5 Car Door Lock Repairs Myths You Should Stay Clear Of
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 door lock on your car is damaged or isn't working properly, you should get it fixed by an expert.
There are a few door locks for cars that can be repaired by a mechanic, such as a broken key. The most common problems can be fixed by a locksmith.
Wiring Problems
When you press the lock key on your key fob, it sends a message to a solenoid in your car door. This solenoid translates the electronic signal into an action that is mechanical which is in this case, moving the rod of steel that was required the turning of a key in the traditional lock. When the solenoid fails, it can be hard to open the door of your car.
The electrical system in your car has an intricate system of wires that runs throughout the exterior and interior of your vehicle. even the most basic power door locks are made up of many interconnected components. The electrical connection that relays instructions for locking and unlocking to the actuator may fail due to various reasons.
Fuses are among the most frequent car electrical problems, and the fuse relating to your power door locks might have blown. There is a diagram in the owner's manual which will help you identify the fuse responsible. Replace it and then try to lock your door once more.
The mechanical component of your power door locks is also prone to wear and tear. It's a complicated system of gears and cables, as well as an engine that could malfunction or become disaligned. The latch can be damaged due to physical damage or a failed attempt at jimmying the lock to open.
It's good to know that a majority of the issues that occur that arise with your door locks powered by electricity can be fixed without having to take your vehicle to a shop. You can use a voltmeter to troubleshoot and inspect any wiring that may be the cause of the issue. Regular inspections and lubricating the parts of the door lock will help prevent wear and tears. If you're still experiencing issues with your door locks that are powered and need help, call a professional assistance. A specialist in car repair will have the tools and experience to fix the issue quickly and efficiently. In many cases, your warranty from the manufacturer will cover the repair. In some cases the lock that is damaged will be too damaged and you will need to replace the actuator or the entire door latch mechanism.
Stuck Latch
A stuck latch is among the most common causes for the door lock to fail. When this occurs it means that the metal latch isn't fitting into the hole of the strike plate correctly and this causes friction between the two. This can be caused by many factors like moisture and expansion of wood. You are likely to be able to resolve this issue with some simple troubleshooting.
Check to see if it's the latch and not the handle or keyed cylinder. If it is the latch, then you could try a few different things to resolve the issue. Start by putting the latch in the position using the help of a screwdriver. This is easier than attempting to use credit card since the screwdriver will fit in the space the latch is situated in.
You might also want to lubricate the latch. This is a quick fix you can make with some WD-40. The can typically has a straw that you can stick in the hole of the nozzle to spray the lubricant directly on the latch. Once you have completed this, you should be able feel the latch moving and loosen.
If the lubricant does not work, then you can try using needle-nose pliers to jiggle the mechanism back and forward. This could help break up any rust causing the latch to not fall into place properly. If the pliers fail to work, you may have to replace the latch.
The latch could be stuck due to structural damage. The repeated slamming of the door can warp and damage the parts of the mechanism, particularly the rods for connecting to the metal that are responsible for the latch's movement. This could be a problem requiring the assistance of a professional.
Lock Cylinder
The lock cylinder is where the keys are inserted to unlock the door or trunk. It's also where the most wear and tear can occur. If you're experiencing issues when your car doors aren't locking, it could be that the cylinder is jammed, and needs to be lubricated in order to fix the problem. Spray brake cleaner onto the cylinder to remove any dirt and grime. Then, put the lubricant in a thin strip like white grease into the keyhole. You could also use WD-40 that comes with an extremely long, narrow red straw that you can stick directly into the keyhole. You can also spray a bit more lubricant into the hole and turn the key a few times to spread it out and ensure everything is oiled.
The pin tumblers inside the cylinder can also snap, if the notches on your keys have worn out or aren't at the right height or in the correct position to cause them to move up and down. This creates a gap between the upper and lower pins that stop the cylinder from moving when inserted into the trunk or door lock. This could be a huge issue as you'll not be able open your vehicle. It is also necessary to replace the cylinder.
It's not a big deal to fix the locked cylinder that has become stuck. There's typically a screw that keeps the cylinder in place, and you can loosen it using the help of a screwdriver. After you've removed the screw, store it safely so that you don't lose it. Then, insert the key and change it to the ACC, RUN, or START position, depending on the repair instructions for your specific vehicle. Once you've done this, remove the key and you'll be able to pull the old cylinder out of the lock housing.
The most difficult thing about the process of lubricating the lock cylinder is taking it off your car. To do this, you'll have to take off the door panel (and possibly some other covers or panels) and then take off the screw that holds the cylinder. You'll then need read more to employ an awl or a pick to pry the lock cylinder out.
Lost Keys
It's a frightening feeling to reach into your purse or pocket and realize 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 is able to retrieve it when required. It wasn't too long ago that losing your car keys was not a big problem. You could simply call roadside assistance or a locksmith, and have them unlock your door for you. Today, however, vehicles have become more technologically advanced and keys have also changed too and are now more costly to replace in the event of losing keys.
There are a number of options you can take to try to gain entry into your car if you lock your keys inside it, but you must be aware that some of these methods are not always secure. If you have a pet or child locked in your car, do not try to break the windows to get them out. This is risky and could cause further damage to the vehicle. If you don't have a slim jim you should not try to unlock your car's locks using screwdrivers or pliers as it could cause more damage.
Another method to avoid locking your keys in the car is to have a locksmith design you a spare that will be readily accessible at all times. The locksmith can place it in a location that you, or someone else you are confident in, will be able to locate. You should always keep the spare key in your possession to allow quick access to your car if necessary.
If you lose your key and it's a different model with a chip, a locksmith may have to open your vehicle and rekey your locks, or make you a brand new key. This is a more complex process that can cost you hundreds of dollars. If you find an online replacement chipped key, you may be able save money by having a professional install it for you.