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How to Troubleshoot Door Lock Problems Before Calling a Mechanic Utilizing a lock pick made for specific use or a key opener can aid. You can also spray linseed or penetrating oils into the lock in order to lubricate it and allow it to move freely again. It is best to delegate it to a certified and licensed locksmith. Here are four car door lock problems that they can fix: Power door locks don't work Power door locks offer excellent convenience, but they also introduce a lot more complex mechanisms to the vehicle. This means that things could go wrong in many ways. If your door lock actuator isn't working it could be a serious issue that requires expert assistance to solve. Before you call a mechanic try these troubleshooting techniques. Examine the battery in your key fob. If it's dead or almost dead, that will obviously cause the locks to not work. This problem can be easily and cheaply resolved by replacing the battery. A faulty power actuator is a different problem. This is a very common issue that is generally simple to identify. You can utilize a digital multimeter check if power is reaching the actuator or not. If it is and the actuator doesn't respond to the door lock button It's probably time to replace it. You can also try cleaning the contacts inside the door lock actuator. It's more complicated than cleaning a switch but generally works. To accomplish this, you'll have to remove the actuator from the door panel and take it off. There are typically bolts holding the exterior portion of the body of the lock together take them off and then take out the entire body of the lock actuator. Once you've removed the actuator, it's important to be cautious not to damage the rod that connects it to the lock mechanism. There are typically two additional bolts in the interior of the door that keep the rod in place, so be sure to unscrew them as well. Once the rod is disconnected then you can open the door and inspect the latch to ensure it is properly aligned with the locking post. If it's not possible, you can use a long, thin object to put between the door panel and the lock. This should release any locking mechanism so you can unlock your door by hand. The key fob isn't working If your car key fob isn't working, it can be an unpleasant experience. There are a few options you can use to get it to work again. First, try changing the battery. This simple change can save you from needing to purchase a new fob. There are plenty of useful YouTube videos that will show you how to do this in a couple of easy steps. If this doesn't work it may be necessary to re-program the fob. This is possible in most cases, but it will require the assistance of a professional or your car's dealer. It can be complicated, as many newer cars have security features that need to be configured correctly. Another possibility is that your fob has been damaged. It could be damaged due to many reasons, including water, physical force, or scratches on the circuit board. Oftentimes, this damage isn't evident and can only be detected by opening up the fob and looking inside. You can determine whether there are any issues by looking at the fob. Find indications of damage, such as cracks on the circuit board, or tiny electronic components that are not completely connected to the circuit board. You can also open up the fob and take out the battery for an inspection of the connections. It is possible to pry the fobs with a flathead, but certain ones require special tools and equipment that are only available at the dealership. If the fob isn't working If the fob doesn't work, try opening your car's doors using the physical key. If the physical key you have does not unlock your car, you might need to contact an expert locksmith for more extensive repairs or visit a service center. If the key fob will not turn on or start your car It could 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 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 blocking the mechanism. It could be a simple issue because the tumblers are clogged with dirt or rust, or it could be that the pins inside are stuck in an unintentionally raised position. First, lubricate your lock mechanism. Spray a dry lubricant such as RP7 or graphite spray in the keyway and then insert the key several times to release any debris that has gotten stuck in the lock cylinder. This will also lubricate and protect the mechanism. You can also make use of brake cleaning fluid to lubricate lock cylinder parts, and remove any rust or grime that might be blocking the tumblers. You can buy brake cleaning fluid at most auto supply or home improvement stores. Make sure not to make use of oil-based products like WD-40 as they will continue to clog the mechanism over time. Another common problem that can cause the door locks to become jammed is that the frame of the door has moved over time due to temperature and weather fluctuations. The latch or deadbolt of the door may no longer align properly with the hole on the frame. This issue is easily solved by tightening hinges and reinstalling damaged or stripped screws. It is always an excellent idea to examine the condition of your door locks regularly. This will stop them from becoming damaged or jammed, and will save you time and money by not having to contact a locksmith. If you find that you have a locked car or have a broken door lock, don't hesitate to call your local mechanic of choice to seek assistance and advice. They'll be able to quickly determine the cause and recommend the most effective solution. They will be happy to assist you, no matter if you require a quick fix for your power doors, or are experiencing a more significant issue. The lock is stuck. Stuck locks are a frustrating and sometimes inevitable aspect of owning a car. If the lock is stuck in an unlocked position, or doesn't turn in any way, you're likely be looking to fix it sooner rather than later, before your issue gets worse. Fortunately, there are a few easy and quick solutions that can to get out of this sticky situation. Start by examining the lock to see what is preventing its operation. A screw or foreign object may have become loose. If either of these problems is the case, you may be able fix the issue by cleaning out the lock, or tightening the screw. You can also attempt to straighten or fix the balls in your lock, if they're damaged or have become warped from the use of the lock for a long time. Another common reason for a locked that is stuck is that it's worn out and not responding to jiggling. If your lock has stopped turning when you twist the knob, it's likely time to replace it and make sure it is properly keyed to your other doors. If your lock is stuck and no amount of wriggling or spraying lubricant seems to solve the issue, you'll likely need to contact an expert locksmith for assistance. They can safely remove a lock stuck without creating further damage to your car or door. In some instances the lock's cylinder is broken. This can happen when the lock has been forced to open in the past or when there was a problem with the lock itself that wasn't repaired or replaced. You should inspect your cylinder for signs of wear and corrosion regularly, and replace the cylinder if needed. This will ensure that your vehicle is as safe as it is. If central locking repair near me has been damaged or cracked, it can create a risk of serious danger to you and your passengers. Make sure you repair any damaged cylinders as quickly as you can.