Car Door Lock Repairs: What No One Is Talking About
Wiki Article
Car Door Lock Repairs
The door lock of your car is a vital part of the overall security of your car. If the lock on your car's door is broken or not functioning correctly, it must be repaired by a professional.
There are some door locks for cars that could be fixed by a mechanic, such as a broken key. However, the most prevalent issues require a locksmith to solve.
Wiring Problems
When you press the lock key on your key fob, it sends a message to a solenoid in your car's door. The solenoid converts your electronic signal into a mechanical. In this instance it is moving a steel rod which used to require a key to turn in a traditional car lock. It is sometimes difficult to open the car door when the solenoid is not working.
Your car's electrical system has a vast network of wires running throughout the exterior and interior of your vehicle. even the most basic power door locks consist of a variety of interconnected parts. The electrical connection that relays instructions to unlock and lock the actuator may fail due to various reasons.
Fuses are among the most frequently encountered electrical issues that car owners face and the fuse connected to your door locks powered by electricity could have blown. Check your owner's manual for a diagram that will assist you in identifying the fuse responsible, then replace it and try your door lock again.
The mechanical part of your door lock is also prone to wear and wear and tear. It's a complicated system of cables and gears, and motors that may fail or get disaligned. The latch can be damaged due to physical damage or by a failed attempt at jimmying the lock open.
The good news is that the most frequent issues with your door locks that are powered by electricity can be resolved without having to bring your vehicle to repair shops. You can identify the issue using a voltmeter, as well as examine and repair any wiring that might be the cause of the issue. Regularly checking and the lubrication of your door lock components can help prevent wear and tear. Contact a professional if you're still experiencing issues with your door lock's power. A skilled mechanic has the tools and experience to finish the repair in a short time. In most instances, the warranty of your manufacturer will cover the repair. In some cases the broken lock may be too far gone and you'll need to replace the actuator or the entire door latch mechanism.
Stuck Latch
A latch that is stuck is one of the most common causes for the door lock to fail. When this happens, it indicates that the latch's metal isn't fitting into the hole of the strike plate properly and this creates friction between the two. This can be caused by various factors, including wood expansion or moisture. This issue can be solved by performing a few simple 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 couple of different options to fix the issue. Start by using a screwdriver to push the latch into its final position. This is much easier than using a credit card as the screwdriver is able to fit into the space that the latch is placed in.
It is also possible to lubricate the latch. This is a quick fix you can make by using WD-40. You can make use of the straw that comes with the can to spray the lubricant on the latch. After you've completed this process, you should be able feel the latch move and loosen.
If the lubricant does not work, then you can try using needle-nose pliers to jiggle the mechanism back and forth. This will help break up any rust that's causing the latch to not drop into place properly. If the pliers don't work, you may have to replace the latch.
A structural issue can cause the latch to become stuck. A constant slamming on the door could cause warping and damage the parts of the mechanism, particularly the metal connecting rods that are responsible for the latch's movement. This could be a issue that requires the help of a specialist to fix.
Lock Cylinder
The lock cylinder is where the keys go to unlock the door or trunk. It's also where the most wear and tear can occur. If you're having trouble with your car doors not locking, it could be that the cylinder is jammed and needs to be lubricated to resolve the issue. Spray brake cleaner onto the cylinder to clean it of dirt and grime. Then, you can stick a thin piece of lubricant, like white grease, into the keyhole. You can also use WD-40 which includes the long red straw that you can put directly into the keyhole. You can also spray a little more lubricant into the hole and turn the key several times to spread it around and make sure everything is oil-free.
The pin tumblers within the cylinder may also snap if the notches on your keys are worn or aren't at the right height or in the correct position to cause them to move upwards and down. This creates an opening between the pins on the upper and lower sides which prevents the cylinders from moving when they are inserted into the door lock or trunk. This can be a huge issue, since it means that you will not be able to open your vehicle and will require replacing the cylinder.
A locked cylinder that's seized can be a pain to deal with, but it's actually pretty simple. There's usually a flat screw that holds the cylinder and you can take it off it using a screwdriver. Once you've got the screw loose, put it somewhere safe to ensure that you don't lose it. Insert the key, and then change it to either the RUN, ACC or START positions depending on the repair instructions of your vehicle. Once you've completed this, remove the key. You should be able to remove the old cylinder from the lock housing.
The only thing harder than lubricating the lock cylinder is getting it out of your car. To accomplish this, you'll need to remove the door panel (and perhaps other panels or covers) and then remove the screw that holds the cylinder in place. Then you'll need to use an awl or awl to remove the cylinder from its housing for the lock.
Lost Keys
It's a frightening feeling when you reach into your pocket or purse and discover that your keys are not there. That's why it is so important to have an extra key in your bag at all times, and to keep it somewhere that you or someone else will be in a position to retrieve it when required. It wasn't too long ago that losing your car keys was not an problem. You could just call locksmith or roadside assistance and they'll unlock your door for you. The keys for modern cars are more expensive as well as more complicated.
There are a number of ways you can try to gain entry into your car when you put your keys in it, here but you should be aware that some methods aren't always secure. For example, if you have a small pet or child locked in the car with you, you should never try to break the window to let them out as this is dangerous and could cause further damage to your vehicle. If you don't own a slim Jim, you shouldn't try to pick the lock of your vehicle using screwdrivers or pliers since this can cause further damage.
Another method to avoid locking your keys inside the car is to have a locksmith make you a spare that can be readily accessible at all times. They can install this in a location where you or someone you trust can locate it, and you should keep the spare on hand to be able to quickly get into your car when necessary.
If you lose your key and it's a newer model with a chip, a locksmith might have to open your vehicle and rekey the locks or create a new key. This is a more complicated process that could cost you hundreds of dollars. However, if you find a replacement chipped key online, you might be in a position to save money by purchasing this and having a professional locksmith install it in your car for you.