Car Door Lock Repairs
The door lock of your car is an essential element of its overall security. If the door lock on your vehicle is damaged or doesn't function properly, you should have it repaired by an expert.
There are a few door locks for cars that could be fixed by a professional mechanic, such as a broken key. The most common issues can be fixed by a locksmith.
Wiring Issues
When you hit the lock key on your key fob it sends a message to a solenoid inside your car's door. This solenoid converts the electronic signal into a mechanical. In this instance it turns an iron rod that used to require the use of a key to open the traditional lock for cars. It can be difficult to open the car door if the solenoid is not working.
Even the most basic power door lock is composed of multiple interconnected components. The electrical connection that relays instructions for locking and unlocking from the actuator to the car's interior and exterior is susceptible to failure due to many reasons.
Fuses are one of the most common electrical problems in cars. Your power door locks fuse might have blown. Go through your owner's manual to find an illustration that can assist you in identifying the fuse that is responsible, then replace it and try the door lock again.
The mechanical part of your power door locks is also susceptible to wear and wear and tear. It's a complicated system of cables, gears and an electric motor, all of which can break down or become disaligned. The latch itself could be damaged through physical damage or failure to open the lock, or simply the daily use that all automotive components have to endure.
The good news is that the most common issues involving your door locks that are powered by electricity are often fixed without having to take your vehicle to repair shops. You can use a voltmeter to troubleshoot and inspect any wiring that may be the cause of the problem. Regularly inspecting and lubricating door lock's components will help prevent wear and tears. Contact a professional if you're still experiencing issues with your power door lock. A specialist in car repairs will have the tools and skills to perform the repair quickly and efficiently. In most instances, the repair is covered by your warranty from the manufacturer. In certain cases the broken lock may be beyond repair and you will need to replace the actuator or the entire door latch mechanism.
Stuck Latch
A latch that is stuck is among the most common causes for the door lock to fail. When this happens, it indicates that the metal latch isn't slipping into the hole of the strike plate properly and this causes friction between the two. This could be due to many factors like moisture and expansion of wood. You should be able to solve this issue with some simple troubleshooting.
Check to see if it's the latch and not the handle or the keyed cylinder. If it's the latch, you can try several different methods to fix it. Start with a screwdriver and push the latch into its final position. This is less difficult than trying to use a credit card as the screwdriver is able to fit in the space the latch is situated in.
You may also want to try making sure the latch is lubricated. It is easy to solve this issue using WD-40. You can use the straw that comes with the can to spray the lubricant on the latch. Once you have completed this process, you should be able feel the latch move and loosen.
If the lubricant does not work, you can try using needle-nose pliers and then jiggle the mechanism. This could help break up any rust that is causing the latch to not fall into position correctly. If the pliers do not work, you may have to replace the latch.
A structural issue can cause the latch to become stuck. A constant slamming on the door can warp and damage the parts of the mechanism, especially the metal connecting rods that control the latch's movement. This could be a issue that requires the help of a professional to resolve.
Lock Cylinder
The lock cylinder is where the keys fit in to unlock the trunk or door. It's also where the most wear and tear can occur. If your car's doors aren't locking, the cylinder could be jammed and requires Lubrication to solve the issue. To lubricate the cylinder first spray brake cleaner in it to get rid of any dirt or grime. Then, put a thin strip of lubricant like white grease into the keyhole. You can also make use of WD-40 that includes an extremely long, narrow straw in red that you can stick directly into the keyhole. Spray some oil into the hole and then turn the key a few times. This will ensure that everything is oiled.
Cylinder locks may also be prone to a problem known as "lock snapping." This occurs when the notches on your keys wear out, or aren't the right height or location to trigger the pin tumblers in the cylinder to move upwards and downwards. This causes an opening between the lower and upper pins that stop the cylinder from moving when inserted into the door or trunk lock. This could be a huge issue, since you will not be able to open your vehicle. Also, you will need to replace the cylinder.
A locked cylinder that is damaged can be a hassle to deal with but it's actually easy. There's typically a screw with a flat surface that keeps the cylinder in place and you can take it off it with a screwdriver. Once you've got the screw loose be sure to put it in a safe location to ensure that you don't lose it. Then insert the key and switch it to the ACC RUN, ACC START position, depending on the repair instructions for your specific vehicle. Once you've completed this, take out the key and you should be capable of pulling the cylinder that was previously in the lock housing.
The only thing harder than lubricating the lock cylinder is getting it out of your vehicle. To do this you will have to take off the door cover and maybe other covers or panels. Then, remove the screw holding the cylinder in place. You'll then need to use an awl or awl to pry the cylinder out of its lock housing.
Lost Keys
It's terrifying to look in your purse or pocket only to find that your keys aren't there. This is why it's important to keep an extra key in your bag at all times, and to keep it in a location where you or someone else will be in a position to retrieve it when needed. In the past, misplacing-or even losing-your car keys was not an issue. car door locks repair could simply call locksmith or roadside assistance to open your door for you. The keys to modern cars are more expensive as well as more complex.
There are a variety of different methods to gain access back into your car when you've locked your keys inside, but be cautious because some methods aren't safe. For instance, if you have a child or pet locked in the car with you, you shouldn't try to break the window to let them out because this is risky and could cause further damage to your vehicle. If you don't have a slim Jim, don't attempt to open the lock of your car using screwdrivers or pliers as this can cause more damage.
Another way to prevent locking your keys in the car is to have a locksmith make you a spare that can be always accessible. They can install this in a location where you or someone you trust can find it and you should keep the spare on hand so that you can quickly access your car when needed.
If you lose your keys, and it's a different model with a chip, a locksmith might have to open your vehicle and rekey your locks, or create a new key. This is a more difficult process that can cost hundreds of dollars. However, if you can locate a replacement chipped key online, you might be saving money by getting this and having a professional locksmith install it in your car for you.