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How to Troubleshoot Door Lock Problems Before Calling a Mechanic Utilizing a lock pick that is specialized or a key opener could help. You can also spray linseed or penetrating oils into the lock to lubricate it and allow it to move freely. However, it is not a project for the home-owner who isn't a professional, and it is best left to a licensed, certified locksmith. Here are four typical problems with car doors that they can fix: Power door locks don't work Door locks with power offer great convenience, but they also add a lot of more complicated mechanisms to the vehicle. This means that things could be faulty in various ways. If the door lock actuator isn't working, it could be a major issue that requires expert assistance. Before you call a mechanic, try some simple troubleshooting methods. The first thing you need to check is the battery on your key fob. If the battery is drained or near death, it could cause the locks to not work. Replacing the battery is a relatively easy and affordable solution to this issue. A faulty power actuator is another possible problem. This is a very common problem and is usually simple to identify. You can utilize a multimeter to determine whether the power is working or not. If there is power however the actuator does not respond when you hit the button for locking doors, then it might be time to replace the actuator. You can also clean the contacts on the door lock actuator. It's more complicated than cleaning a switch, but usually is successful. To do this, you'll have to remove the actuator from the door panel and take it apart. There are usually bolts that hold the exterior of the lock body together So, remove them and then take off the entire face of the actuator. Once you've removed the actuator, it is important to be cautious not to break the rod that connects it to the lock mechanism. Two bolts are usually found in the interior of the doors that house the rod. Make sure you remove them as well. Once the rod has been removed, you are able to inspect the latch and ensure that it is properly aligned 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 by hand. The key fob isn't working. It can be frustrating if your car key fob isn't working. There are a few things you can try to get it to work again. First, change the battery. This simple step could help you avoid having to buy a new fob. YouTube has a number useful videos that show you how to accomplish this in a couple of easy steps. If this doesn't work, you may need to re-program your fob. This can be done in the majority of cases, however it will require the assistance of a professional or your vehicle's dealer. It can be complicated since many of the latest vehicles include security features that have to be properly configured. Another possibility is that your fob is damaged. Physical force, water, or scratches on the circuit can cause damage. This type of damage is typically not visible and is only discovered by opening the fob to look inside. You can check whether there are any issues by examining the fob. Check for signs of damage such as cracks on the circuit board, or tiny electronic components that aren't fully attached to circuit board. You may also open the fob to take out the battery and take a more detailed look. 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 is only available at the dealership for your vehicle. You can also try using the physical key to open your car doors, if the fob isn't working. If your key's physical counterpart does not unlock your car, you may need to call an expert locksmith for more extensive repairs or visit a service center. If the key fob won't turn on or turn your car on It could be due to a defective ignition cylinder. This is a very costly fix and should be left to the experts. If the key fob is working with the door locks, then it should still be possible to start your vehicle using the inductive backup system. The lock is jammed. If you're unable to turn the lock at all, it is likely that something is jamming the mechanism. It could be as simple matter of the tumblers being blocked by dirt or rust. It could be that the pins inside are stuck in a partially raised position. First, lubricate your lock mechanism. Spray a dry lubricant like RP7 or graphite spray in the keyway and then insert the key several times to loosen any debris that has gotten stuck in the lock cylinder. This will also help in lubricating the mechanism and prevent future problems. You can also make use of brake cleaner to lubricate the parts of the lock cylinder, and also remove any rust and grime that might be blocking the tumblers. You can purchase brake cleaning fluid in the majority of home improvement stores or at auto supply stores. Just be sure to not make use of oil-based products like WD-40 since they can continue to clog the mechanism over time. Another issue that could cause your door locks to jam is that the door frame has changed over time due temperature and weather changes. The latch or deadbolt of the door might not align with the hole on the frame. You can easily fix this issue by simply tightening the hinges on the door and replacing any broken or damaged screws. It is always an excellent idea to examine the condition of your door locks regularly. This will prevent them from being jammed or damaged, saving you money and time by not needing to contact a locksmith. Do not hesitate to contact your trusted local mechanic in the event that you encounter a broken or locked door lock. They will be able to quickly determine the cause and recommend the most effective course of action. No matter if you're seeking a quick fix to your power doors or a more serious problem, they will be happy to help! The lock is stuck Locks that are stuck are a frustrating, but often unavoidable part of owning a car. Whether the lock is locked in an unlocked position, or won't turn at all, you're likely to want to address it earlier rather than later, before your problem worsens. There are few easy and quick fixes that can help to get out of this bind. Begin by looking at the lock to determine what is blocking its proper operation. car locksmith or a foreign object may have become loose. If either of these situations is the case, you might be able fix the issue by cleaning out the lock or tightening the screw. You could also straighten or repair the ball bearings of your lock if they are damaged or warped from repeated use. Another common reason for a locked that is stuck is that it's simply worn out and not responding to the jiggling. If your lock isn't turning when you turn the knob, it's time to replace it and ensure that it's keyed correctly with your other doors. If your lock is truly stuck and no amount of wriggling or spraying lubricant seems to solve the problem, you'll probably need to contact an expert locksmith. They can remove a lock stuck without creating further damage to your door or car. In some cases the lock's cylinder may be damaged. This can happen if the lock was forced open in the past, or in the event of a problem with the lock itself that was not repaired or replaced. It's a good idea to check your cylinder regularly for signs of corrosion or wear, and replace it as required. This will ensure that your vehicle is as secure as it can be. And if the lock cylinder is cracked or damaged, it can be a huge safety risk for your passengers as well as you. Make sure you get any damaged cylinders repaired in the earliest time possible.