Car Door Lock Repairs
The door lock of your car is a crucial part of its overall security. If the lock on your vehicle is damaged or isn't working properly, you should get it repaired by a professional.
Some car door locks can be fixed by mechanics. For example, a broken key. The most common problems can be solved by a locksmith.
Wiring Problems
When you push the lock button on your key fob it sends an electronic signal to a solenoid within your car's door. The solenoid converts the electronic signal into a mechanical action. In this case it turns an iron rod that used to require a key to turn in the traditional lock for cars. It can be difficult to open the car door when the solenoid is not working.
The electrical system of your car is a complex system of wires that runs throughout the interior and exterior of your vehicle, and even the most basic power door locks are made up of several interconnected components. The electrical connection that relays the instructions to unlock and lock the actuator could fail due to many reasons.
Fuses are one of the most common electrical problems in automobiles. The power door lock fuse might have blown. Check your owner's manual for diagrams that can assist you in identifying the fuse that is responsible to blow, then replace it and test the door lock again.
The mechanical part of your door lock is also prone to wear and tear. It's a complicated system of gears, cables, and a motor all of which could be damaged or disaligned. The latch itself can also be damaged by physical damage or failure to jimmy the lock open, or simply the daily use that all automotive components have to endure.
The good news is that the most typical problems with your door locks with power can be resolved without having to take your vehicle to repair shops. You can troubleshoot the problem with 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 components can help to keep them from tearing and wear. Consult a professional if still having problems with your power door lock. A professional car mechanic has the tools and experience to finish the repair in a short time. In many cases, your warranty from the 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 a door lock failure. When this happens, it indicates that the latch is not falling into the hole of the strike plate correctly and this causes friction between the two. This could be due to a number of factors, including wood expansion or moisture. You are likely to be able to resolve this issue by doing some basic troubleshooting.
The first step is to make sure it's the latch that is stuck rather than the handle or the cylinder that is keyed. If it is the latch, you can try a few different things to resolve it. Start by pushing the latch into position with a screwdriver. This is much easier than using a credit card since the screwdriver will fit into the space where the latch is located.
You may also want to grease the latch. This is a simple fix that you can do by using WD-40. The can usually comes with a straw that you can stick in the nozzle's hole to spray the lubricant directly onto the latch. You should be able to feel the latch loosen and move once you've completed this.
If the lubricant does not work, then you can try using needle-nose pliers to jiggle the mechanism back and forward. This will help break down any rust that is causing the latch to not slide into place properly. If the pliers do not work, then you might need to replace the latch completely.
Structural damage can also cause the latch to become stuck. The repeated slamming of the latch can cause damage and warping to parts of the mechanism. This is especially true for the metal connecting rods that control the latch's movement. This could be a cause for concern which requires the assistance of a professional.
Lock Cylinder
The lock cylinder is the place where you insert your keys to open a door or trunk. It's also where a lot wear and tear can occur. If your car's doors aren't locking, the cylinder could be blocked and require lubrication to fix the problem. Spray brake cleaner onto the cylinder to remove any dirt and grime. Then, put the lubricant in a thin strip like white grease into the keyhole. You could also use WD-40 that includes a long, skinny straw of red that you stick directly into the keyhole. You can also spray a bit more lubricant into the hole and turn the key a few times to spread it around and ensure everything is oiled.
The pin tumblers within the cylinder may also snap, if the notches on your keys have worn or aren't at the correct height or position to cause them to move up and downward. This causes gaps between the lower and upper pins that stop the cylinders moving when they are put into the trunk lock or door lock. This can be a major issue, since you will not be able to open your vehicle. Also, you will need to replace the cylinder.
A locked cylinder that is damaged can be a pain to resolve however, it's actually quite simple. There's usually a flat screw that keeps the cylinder in place and you can remove it with the help of a screwdriver. Once you've removed the screw be sure to put it in a safe location to ensure that you don't lose it. Then, insert the key and switch it to the ACC RUN, ACC START position, according to the repair instructions for your specific vehicle. After you've done this, remove the key. g28carkeys.co.uk should be able to remove the old cylinder from the lock housing.
The only thing more difficult than lubricating your lock the cylinder is removing it of your car. To do this, you'll need to take off the door panel (and maybe other covers or panels) and then take off the screw that holds the cylinder in place. Then, you'll need an awl or awl to remove the cylinder from its lock housing.
Lost Keys
It's a frightening feeling to reach into your purse or pocket and realize that your keys are not there. That's why it is so important to have an extra key on hand at all times, and to store it somewhere that you or someone else will be able to retrieve it when needed. Not so long ago, misplacing-or even losing-your car keys was not a big deal. You could just call roadside assistance or a locksmith to open your door for you. The keys for modern vehicles are more expensive and more complicated.
There are a variety of different methods to get back in your car when you've locked your keys inside, but be careful because some methods aren't safe. For instance, if have a small pet or child locked inside the vehicle with you, you should never try to break the window to get them out, since this could be dangerous and could cause further damage to your vehicle. Likewise, if you don't have a slim jim you shouldn't try to open the lock of your car using screwdrivers or pliers as it could cause more damage.
Another way to prevent locking your keys in the car is to have a locksmith design you a spare that can be always accessible. They can put it in a spot where you or someone you trust can find it and keep the spare on hand to ensure that you are able to access your car when needed.
If you lose your keys, and it's a model newer with a chip, a locksmith could require you to unlock your vehicle and rekey the locks or create a new key. This is a much more complex process that can cost you hundreds of dollars. However, if you can find a replacement chipped keys on the internet, you might be able to save money by purchasing this and hiring a professional locksmith to install it in your vehicle for you.