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How to Troubleshoot Door Lock Problems Before Calling a Mechanic You can also use a lock pick or key opener to assist. You can also squirt penetrating oil or linseed oil in the lock to help lubricate it and allow it to move freely again. It is best to delegate it to a certified and licensed locksmith. Here are four common car door lock problems that locksmiths can fix for you: Power door locks don't work Door locks with power offer excellent convenience, but they bring more complex mechanisms to the vehicle. That means that there are plenty of possibilities for things to go wrong, too. If your door lock actuator isn't working it could be a serious issue that requires expert assistance. Before you call a mechanic try these ways to troubleshoot. Check the battery on your key fob. If it's dead or nearly dead, it will result in the locks not to function. This problem can be easily and cheaply solved by replacing the battery. A defective power actuator is another possible problem. This is a typical issue and is usually easy to diagnose. You can make use of a digital multimeter to check if the actuator is receiving power or not. If it is but the actuator isn't responding to the door lock button, then it's likely time to replace it. It is also possible cleaning the contacts inside the door lock actuator. This is a little more complicated than just cleaning a switch however it's usually enough to solve the problem. To accomplish this, you'll have to remove the actuator from the door panel and then take it apart. Unscrew the bolts that hold the exterior part of the lock body together and then remove the entire face of the lock actuator. After you've removed the actuator, you must be cautious not to break the rod that connects it to the lock mechanism. There are typically two additional bolts on the inside of the door that hold the rod in place therefore, you must remove the bolts too. Once the rod is disconnected then you can open the door and inspect the latch to make sure it's aligned correctly with the locking post. If not, you can put a long, thin item between the lock and door panel. This should release any locking mechanism and you can open your door manually. The key fob isn't working. If your car key fob isn't working, it could be an extremely frustrating experience. There are several things you can try to make it work again. The first step is to change the battery. This is a straightforward step that could help you avoid the cost of having to replace the entire fob. YouTube has a number useful videos that will guide you through this in a couple of easy steps. If this isn't working, you might need to re-program your fob. In most cases, this should be done by a professional. It can be difficult since newer vehicles include security features that need to be set up correctly. Another possibility is that your fob is damaged. It could be damaged due to a number of reasons, such as water, physical force, or scratches on the circuit board. This type of damage is typically not obvious and can only be discovered by opening the fob up to inspect inside. You can check for these issues by looking at the fob for signs of damage, including cracks in the circuit board, teeny electronic components not fully attached to the circuit board or loose buttons. You can also try to open up the fob and remove the battery to get a closer look at the connections. By using a flathead screwdriver you can generally remove most fobs to gain access to the battery, but some require more specialized tools or equipment that can only be found at your car's dealership. You can also try using the physical key to open the doors of your car If the fob isn't working. If your key's physical counterpart cannot unlock your car, you may require contacting an expert locksmith for more extensive repairs or visit an authorized service center. A faulty ignition cylinder could be the cause for your key fob not turning on or even starting your vehicle. This is a costly fix and should be left to experts. If the key fob works fine with the door locks, it should still be capable of starting the vehicle using its inductive backup system. The lock is jammed. If you cannot turn your lock at all it is most likely that something is blocking the mechanism. It could be as simple as the tumblers becoming clogged by rust or dirt, or that the pins are stuck in a partially raised position. The first thing to do is to grease the mechanism of the lock. Spray a dry lubricant like RP7 or graphite spray into the keyway and then insert the key a few times to loosen any debris that has gotten stuck in the lock cylinder. lock repairs near me will also lubricate and protect the mechanism. You can also make use of brake cleaner to lubricate parts of the lock cylinder, and also remove any rust and grime that might be blocking the tumblers. You can purchase brake cleaning fluid at many home improvement stores or at auto supply stores. You should avoid using oil-based products like WD-40 since they can block up the brake mechanism over time. The door frame may have shifted due to temperature or changes in the weather. This can cause the deadbolt or latch on the door to no longer align properly with the hole in the door frame. This issue can be easily fixed by tightening hinges and reinstalling damaged or damaged screws. It's always an excellent idea to examine the condition of your door locks regularly. This will stop them from getting damaged or jammed, which will save your time and money by not having to call a locksmith. If you find that you have a locked vehicle or a damaged door lock do not hesitate to contact your local mechanic of choice to seek assistance and advice. They'll be able to quickly determine the cause and recommend the best solution. If you're looking for an easy solution to your power doors or have a more serious issue, they'll be glad to assist! The lock is jammed. Locks that are stuck are a frustrating and sometimes inevitable aspect of owning a vehicle. If your lock is stuck in an unlocked position, or won't turn in any way, you're likely to want to address it sooner rather than later before your issue gets worse. Fortunately, there are a few quick and easy fixes that can help to get out of this sticky situation. Begin by inspecting the lock and determining what's blocking it from working properly. A screw or other foreign object may have become loose. If one of these scenarios is the case, you may be able to resolve the issue by cleaning the lock or tightening the screw. You can also straighten or fix the balls of the lock if they've become bent or damaged from repeated use. Another common reason for a stuck lock is that it's worn out and not responding to jiggling. If your lock ceases to turn when you jiggle it, it is likely that you need to replace it and ensure that it's properly keyed. If your lock is stuck and nothing trying to wiggle it, spraying lubricant or adjusting the knob seems to help, you will likely need to contact an expert locksmith. They have the skills and tools to safely remove the lock that is stuck without causing any additional damage to your car or door. Sometimes, the cylinder in the lock is broken. This can happen when the lock was forced open in the past, or if there was an issue with the lock that was not repaired or replaced. You should check your cylinder for signs of wear and corrosion frequently and replace the cylinder if necessary. This will ensure that your vehicle is as safe as it can be. If the lock cylinder is damaged or broken, it can create a risk of serious danger for you and your passengers. Make sure you get any damaged cylinders repaired as soon as you can.