Car Door Lock Repairs: 11 Things You've Forgotten To Do
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Car Door Lock Repairs
The car door lock is a vital part of your vehicle's overall security. If the lock on your vehicle is damaged or does not work properly, you should get it repaired by a professional.
There are some door locks for cars that can be fixed by a mechanic for example, a damaged key. However, the most common issues require a locksmith to fix.
Wiring Problems
When you hit the lock button on your key fob, it sends an electrical signal to a solenoid within the door of your car. The solenoid transforms the electronic signal to an action that is mechanical that, in this instance, moves a steel rod that used to require the turning of a key in the traditional lock. If the solenoid malfunctions it will be difficult to open your car door.
Your car's electrical system has an intricate network of wires running throughout the exterior and interior of your vehicle, and even the simplest power door locks are composed of many interconnected components. The electrical connection that relays lock/unlock instructions to the actuator could fail due to a variety of reasons.
Fuses are among the most common electrical issues that car owners face, and the fuse relating to your door lock's power may have been blown. Look through the owner's manual for an illustration that can help you identify the fuse responsible, then replace it and try the door lock again.
The mechanical component of your door lock's power is also susceptible to wear and tear. It is a complicated assembly of cables, gears and a motor, all of which can fail or be unbalanced. The latch may be damaged due to physical damage or a failed attempt to jimper the lock to open.
It's important to know that a majority of the common problems that arise with your door locks powered by electricity can be fixed without having to take your vehicle to a shop. You can use a voltmeter to examine and troubleshoot any wiring that may be the cause of the issue. Regularly checking and the lubrication of your door lock components can help prevent wear and tear. If you're still having trouble with your door lock's power call a professional for assistance. A skilled mechanic has the tools and experience to complete the repair quickly. In most cases, the repair will be covered under your manufacturer warranty. In certain cases the broken lock may be too far gone and you'll have to replace the actuator or the entire mechanism for the door latch.
Stuck Latch
A latch that is stuck is one of the most common reasons for a door lock to fail. When this happens, it indicates that the latch's metal is not falling into the the strike plate properly and this causes friction between the two. This can happen due to various factors, including wood expansion and moisture. You should be able to solve this issue by doing some basic troubleshooting.
Examine the latch to determine if it's the latch and not the handle or the keyed cylinder. If it's the latch, you can try a few different methods to solve it. Start with a screwdriver and push the latch into its final position. This is easier than attempting to use credit cards as the screwdriver will fit in the space the latch is situated in.
You may also want to try lubricating the latch. This is a simple fix that you can do using WD-40. You can make use of the straw that comes with the can to spray the lubricant into the latch. You should feel the latch loosen and move once you've done this.
If the lubricant doesn't work, you can try using needle-nose pliers and then jiggle the mechanism. This could help break up any rust causing the latch not to fall into place properly. If the pliers don't work, you may need to replace the latch.
The latch can also become stuck due to structural damage. The repeated slamming of the latch can damage and warp parts of the mechanism. This is particularly applicable to the metal connecting rods which control the movement of the latch. This may be a problem that requires the assistance of a professional to fix.
Lock Cylinder
The lock cylinder is where the keys are inserted to unlock the trunk or door. It's the place where a lot of wear and tear can happen. If the doors of your car aren't locking, the cylinder may be blocked and requires oiling to resolve the issue. Spray brake cleaner on the cylinder to get rid of any dirt and grime. Place a thin strip like white grease, of lubricant in the keyhole. You could also use WD-40 which is an extended red straw that you can stick directly into the keyhole. You can also spray a little more lubricant in the hole and turn the key a few times to spread it out and make sure that everything is well-oiled.
Cylinder locks are also prone to a problem known as "lock snapping." This occurs when the notches in your keys wear out or aren't the right height and position to trigger the pin tumblers inside the cylinder to move upwards and downwards. This creates an opening between the pins on the upper and lower sides that prevents the cylinders from moving when they are inserted into the trunk or door lock. This can be a huge deal, as it means you won't be able to open your vehicle and will need to replace the cylinder.
A locked cylinder that is damaged can be a hassle to fix, but it's actually pretty easy. There's typically a screw with a flat surface that holds the cylinder and you can remove it with an screwdriver. After you've removed it put it away in a safe location to ensure that you don't lose it. Insert the key, and then switch it to the RUN, ACC or START positions depending on your vehicle's repair instructions. After that, remove the key. It should be possible to pull the old cylinder from the lock housing.
The only thing that is more difficult than lubricating the lock cylinder is getting it out of your car. To accomplish this, you'll need to take off the door panel (and possibly some other covers or panels) and then take off the screw that holds the cylinder. You'll then need to employ an awl or a pick to pry the lock cylinder free.
Lost Keys
It's terrifying to reach into your pocket or purse and discover that your keys aren't there. It is essential to always keep a spare car key on your person. Store it in a place where you or someone else is able locate it. It wasn't that long ago that losing keys to your car was not an problem. You could just call roadside assistance or a locksmith to open your door for you. The keys for modern vehicles are more expensive and more complicated.
There are many options you can take to try and get into your car when you lock your keys inside it, but you should always use caution as some methods aren't always safe. For instance, if you have a pet or a child in the vehicle with you, you should never try to break the window to get them out, as this is dangerous and can cause automobile door locks further damage to your vehicle. If you don't have a slim jim you should not try to unlock your car's locks with pliers or screwdrivers because this could cause further damage.
A locksmith can also make an extra key that is easily accessible. They can put it in a spot where you or someone you trust will be able to locate it, and you should keep the spare in your car so that you can quickly get into your car when you need to.
In some instances, if you've lost your keys and it's a newer model that has chip inside A professional locksmith may need to open your car and rekey your locks or build you a completely new key from scratch. This is a very complex process that can cost hundreds of dollars. However, if you find a replacement chipped key on the internet, you may be able to save money by getting this and hiring a professional locksmith to install it in your vehicle for you.