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How to Troubleshoot Door Lock Problems Before Calling a Mechanic Utilizing a lock pick made for specific use or a key opener could assist. You can also spray linseed, or penetrating oils into the lock in order to make it lubricated and move freely again. However, it is not a task for the home-owner who isn't a professional and should be left to a licensed and certified locksmith. Here are four car door lock problems that they can fix: Power door locks don't work Door locks with power are useful but they also introduce more complex mechanisms into the car. This means that things could be faulty in many ways. If the door lock actuator doesn't work it could be a major issue that requires expert assistance. Before calling a mechanic, try some simple troubleshooting techniques. The first thing you need to check is the battery inside your key fob. If the battery is dying or close to death it could cause the locks to stop working. Replacing the battery is a relatively simple and inexpensive solution to this issue. A malfunctioning power actuator is a different issue. This is a frequent problem and is usually easy to diagnose. You can use a multimeter to check if 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 might be time to replace the actuator. You can also clean the contacts on the door lock actuator. It's a bit more complicated than cleaning a switch, but generally it works. To accomplish this, you'll have to remove the actuator from the door panel and take it off. There are usually bolts holding the exterior of the body of the lock together, so unscrew them and then remove the entire face of the lock actuator. After removing the actuator take care not to damage the rod connecting it to the locking mechanism. There are usually two more bolts on the inside of the door that keep the rod in place so be sure to unscrew those also. Once the rod is removed, you can examine the latch to ensure that it is aligned with the locking post. If not, you can insert a thin, long item between the lock and the door panel. This should release the locking mechanism, so you can unlock the door by hand. The key fob won't work. It can be quite frustrating when your car key fob doesn't work. There are a few ways to make it work again. First, you can try changing the battery. This is a simple step that can save you the cost of having to replace your device completely. You can find a number of helpful YouTube videos that demonstrate how to do this in a few easy steps. If this doesn't work, you may have to reprogram your fob. In most cases, this should be handled by an expert. It can be complicated because many modern cars come with security features that require to be properly configured. The fob could also be damaged. Physical force, water, or scratches on the circuit can cause damage. The damage is usually not visible and can only be detected by opening the fob up to look inside. You can check if there are any issues by examining the fob. Find indications of damage, such as cracks on the circuit board or tiny electronic components that aren't fully attached to circuit board. You can also open the fob to take out the battery and have a closer look. It is possible to pry most fobs open using a flathead, however certain ones require special tools and equipment that are only available at the dealer. If the fob doesn't work If the fob doesn't work, try opening your car's doors using the physical key. If the physical key isn't able to unlock your car, it may be time to call a locksmith or visit an authorized service center for more extensive repair. A damaged ignition cylinder could be the reason for your key fob not turning on or starting your vehicle. This is a very costly fix and should be left to experts. If the key fob works fine with the door locks, it should still be able to start the car using its inductive backup system. The lock is jammed. If you cannot turn your lock it is most likely that something is blocking the mechanism. It could be as straightforward as the tumblers getting blocked by rust or dirt or the pins are stuck in a partially raised position. First, lubricate your lock mechanism. Spray a dry lubricant like RP7 or graphite spray into the keyway, and then insert the key a few times to remove any debris stuck in the lock cylinder. This will also lubricate and protect the mechanism. You can also employ brake cleaner to lubricate the lock cylinder parts and remove any grime or rust that could be obstructing the tumblers. You can buy brake cleaning fluid in the majority of home improvement stores or at auto supply stores. Be sure to not make use of products that contain oil, such as WD-40 since they can cause clogging of the mechanism over time. Another common problem that can cause your door locks to jam is that the frame of the door has shifted over time due weather and temperature changes. This could cause the latch or deadbolt on the door to no longer line up correctly with the hole in the frame of the door. It is possible to fix this issue by tightening the hinges on the door and replacing any damaged or loosened screws. It is always a good idea to check the condition of your door locks on a regular basis. This will prevent them from getting damaged or jammed and save you the time and expense of calling a locksmith assistance. Don't hesitate to contact your local mechanic of choice in the event that you encounter an unlocked or broken door lock. They'll be able to identify the problem quickly and recommend the best solution. 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 jammed. Stuck locks are a frustrating, but often unavoidable part of owning a car. Whether the lock is locked but not in a secure position, or doesn't turn at all, you're likely need to take action sooner rather than later, before your issue gets worse. There are fortunately a couple of quick and simple fixes that can help to get out of this difficult situation. Start by examining the lock to find out what is preventing its operation. A screw or a foreign object could have loosened. You can fix either of these problems by cleaning the lock or tightening the screws. You could also straighten or repair the ball bearings of your lock if they're damaged or warped because of repeated use. A damaged lock could be the reason for an unlocked lock. It isn't responsive to moving the knob. If your lock stops turning when you move it around, it's likely time to replace it and ensure that it's properly keyed. If your lock is truly stuck and no amount of wriggling, or spraying with oil seems to resolve the issue, you'll have to call a professional locksmith for help. They have the knowledge and tools to safely remove the lock that is stuck, without causing damage to your car or door. Sometimes, the cylinder of the lock is broken. This can happen if the lock was forced open in the past or if there was a problem with the lock itself that was not repaired or replaced. lock repair should inspect your cylinder for signs of wear and corrosion regularly and replace the cylinder if necessary. This will ensure that your vehicle is as secure as possible. If the lock cylinder has been damaged or broken it could create a risk of serious danger for you and your passengers. Make sure you repair any damaged cylinders as quickly as you can.