How To Save Money On Door Lock Car Repair
How To Save Money On Door Lock Car Repair
Blog Article
How to Troubleshoot Door Lock Problems Before Calling a Mechanic
You can use a lock pick or key opener to aid. You can also squirt penetrating oil or linseed oils into the lock to help lubricate it and get it moving freely again.
But, it's not a project for the home-owner who isn't a professional and should be left to a licensed and certified locksmith. Here are four locks for cars problems that they can fix:
Power door locks don't work
Door locks with power offer great convenience, but they also introduce a lot more complex mechanisms to the car. This means there are a lot more possibilities for things to go wrong too. If the door lock actuator isn't working it could be a serious issue that requires professional assistance to solve. Before calling for help from a professional, it's worth trying some simple troubleshooting techniques.
Examine the battery in your key fob. If the battery is dead or close to death, it will cause the locks to not work. Replacing the battery is a easy and affordable solution to this problem.
A malfunctioning power actuator is another possible problem. This is a common problem and is usually simple to identify. You can test with a multimeter whether the power is reaching or not. If there is power however the actuator does not respond when you press the door lock button then it might be time to replace the actuator.
It is also possible to clean the contacts of the door lock actuator. It's a bit more complicated than cleaning a switch but often is successful. To do this you will need to remove the actuator and disassemble it. There are typically bolts holding the exterior section of the body, so unscrew them and then take off the entire surface of the actuator.
After you've removed the actuator, it is important to be cautious not to break the rod that connects it to the lock mechanism. Two bolts are typically located inside the doors that hold the rod. Be sure to remove them as well. Once the rod is removed, you are able to inspect the latch to ensure that it is properly aligned with the locking post.
If not, you can insert a thin, long item between the lock and the door panel. This will release the locking mechanism so you can open the door by hand.
The key fob isn't working.
It can be quite frustrating when your car key fob doesn't work. Fortunately, there are some things you can try to get it to work again. First, replace the battery. This simple action could help you avoid having to purchase a brand new fob. You can find a number of useful YouTube videos that show you how to accomplish this in just a few easy steps.
If this doesn't help you, you might need to reprogram the fob. This is possible in the majority of cases, but it will require the assistance of a professional or your car's dealer. It's not always easy, as many newer automobiles come with security features that require to be set up correctly.
Another possibility is that your fob has been damaged. Physical force, water or scratches on the circuit can cause damage. Most of the time, the damage isn't evident and can only be identified by opening up the fob to inspect inside. You can determine whether there are any issues by examining the fob. Look for indications of damage like cracks on the circuit board or small electronic components that are not fully attached to circuit board. You can also remove the fob from the inside and take out the battery for an inspection of the connections. It is possible to pry most fobs open with a flathead, but certain automobile door locks ones require special tools and equipment available at the dealership.
You can also try using the physical key to unlock your car 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 an expert locksmith for more extensive repairs or visit an authorized service center.
If the key fob won't turn on or start your car It could be due to a defective ignition cylinder. This is usually an expensive fix, and it's best left to an expert. If the key fob works perfectly with the door locks, it should still be able to start the car using its inductive backup system.
The lock is jammed.
If you are unable to turn your lock at all it is most likely that something is blocking the mechanism. It could be as simple issue because the tumblers are blocked by dirt or rust or it could be that the pins inside are stuck in a partially raised position. The first step is to grease the mechanism of the lock. Spray a dry lubricant such as RP7 or graphite spray into the keyway and then insert the key a few times to loosen any debris that is stuck in the lock cylinder. This will also help in lubricating the mechanism and help prevent future issues.
You can also employ brake cleaner to lubricate parts of the lock cylinder and to get rid of any grime and rust that might be blocking the tumblers. You can purchase brake cleaning fluid in the majority of home improvement stores or 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 may be shifting due to temperature or changes in the weather. The deadbolt or latch on the door may no longer align properly with the hole in the frame. This problem can be easily resolved by tightening hinges and reinstalling damaged or stripped screws.
It is always recommended to inspect the condition of your door locks on a regular basis. This will prevent them from getting jammed or broken and help you avoid the time and money of contacting a locksmith for assistance. If you find that you've locked your car or have a broken door lock do not hesitate to contact your trusted local mechanic for assistance and advice. They'll be able to identify the issue quickly and suggest the best option. If you're seeking an easy fix for your power doors or have a more serious issue, they'll be more than happy 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 address the problem as soon as possible before it gets worse. There are simple and quick solutions that can aid you in getting out of this difficult situation.
Start by examining the lock to see what is preventing its operation. A screw or other foreign object may have 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 the lock if they've become warped or deformed from repeated use.
A worn-out lock may also be the cause of a locked that is jammed. It will not respond to jiggling. If your lock doesn't turn when you move it around, it's likely time to replace the lock and ensure that it's keyed correctly.
If your lock is stuck and no amount of wriggling, spraying lubricant, or adjusting the knob seems to work, you'll probably need to call a locksmith for assistance. They have the skills and tools to safely get rid of a lock that's stuck without causing damage to your door or car.
In some cases the cylinder of the lock is actually broken. This can happen when the lock was forced 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 when required. This will ensure that your vehicle is as secure as it is. If the lock cylinder has been damaged or cracked, it can pose a serious safety risk to you and your passengers. Make sure you repair any damaged cylinders as soon as you can.