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How to Troubleshoot Door Lock Problems Before Calling a Mechanic You can also use a lock pick or key opener to help. You can also spray penetrating oil or linseed oils into the lock to help lubricate it and allow it to move freely again. It is best to delegate it to a certified, licensed locksmith. Here are four most frequent car door lock problems that they'll fix for you: Power door locks don't work The power door locks are useful, but they also introduce more complex mechanisms into the vehicle. That means that there are a lot more ways for things to go wrong as well. If your door lock actuator isn't working, it can be a serious issue that requires professional help to fix. Before calling a mechanic, try some simple troubleshooting methods. Check the battery on your key fob. If the battery is dying or close to death it will cause the locks to cease working. This problem can be easily and inexpensively resolved by replacing the battery. A defective power actuator is a different issue. This is a very common issue that is generally straightforward to identify. You can utilize a digital multimeter check if the actuator is receiving power or not. If power is present however the actuator does not respond when you hit the button for locking doors, then it could be time to replace the actuator. You can also clean the contacts on the door lock actuator. It's a little more difficult than cleaning a switch, however it often is successful. To do this, you'll need to remove the actuator from the door panel and take it apart. Unscrew the bolts holding the exterior section of lock body together, and then remove the entire lock actuator face. After taking the actuator off, be careful not cause damage to the rod that connects it to the locking mechanism. There are typically two additional bolts on the inside of the door that keep the rod in place so be sure to unscrew them also. Once the rod is disconnected, you can open the door and examine the latch to make sure it's aligned correctly with the locking post. If not, insert a thin, long item between the lock and door panel. This should release the locking mechanism so you can unlock the door by hand. The key fob doesn't work If your car key fob isn't working, it could be a frustrating experience. There are several things you can do to get it working again. First, replace the battery. This is a simple step that could save you the expense of having to replace your fob completely. YouTube has a number helpful videos that will show you how to accomplish this in just a few easy steps. If this doesn't work, you may need to re-program your fob. In the majority of cases, this can be handled by a professional. 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. Damage can occur for a number of reasons, such as water, physical force, or scratches on the circuit board. This damage is often not obvious and can only be discovered by opening the fob up to look inside. You can determine if there are any issues by inspecting the fob. Check for indications of damage like cracks on the circuit board or tiny electronic components that are not fully attached to circuit board. You can also open the fob to remove the battery and take a more detailed look. By using a flathead screwdriver you can typically break open most fobs and gain access to the battery, however some require specialized tools or equipment only available at the dealership of your car. If the fob does not work, you can try opening your car's doors using a physical key. If your key's physical counterpart doesn't unlock your car, you might need to contact an expert locksmith for more extensive repairs or visit an authorized service center. If the key fob will not turn on or turn your car on It could be due to a malfunctioning ignition cylinder. This is usually a very expensive fix, so it's recommended to leave it to a professional. However, if the key fob works perfectly with the door locks, it should be able to start the car through its inductive backup system. The lock is jammed If your lock won't turn even when you try to insert the key, there is likely something jamming the mechanism. It could be a simple as the tumblers are clogged with dirt or rust or it could be that the pins inside are stuck in an elevated position. g28carkeys.co.uk to do is to grease the mechanism of the lock. Spray a dry lubricant, such as RP7 spray or graphite aerosol, into the keyway. Insert the key a couple of times to release any debris stuck in the lock cylinder. This will also help in lubricating the mechanism and help prevent future problems. You can also employ brake cleaner to lubricate parts of the lock cylinder, and also remove any grime or rust that could be obstructing the tumblers. You can purchase brake cleaning fluid from most auto store or home improvement stores. Be sure to not use oil-based products such as WD-40 since they can keep clogging the mechanism over time. The frame of the door may be shifting due to temperature and weather changes. This can cause the latch or deadbolt on the door to not align properly with the hole in the door frame. It is easy to solve this problem by tightening the hinges on the door and replacing any broken or stripped screws. Monitoring the condition of your locks is a good idea. This will help prevent them from becoming damaged or jammed, which will save your time and money by not needing to call a locksmith. If you find that you've locked your car or have a broken door lock do not hesitate to contact your local mechanic who you trust to seek advice and assistance. They'll be able to quickly diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of action. No matter if you're seeking an easy solution to your power doors or have a more serious issue, they'll be more than happy to assist! The lock is stuck. Locks stuck in lock positions can be a gruelling and often inevitable part of owning a car. If the lock is locked in an unlocked position, or doesn't turn at all, you're likely need to take action earlier rather than later, before your issue gets worse. Fortunately, there are a few quick and easy solutions that will get you out of this sticky situation. Begin by looking at the lock to determine what is blocking its proper operation. A screw or foreign object could have become loose. You can fix one or both of these problems by cleaning the lock or tightening the screws. You can also attempt to straighten or fix the ball inside your lock, if they're damaged or warped due to prolonged use. A worn-out lock could be the cause of an unlocked lock. It isn't responsive to the jiggling. If your lock isn't turning when you twist the knob, it's likely time to replace it and ensure that it's properly keyed with the other doors. If your lock is stuck and no amount of wriggling or spraying with oil seems to resolve the issue, you'll likely have to call a professional locksmith for help. They have the expertise and tools to safely take out locks that are stuck without causing damage to your car or door. In some instances the cylinder of the lock is actually broken. This could happen when the lock was forced open prior to the incident, or if a lock problem was not repaired. It is recommended to inspect your cylinder frequently for signs of corrosion or wear and replace it if necessary. This will help to ensure that your car is as safe as it can be. If the lock cylinder has been damaged or cracked it could create a risk of serious danger to you and your passengers. Therefore, make sure you have any damaged cylinders repaired in the earliest time possible.