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How to Troubleshoot Door Lock Problems Before Calling a Mechanic You can use a lock pick or key opener to aid. You can also spray linseed, or penetrating oils into the lock in order to lubricate and make it move freely again. But, it's not a project for the average homeowner, and it is best left to a licensed and certified locksmith. Here are four common door lock car repair problems that they'll fix for you: Power door locks don't work Power door locks offer excellent convenience, but they add a lot of more complicated mechanisms to the car. This also means that things can fail in many ways. If your door lock actuator doesn't work it could be a major issue that needs professional help. But, before you call for help from a professional it's a good idea to try some basic troubleshooting methods. Examine the battery in your key fob. If the battery is dying or is close to dying, it will cause the locks to not work. This issue can be easily and cheaply solved by replacing the battery. Another possible issue is that the power actuator itself might be faulty. This is a frequent issue and is typically easy to diagnose. You can test with a multimeter if the power is reaching or not. If it is and the actuator isn't responding to the door lock button and it's time to replace it. You could also try to clean the contacts in the door lock actuator. This is a bit more involved than simply cleaning the switch, but it's often enough to solve the problem. To accomplish this, you'll need remove the actuator from the door panel and then take it off. Unscrew the bolts holding the exterior section of lock body and remove the entire lock actuator face. After you've removed your actuator, it's important to be cautious not to scratch 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, so be sure to unscrew the bolts too. Once the rod is removed, you are able to inspect the latch and ensure that it is aligned to the locking post. If it's not an option, you can utilize a thin, long object to place between the door panel and the lock. This should release the locking mechanism so you can open the door manually. The key fob isn't working. It can be a hassle when your car's key fob isn't working. There are a few things you can try to make it work. First, change the battery. This simple action could help you avoid having to purchase a brand new fob. You can find a number of helpful YouTube videos that will show you how to do this in a couple of easy steps. If this doesn't work, you may have to reprogram the fob. In the majority of cases, this can be done by an expert. It can be difficult, as newer cars come with security features that need to be configured correctly. Another possibility is that your fob has been damaged. It could be damaged due to various reasons, such as water, physical force, or scratches on the circuit board. Most of the time, the damage is not obvious and can only be diagnosed by opening up the fob to inspect inside. You can check for these issues by examining the fob for indications of damage, including cracks on the circuit board, teeny electronic components that are not connected to the circuit board, or loose buttons. You can also try to open up the fob and take out the battery for a closer inspection of the connections. auto door lock repair near me G28 can pry the fobs using a flathead, however certain ones require special tools and equipment that is only available at the dealership. If the fob isn't working, you can try opening your car's doors using a physical key. If the physical key doesn't unlock your car, it may be time to contact a locksmith or visit the service center for more serious repair. A malfunctioning ignition cylinder may be the reason for your key fob not turning on or starting your car. This is a costly fix and should be left to experts. If the key fob works with the door locks, it should be possible to start your vehicle using the inductive backup system. The lock is jammed If you are unable to turn your lock it is likely that something is blocking the mechanism. It could be a simple as the tumblers are clogged with dirt or rust or it could be that the pins inside are stuck in a partially raised position. First, you must lubricate your lock mechanism. Spray an oil-based dry lubricant, such as RP7 or graphite spray in the keyway and then insert the key a few times to remove any debris that has gotten stuck in the lock cylinder. This will also help to lubricate the mechanism and avoid future problems. You can also employ brake cleaner to lubricate parts of the lock cylinder, and also remove any grime or rust that could be obstructing the tumblers. You can buy brake cleaning fluid at most auto supply or home improvement stores. It is recommended to avoid oil-based products like WD-40 since they can block the brake mechanism over time. Another issue that could cause the door locks to become jammed is that the frame of the door has shifted in time due to temperature and weather changes. This can cause the latch or deadbolt on the door to not line up correctly with the hole in the frame of the door. It is easy to fix this issue by tightening the hinges on the door and replacing any damaged or stripped screws. It's always recommended to inspect the condition of your door locks on a regular basis. This will prevent them from being damaged or jammed, which will save your time and money by not having to contact a locksmith. Don't hesitate to call your local mechanic of choice if you find yourself with an unlocked or broken door lock. They'll be able to identify the problem quickly and recommend the best option. They'll be glad to assist you, whether you need an immediate fix for your power doors or having a more serious problem. The lock is jammed. Locks that are stuck are a frustrating, but often unavoidable part of owning a car. If the lock is locked but not in a secure position, or won't turn in any way, you're likely to want to address it sooner rather than later before your problem worsens. There are some quick and easy solutions that can help you get out of this difficult situation. Begin by looking at the lock to determine what is preventing its operation. Sometimes, a foreign object could be stuck in the lock or a screw has become loose. You can resolve either of these issues by cleaning the lock or tightening the screws. You can also straighten or fix the balls of your lock if they are warped or deformed due to repeated use. A worn-out lock could be the cause of a jammed lock. It won't respond to jiggling. If your lock stops turning when you jiggle it, it is likely time to replace the lock and ensure that it's keyed correctly. If your lock is truly stuck, and no amount of wriggling, or spraying with fluid seems to fix the issue, you'll have to call an expert locksmith. They have the skills and tools to safely take out locks that are stuck, without causing damage to your car or door. Sometimes, the lock cylinder is broken. This could be the case if the lock was forced open in the previous, or if a lock issue was not addressed. You should check your cylinder for signs of wear and corrosion regularly, and replace the cylinder if needed. This will ensure that your car is as secure as it can be. And if the lock cylinder is cracked or damaged it could pose an extremely risk to the safety of your passengers and you. Make sure you repair any damaged cylinders as fast as you can.