This Is The History Of Door Lock Car Repair
This Is The History Of Door Lock Car Repair
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How to Troubleshoot Door Lock Problems Before Calling a Mechanic
You can use keys or locks with a key opener to aid. You can also squirt penetrating oil or linseed oil into the lock to lubricate it and allow it to move freely again.
It is however not a project for the average homeowner, and it is best left to a licensed and certified locksmith. Here are four car door lock problems that they can address:
Power door locks don't work
Power door locks are convenient however, they also bring more complex mechanisms into the car. That means that there are a lot more ways for things to go wrong too. If your door lock actuator isn't functioning it could be a major problem that requires professional assistance to fix. But, before you call an expert try some simple troubleshooting techniques.
The first thing to check is the battery on your key fob. If the battery is dying or close to death it could cause the locks to stop working. This issue can be easily and cheaply solved by replacing the battery.
Another possibility is that the power actuator itself might be defective. This is a common problem, and it's usually easy to diagnose. You can use a multimeter to check whether the power is reaching or not. If it is, and the actuator still isn't responding to the door lock button It's probably time to replace it.
It is also possible cleaning the contacts inside the door lock actuator. This is a little more involved than simply cleaning the switch but is often enough to fix the issue. To do this, you'll need to remove the actuator from the door panel and take it off. Unscrew the bolts that join the exterior portion of the lock body together and then remove the entire face of the lock actuator.
After taking the actuator off take care not to damage the rod connecting it to the locking mechanism. There are typically two additional bolts in the interior of the door that hold the rod in place so be sure to unscrew the bolts too. Once the rod is unplugged it is possible to open the door and examine the latch to ensure it is properly aligned with the locking post.
If not, you can make use of a long, thin object to insert between the door panel and the lock. This should release any locking mechanism so you can open your door by hand.
The key fob won't work.
It can be frustrating if your car key fob doesn't work. There are a few things you can try to make it work. First, you must replace the battery. This is a simple procedure that could save you the expense of replacing the entire fob. YouTube has a range of useful videos that will guide you through this in a few simple steps.
If this doesn't help you, you might need to reprogram the fob. In most cases, this should be done by an expert. It can be complicated, as many newer cars include security features that have to be configured correctly.
Your fob may also be damaged. Water, physical force or scratches on the circuit can cause damage. The majority of the time, the damage isn't evident and can only be detected by opening the fob to look inside. You can look for these issues by examining the fob for any signs of damage, such as cracks in the circuit board, teeny electronic components that aren't fully connected to the circuit board, or buttons that are not in good condition. You can also open up the fob and take out the battery for a closer look at the connections. You can open most fobs open using a flathead, however some require specialized tools and equipment that are only available at the dealer.
If the fob doesn't work, you can try opening your car's doors using a physical key. If your key's physical counterpart does not unlock your car, you might require contacting an expert locksmith for more extensive repairs or visit an authorized service center.
A faulty ignition cylinder could be the reason for your key fob not turning on or even starting your vehicle. This is a very costly fix and should be left to the experts. 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 cannot turn your lock at all it is most likely that something is blocking the mechanism. It could be a simple as the tumblers are blocked by dirt or rust or it could be that the pins inside are stuck in an unintentionally raised position. The first thing to try is to grease the lock mechanism. Spray a dry lubricant like RP7 or graphite spray in the keyway, and then insert the key several times to loosen any debris stuck in the lock cylinder. This will also help in lubricating the mechanism and avoid future problems.
You can also make use of brake cleaning fluid to lubricate lock cylinder parts and get rid of any grime or rust that may be blocking the tumblers. You can buy brake cleaning fluid at the majority of home improvement stores or auto supply stores. Just be sure to not use oil-based products such as WD-40 as they will cause clogging of the mechanism over time.
Another common problem that can cause the door locks to get jammed is that the frame of the door has changed in 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. It is easy to solve this problem by tightening the hinges on the door and replacing any broken or loosened screws.
Monitoring the condition of your locks is a good idea. This will stop them from becoming damaged or jammed, and will save you money and time by not needing to call a locksmith. If you discover that you have a locked car or have a broken door lock do not hesitate to contact your trusted local mechanic for assistance and advice. They will be able diagnose the issue quickly and recommend the best option. They will be happy to help you, whether you need an immediate fix to your power doors or having a more serious problem.
The lock is jammed.
Locks that are stuck can be a pain However, they are usually an inevitable part of owning a car. Whether the lock is locked but not in a secure position, or doesn't turn in any way, you're likely be looking to fix it sooner rather than later before your problem worsens. There are fortunately a few quick and easy solutions that can to get out of this difficult situation.
Begin by looking over the lock to see what is blocking its proper operation. Sometimes a foreign object can get caught in the lock, or a screw may have become loose. You can resolve either of these problems by cleaning the lock or tightening the screws. You could also straighten or repair the balls of your lock if they're bent or damaged because of repeated use.
A worn-out lock could be the cause of an unlocked lock. It will not respond to jiggling. If your lock isn't turning when you turn the knob, it's time to replace it. Also, ensure that it's properly keyed to your other doors.
If your lock is stuck and no amount moving it around, spraying lubricant or changing the knob doesn't seem to be able to solve the problem, you'll probably need to call locksmith assistance. They can remove a lock stuck without damaging your car or door.
In some cases the cylinder of the lock is broken. This could happen when the lock was forced open in the previous or the lock problem was not fixed. It is recommended to check your cylinder for signs of corrosion and wear regularly and replace the cylinder when necessary. This will ensure that your vehicle is as secure as possible. If the lock cylinder has been damaged or cracked, it can create a risk of serious danger read more for you and your passengers. Make sure to repair any damaged cylinders as soon as you can.