosion and wear frequently, and replace the cylinder if needed. This will ensure that your vehicle is as safe as possible. And if the lock cylinder is damaged or cracked, it can be an extremely risk to the safety of your passengers and for you. So be sure to have any damaged cylinders repaired in the earliest time possible.
