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14 Questions You Might Be Afraid To Ask About Door Lock Car Repair
How to Troubleshoot Door Lock Problems Before Calling a Mechanic

You can also use a lock pick or key opener to aid. You can spray linseed or penetrating oils into the lock to make it lubricated and move freely again.

But, it's not a project for the home-owner who isn't a professional, and it is best left to a licensed, certified locksmith. Here are four common door lock car repair problems that locksmiths can fix for you:

Power door locks don't work

Power door locks are convenient but they also introduce more complicated mechanisms into the vehicle. This also means that things can be faulty in a variety of ways. If the door lock actuator isn't working, it could be a serious problem that needs professional help. Before calling a professional, try some simple troubleshooting methods.

The first thing you need to check is the battery inside your key fob. If it's dead or nearly dead, that will obviously cause the locks not to work. This problem is easily and cheaply resolved by replacing the battery.

A faulty power actuator is a different problem. This is a common issue and is typically simple to identify. You can use a multimeter to check whether the power is reaching or not. If there is power but the actuator doesn't respond when you press the button to lock the door, it may be time to replace the actuator.

You can also clean the contacts on the door lock actuator. This is a little more complicated than just cleaning switches but is often enough to solve the problem. To accomplish this, you'll have to take the actuator off and disassemble it. Unscrew the bolts holding the exterior part of the lock body together and then remove the entire lock actuator face.

After you've removed the actuator, it is important to be cautious not to break the rod that connects it to the lock mechanism. There are typically two additional bolts in the interior of the door that hold the rod in place so make sure you remove them also. Once the rod is disconnected then you can open the door and examine the latch to ensure it's aligned correctly with the locking post.

If it's not an option, you can utilize a thin, long object to insert between the lock and the door panel. This should open any locking mechanism so you can unlock your door by hand.

The key fob isn't working

It can be a hassle when your car key fob doesn't work. There are several things you can do to make it work again. The first step is to change the battery. This simple step could 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 just a few simple steps.

If this isn't working, you might have to reprogram your fob. This can be done in the majority of cases, but it will require the assistance of a professional or your car's dealer. It isn't easy, as newer cars come with security features that need to be set up correctly.

car door lock actuator repair near me may also be damaged. Physical force, water, or scratches on the circuit may cause damage. This damage is often not visible and can only be detected by opening the fob up to look inside. You can check for any issues by inspecting the fob for any signs of damage, including cracks in the circuit board, tiny electronic components that are not connected to the circuit board or loose buttons. You can also break the fob in order to remove the battery and have a closer look. You can open the fobs using a flathead, however certain ones require special tools and equipment available at the dealer.

If the fob isn't working, you can try opening your car doors with the physical key. If your key's physical counterpart does not unlock your car, you might require contacting locksmiths for more serious repairs or visit an authorized service center.

If the key fob won't turn on or start your car, it may be due to a faulty ignition cylinder. This is a expensive fix that should be left to experts. If the key fob is working perfectly with the door locks, it should still be capable of starting the car through its inductive backup system.

The lock is jammed

If your lock will not move at all, despite trying to insert the key, it is likely to be a problem with the mechanism. It could be as simple matter of the tumblers being blocked by dirt or rust, or it could be that the pins inside are stuck in a partially raised position. First, lubricate your lock mechanism. Spray a dry lubricant, such as RP7 spray or graphite aerosol into the keyway. The key should be inserted several times to remove any debris that has accumulated in the lock cylinder. This will also help in lubricating the mechanism and avoid future problems.

You can also employ brake cleaning fluid to help lubricate the parts of a lock cylinder and get rid of any grime or rust that may be blocking the tumblers. You can buy brake cleaning fluid in the majority of home improvement stores or at auto supply stores. It is recommended to avoid products containing oil, such as WD-40 since they can block up the brake mechanism over time.

Another common problem that can cause the door locks to get jammed is the fact that the door frame has moved over time due to temperature and weather fluctuations. This can cause the deadbolt or latch on the door to no longer align properly with the hole in the door frame. This issue is easily solved by tightening hinges and replacing broken or stripped screws.

It is always recommended to inspect the condition of your door locks regularly. This will help prevent them from being jammed or damaged, saving you money and time by not having to call a locksmith. Don't hesitate to call your local mechanic of choice when you discover an unlocked or broken door lock. They can identify the issue quickly and recommend the best option. They will be happy to assist you, whether you need an immediate fix to your power doors or experiencing a more serious problem.

The lock is stuck

Locks stuck in the middle can be quite frustrating However, they are usually an inevitable part of owning a vehicle. You'll want to address the problem as soon as possible and before it gets any worse. There are some quick and easy solutions to aid you in getting out of this tense situation.

Begin by inspecting the lock to determine what is blocking it from working properly. A screw or foreign object could have become loose. You can resolve either of these problems by cleaning the lock or tightening the screws. You can also try straightening or fixing the balls in your lock, if they're deformed or are warped by 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 isn't turning when you twist the knob, it's time to replace it. Also, ensure that it's properly keyed with the other doors.

If your lock is truly stuck, and no amount of wriggling or spraying with oil seems to resolve the issue, you'll likely have to call an expert locksmith. They have the expertise and tools to safely get rid of a lock that's stuck without causing any additional damage to your vehicle or door.


Sometimes, the cylinder in the lock may be damaged. This can occur when the lock was forced open prior to the incident or the lock problem was not fixed. You should inspect your cylinder for signs of corrosion and wear frequently, and replace the cylinder when necessary. This will help to ensure that your vehicle is as safe as it can be. And if the lock cylinder is cracked or damaged it could pose an extremely risk to the safety of your passengers and for you. Make sure you repair any damaged cylinders as soon as you can.

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