Car Door Lock Repairs
The door lock of your car is an essential element of its overall security. If the lock on your car's door is broken or not functioning properly, it should be repaired by an expert.
Some door locks for cars can be fixed by mechanics. For instance broken keys. However, the most frequent problems require a locksmith to solve.
Wiring Issues
When you press the lock button on your key fob it sends a signal to a solenoid within your car door. The solenoid converts your electronic signal into a mechanical. In this instance, it moves a steel rod which was previously required a key to turn in a traditional car lock. When the solenoid fails it will be difficult to open your car door.
Even the most basic door lock powered by electricity is made up of a variety of interconnected parts. The electrical connection that relays instructions to unlock and lock the actuator may fail due to a variety of reasons.
Fuses are among the most common electrical issues in cars, and the fuse relating to your door lock's power could have failed. Go through your owner's manual to find an illustration that can aid you in identifying the fuse that is responsible replacing it, and test the door lock again.
The mechanical portion of your door lock's power is also prone to wear and tear. car door lock repair service near me is a complex assembly of cables, gears, and motors, all of which can be damaged or disaligned. The latch may be damaged by physical damage or a failed attempt to push the lock to open.
The good news is that the most common problems with your power door locks are often fixed without having to take your vehicle to repair shops. You can troubleshoot the problem by using a voltmeter as well as inspect and repair any wiring that may be the cause of the issue. Regularly checking and lubricating the door lock's components can help to keep them from tearing and wear. Contact a professional if you're still experiencing issues with your door lock's power. A qualified mechanic for cars will have the necessary tools and experience to complete the repair quickly. In most cases, the repair will be covered by your warranty from the manufacturer. In some instances the broken lock may be too damaged and you'll have 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 a door lock to fail. When this occurs it means that the latch's metal is not falling into the the strike plate correctly and this creates friction between the two. This could be due to various factors, such as moisture and wood expansion. 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 keyed cylinder. If it's the latch you can try a variety of different ways to fix it. Start by pushing the latch into the position using a screwdriver. This is less difficult than using credit card since the screwdriver will fit into the space that the latch is situated in.
You might also want to grease the latch. This is a simple fix that you can do using WD-40. The can usually has a straw that can be inserted into the hole of the nozzle to spray the lubricant directly on 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 can try using needle-nose pliers for jiggling the mechanism back and forth. This can help break up any rust causing the latch not to fall into position correctly. If the pliers fail to work, you may need to replace the latch.
The latch can also become stuck due to structural damage. The repeated slamming of the door can warp and damage parts of the mechanism, particularly the rods for connecting to the metal that are responsible for the latch's movement. This may be a problem that requires the help of a professional to fix.
Lock Cylinder
The lock cylinder is where your keys go to unlock the door or trunk. It's also where a lot wear and tear can happen. If you're experiencing issues with your car doors not locking, it could be that the cylinder is jammed, and needs to be lubricated in order to fix the issue. To lubricate your cylinder, first spray some brake cleaner in it to remove any dirt or grime. Then, place a thin strip of lubricant such as white grease into the keyhole. You could also make use of WD-40 which is a long red straw you can stick directly into the keyhole. You can also spray a bit more lubricant into the hole and turn the key several times to spread it around and ensure everything is oiled.
The pin tumblers within the cylinder may also snap if notches on your keys have worn out or aren't in the right height or in the correct position to cause them to move up and downward. This causes a gap between upper and lower pins which prevents the cylinders from moving when they are inserted into the trunk or door lock. This can be a huge deal, as it means you won't be able to open your car and will require replacing the cylinder.
It's not difficult to fix the seized lock cylinder. You can get rid of the screw with a flat head that holds the cylinder into position with a screwdriver. After you've removed it be sure to store it in a safe place so you don’t lose it. Then you can insert the key and turn it to the ACC RUN, ACC START position, based on the repair instructions for your particular vehicle. After this, remove the key. It should be possible to pull the old cylinder from the lock housing.
The most difficult thing about oiling your lock's cylinder getting it removed from your vehicle. To do this you will need to remove the door panel, and perhaps other covers or panels. Then, you need to remove the screw holding the cylinder in place. You'll then need to use a pick or awl to lift the cylinder out of its housing for the lock.
Lost Keys
It's a frightening feeling when you reach in your purse or pocket and discover 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 store it in a place where you or someone else will be able to retrieve it when required. Not so long ago, misplacing-or even losing-your keys to your car wasn't a big deal. You could simply call locksmith or roadside assistance and they'll open your door for you. Now, though, cars have become more technologically advanced and keys have also followed suit and are now more costly to replace in the event of losing them.
You can try a few different ways to get back into your vehicle after locking your keys inside, but be cautious as some are not safe. If you have a pet or small child that is locked inside your car, do not try to break the windows to release them. This is risky and could cause further damage to the vehicle. If you don't own a slim Jim, don't attempt to open the lock of your car using screwsdrivers or pliers, because this could cause further damage.
A locksmith may also create a spare key that is easily accessible. The locksmith can install it in a place that you, or someone you are confident in, will be able to locate. Always keep the spare key with you in order to quickly gain access your vehicle if needed.
In some instances, if you've lost your key and it's a newer model with chipped inside, a professional locksmith might need to open your car and rekey the locks, or create a new key from scratch. This is a much more complex process that can cost you hundreds of dollars. However, if you can find a replacement chipped key on the internet, you may be in a position to save money by getting this and having a professional locksmith install it in your car for you.