Car Door Lock Repairs
The door lock on your car is an essential part of its overall security. If the door lock on your car is broken or does not work correctly, you must have it repaired by an expert.
There are a few car door locks that can be fixed by a mechanic for instance, a broken key. The most common issues can be solved by a locksmith.
Wiring Issues
When you hit the lock key on your key fob it sends a message to a solenoid on the door of your car. The solenoid transforms the electronic signal to a mechanical action that, in this instance, moves a rod made of steel, which used to require the turning of a key in the traditional lock. It is sometimes difficult to unlock the car door if the solenoid fails.
Even the most basic door lock that is powered by electricity is made of multiple interconnected components. The electrical connection that relays instructions to unlock and lock the actuator can fail for many reasons.
Fuses are among the most frequently encountered electrical issues in cars and the fuse connected to your door locks powered by electricity might have been blown. Look through the owner's manual for diagrams that can aid you in identifying the fuse that is responsible to blow, then replace it and test the door lock again.
The mechanical part of your power door locks is also susceptible to wear and wear and tear. It is a complicated assembly of cables and gears, and a motor that can malfunction or get disaligned. The latch itself could be damaged through physical damage or failure to open the lock or the normal use that all automotive components have to endure.
The good news is that the most frequent problems with your door locks with power can often be fixed without having to bring your vehicle to a repair shop. You can diagnose the issue with a voltmeter, and also inspect and fix any wiring that could be causing the problem. Regularly inspecting and lubricating parts of the door lock will keep them from tearing and wear. Consult a professional if still having problems with your power door lock. A skilled mechanic will have the tools and experience to finish the repair in a short time. In most cases, your warranty from the manufacturer will cover the repair. In some instances, your broken lock will be too far gone and you will need to replace the actuator or the entire door latch mechanism.
Stuck Latch
A stuck latch is the most frequent reason for a door lock failure. This happens when the latch is not inserted into the strike plate's hole properly, causing friction. This could be due to a variety of factors including wood expansion and moisture. This problem can be resolved by performing a few simple troubleshooting.
Check to see if it's the latch and not the handle or the keyed cylinder. If it's the latch, then you can try a few different methods to solve it. Start by putting the latch in position with the help of a screwdriver. This is easier than trying to use credit cards as the screwdriver is able to fit in the space the latch sits in.
You might also try making sure the latch is lubricated. It is easy to solve this issue using WD-40. The can usually includes a straw you can stick in the hole of the nozzle so that you can spray the lubricant directly into the latch. After you've done this you should be able to feel the latch moving and loosen.
If the lubricant does not work, then you could try using needle-nose pliers to move the mechanism back and forward. This will help eliminate any rust that is causing the latch to not slide into place correctly. If the pliers don't work, you may have to replace the latch.
Structural damage can also cause the latch to become stuck. The repeated slamming of the latch can cause damage and warping to parts of the mechanism. This is particularly true for the rods of connecting metal that are 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 you insert your keys to open a door or trunk. It's also where the most wear and tear can occur. If your car's doors aren't locking, the cylinder could be blocked and requires lubrication to fix the problem. Spray brake cleaner on the cylinder to get rid of any dirt and grime. Then, place the lubricant in a thin strip, like white grease, into the keyhole. You could also make use of WD-40 which includes a long, skinny straw in red that you can stick straight into the keyhole. You can spray more fluid into the hole and then turn the key around a few times. This will ensure that everything is 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 in the cylinder to move upwards and downwards. This creates a gap between the pins on the upper and lower that prevents the cylinder from moving when inserted into the door or trunk lock. This could be a major problem, as you will not be able to open your vehicle. You will also need to replace the cylinder.
It's not a big deal to fix an seized lock cylinder. You can remove the flat screw that holds the cylinder in position using the help of a screwdriver. Once you have the screw out, put it somewhere safe to ensure that you don't lose it. Insert the key, and then switch it to the RUN, ACC or START positions according to the repair instructions for your vehicle. After you've done that, take out the key. You should be able to pull the old cylinder from the lock housing.
The only thing more difficult than lubricating the lock the cylinder is removing it of your vehicle. To do this you will have to remove the door panel, and possibly other panels or covers. Then, you need to remove the screw holding the cylinder in place. You'll need to employ an awl or a pick to get the lock cylinder off.
Lost Keys
It's terrifying to look in your purse or pocket only to find that your keys aren't there. That's why it is so important to have an extra key on hand at all times, and to keep it in a location where you or someone else is able to retrieve it when required. Not so long ago the possibility of losing or misplacing your car keys wasn't really an issue. Contacting roadside assistance or an expert locksmith to unlock your car's door was not an issue. Now, though, cars are more advanced and keys have followed suit which means they are more expensive to replace if you lose keys.
You can try a few different methods to get back in your car when you've locked your keys inside, but be cautious as some are not safe. If you have a pet or a small child that is locked inside your car, you should not attempt to break the windows to open them. This is risky and could cause further damage to the vehicle. Likewise, if you don't have a slim jim, you shouldn't attempt to unlock your car's locks using screwdrivers or pliers because this could cause further damage.
electronic lock repair near me can also create an extra key that is easily accessible. They can install this in a location where you or someone you trust can locate it and keep the spare on hand to ensure that you are able to access your car when you need to.
In certain situations, if you've lost your keys and it's a newer model that has a chip in it, a professional locksmith may require you to open your vehicle and rekey your locks or create a new key from scratch. This is a more complicated process that can cost hundreds of dollars. If you can find an online replacement chipped key, you might be able save money by having a professional install it for you.