5 Laws Anybody Working In Car Door Lock Repairs Should Be Aware Of

Car Door Lock Repairs

The door lock of your car is an important component of the overall security. If the lock on your vehicle is damaged or does not work properly, you should have it fixed by an expert.

Some door locks for cars can be fixed by a mechanic. For instance, a broken key. The most common issues can be fixed by locksmiths.

Wiring Problems

When you hit the lock key on your key fob it sends a signal to a solenoid inside the door of your car. The solenoid converts the electronic signal into a mechanical action. In this case it is moving an iron rod that was previously required the use of a key to open the traditional lock for cars. When the solenoid fails it will be difficult to open the door of your car.

Even the most basic power door lock is composed of several interconnected components. The electrical connection that relays instructions for locking and unlocking from the actuator to the car's exterior and interior can fail for many reasons.

Fuses are among the most frequently encountered electrical issues in cars and the fuse that is connected to your door lock's power might have been blown. Go through your owner's manual to find an illustration that can aid you in identifying the cause of the problem, then replace it and test the door lock again.

The mechanical portion of your door lock's power source is also susceptible to wear and tear. It's a complicated system of gears and cables, and a motor that can malfunction or get disaligned. The latch could be damaged due to physical damage or by a failed attempt to jimper the lock to open.

The good news is that the most common issues with your door locks with power can be resolved without the need to bring your vehicle to a repair shop. You can troubleshoot the problem by using a voltmeter as well as inspect and repair any wiring that might be causing the problem. Regular inspections and lubricating the door lock components will help reduce wear and tear. If you're still having trouble with your power door locks, contact a professional for assistance. A specialist in car repair will have the tools and skills to fix the issue quickly and efficiently. In many instances, the warranty of your manufacturer will cover the repair. In certain cases the lock that is damaged will be too damaged and you'll need to replace the actuator or the entire mechanism for the door latch.

Stuck Latch

A stuck latch is the most frequent reason for failure of a door lock. When this happens, it indicates that the latch is not falling into the hole of the strike plate in a proper manner and this creates friction between the two. This could be due to a variety of factors including wood expansion and moisture. This problem can be resolved with some simple troubleshooting.

The first step is to ensure that it's the latch that is stuck rather than the handle or the cylinder that is keyed. If car key programming is the latch, then you could try a few different options to fix the issue. You can begin with a screwdriver and push the latch into its final position. This is much easier than using a credit card as the screwdriver will fit in the space the latch is placed in.

It is also possible to lubricate the latch. You can solve this issue using WD-40. You can make use of the straw that comes with the can to spray the lubricant onto the latch. You should feel the latch loosen and move around once you have completed this.

If the lubricant does not work, you can try using needle-nose pliers, and jiggle the mechanism. This will help break up any rust that is causing the latch to not slide into place properly. If the pliers do not work, then you may need to replace the latch entirely.


A structural issue can cause the latch to become stuck. Repeated slamming of the door can warp and cause damage to parts of the mechanism, especially the rods for connecting to the metal that are responsible for the latch's movement. This may be a problem that requires the assistance of a professional to fix.

Lock Cylinder

The lock cylinder is where your keys fit in to unlock the trunk or door. It's also the place where a lot of wear and tear can happen. If the doors of your car aren't locking, the cylinder could be blocked and require lubrication to fix the problem. Spray brake cleaner onto the cylinder to clean it of dirt and grime. Then, place a thin strip of lubricant like white grease into the keyhole. You could also use WD-40 which includes the long red straw that which you can insert directly into the keyhole. You could also spray a little more lubricant in the hole and turn the key several times to spread it out and make sure that everything is well-oiled.

The pin tumblers in the cylinder can also snap if the notches on your keys are worn out or aren't in the right height or in the correct position to cause them to move upwards and downward. This creates gaps between the upper and lower pins that prevents the cylinders from moving when they are inserted into the trunk lock or door lock. This could be a major issue, since you will not be able to open your vehicle. You will also need to replace the cylinder.

A locked cylinder that's seized can be a hassle to deal with however, it's actually quite easy. You can remove the screw with a flat head that holds the cylinder into its position by using a screwdriver. Once you have the screw out place it in a safe place to ensure that you don't lose it. Then, insert the key and turn it to the ACC, RUN, or START position, according to the repair instructions for your specific vehicle. Once you've completed this, remove the key, and you should be in a position to pull the old cylinder from the lock housing.

The only thing that is more difficult than lubricating the lock cylinder is taking it out of your car. To do this, you'll have to remove the door panel (and possibly some other covers or panels) and then remove the screw that holds the cylinder. You'll then need to use a pick or awl pry the cylinder out of its housing for the lock.

Lost Keys

It's a frightening feeling when you reach into your pocket or purse and discover that your keys are not there. This is why it's important to have a spare key with you at all times, and to keep it in a place where you or someone else will be in a position to retrieve it when needed. It wasn't long ago that misplacing or losing your car keys was not an problem. Contacting roadside assistance or an expert locksmith to open your car door was not a big deal. Nowadays, however, cars are more advanced and keys have changed too and are now more costly to replace if you lose keys.

You can try a couple of different methods to get back in your vehicle once you've locked your keys inside, but be cautious as some are not safe. If you have a pet or child who is locked in your car, you should not attempt to break the windows to release them. This is dangerous and could cause further damage to the vehicle. If you don't own a slim Jim, you shouldn't attempt to open the lock of your vehicle using screwsdrivers or pliers, since this can cause further damage.

A locksmith may also create an additional key that is easily accessible. The locksmith can install it in a spot that you, or someone you are confident in, will be able to locate. It is important to keep the spare key in your car to allow quick access to your car if necessary.

In some cases, when you've lost your keys and it's a more recent model that has a chip in it A professional locksmith may require to unlock your car and rekey your locks or create a new key from scratch. 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 to save money by hiring a professional to install it for you.

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Pub: 20 Apr 2024 13:21 UTC
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