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How to Troubleshoot Door Lock Problems Before Calling a Mechanic You can also use lockspicks or a key opener to aid. You can also squirt penetrating oil or linseed oil into the lock to help lubricate it and get it moving freely again. However, it is not a project for the average homeowner, and it is best left to a licensed, certified locksmith. Here are four typical problems with car doors that locksmiths can fix for you: Power door locks don't work Power door locks offer great convenience, but they add a lot of more complicated mechanisms to the vehicle. This means that there are many ways for things to go wrong, too. If the door lock actuator doesn't work, it could be a major issue that requires professional assistance. Before you call a mechanic try these troubleshooting techniques. The first thing you need to check is the battery inside your key fob. If the battery is dead or close to death it could cause the locks to cease working. Replacing the battery is a easy and affordable solution to this problem. Another possibility is that the power actuator itself could be faulty. This is a very common issue that is generally straightforward to identify. You can use a multimeter to check whether the power is working or not. If it is but the actuator does not respond to the door lock button and it's time to replace it. It is also possible to clean the contacts of the door lock actuator. This is a bit more involved than cleaning switches, but it's often enough to solve the problem. To do this you will have to remove the actuator and disassemble it. There are typically bolts holding the exterior of the lock body together So, remove them and then remove the entire face of the actuator. After taking the actuator off be sure not to cause damage to the rod that connects it to the locking mechanism. There are typically two additional bolts inside the door that keep the rod in place therefore, you must remove the bolts also. Once the rod is removed, you are able to inspect the latch and make sure that it is aligned to the locking post. If it's not an option, you can make use of a long, thin object to place between the lock and the door panel. This should open any locking mechanism so you can unlock your door by hand. The key fob doesn't work It can be quite frustrating when your car key fob isn't working. There are a few options you can use to get it to work again. The first step is to change the battery. This simple step could help you avoid having to buy a new fob. YouTube has a range of helpful videos that will guide you through this in a couple of easy steps. If this doesn't work you, you might need to re-program the fob. car central locking repair near me can be done in the majority of cases, but it will require the assistance of a professional or your car's dealer. It isn't easy since newer vehicles come with security features that must be configured correctly. Another possibility is that your fob is damaged. Physical force, water, or scratches on the circuit may cause damage. This damage is often not evident and is only discovered by opening the fob up to look inside. You can determine if there are any issues by looking at the fob. Find indications of damage like cracks on the circuit board or tiny electronic components that aren't fully attached to circuit board. You can also open the fob in order to remove the battery and take a closer look. You can open the fobs apart using a flathead, however certain ones require special tools and equipment available at the dealer. You could also try using the physical key to open the doors of your car in the event that the fob isn't working. If the physical key you have does not unlock your car, you might require contacting a locksmith for more serious repairs or visit a service center. A faulty ignition cylinder could be the cause for your key fob not turning on or even starting your vehicle. This is typically a very expensive fix, so it's recommended to leave it to a professional. If the key fob works fine 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 most likely that something is blocking the mechanism. It could be as straightforward as the tumblers getting clogged by rust or dirt, or that the pins are stuck in a partially raised position. First, you must lubricate your lock mechanism. Spray a dry lubricant such as RP7 or graphite spray in the keyway and then insert the key several times to remove any debris that is stuck in the lock cylinder. This will also help in lubricating the mechanism and prevent future problems. You can also use brake cleaner to lubricate the parts of the lock cylinder and to remove any rust and grime that may be blocking the tumblers. You can buy brake cleaning fluid from most auto supply or home improvement stores. You should avoid using oil-based products like WD-40 as they will clog up the brake mechanism over time. Another common problem that can cause your door locks to become jammed is the fact that the door frame has changed in time due to weather and temperature changes. The deadbolt or latch of the door might no longer align properly with the hole in the frame. This problem can be easily fixed by tightening hinges and reinstalling broken or stripped screws. It is always a good idea to check the condition of your door locks regularly. This will stop them from getting jammed or broken and help you avoid the time and expense of calling a locksmith for assistance. Don't hesitate to call your local mechanic who you trust when you discover damaged or locked door lock. They'll be able to identify the issue quickly and suggest the best course. They'll be delighted to assist you, no matter if you require a quick fix for your power doors, or are experiencing a more significant issue. The lock is jammed. Locks that are stuck are a frustrating, but often unavoidable part of owning a vehicle. If your lock is stuck in an unlocked position, or doesn't turn at all, you're going need to take action sooner rather than later, before your issue gets worse. There are fortunately a couple of quick and simple solutions that will to get out of this difficult situation. Begin by examining the lock and determining what is stopping it from working properly. A screw or a foreign object may have become loose. You can fix one or both of these issues by cleaning the lock or tightening the screws. You can also try to straighten or fix the ball in your lock, if they're deformed or have become warped from the use of the lock for a long time. A worn-out lock could be the cause of a jammed lock. It won't respond to jiggling. If your lock isn't turning when you twist the knob, it's time to replace it. Also, make sure it is keyed correctly with your other doors. If your lock is truly stuck and no amount of wriggling or spraying with fluid seems to fix the issue, you'll likely need to contact an expert locksmith for assistance. They can remove a locked that is stuck without causing further damage to your car or door. In some cases, the lock cylinder itself may be damaged. This can happen if the lock was forced open in the past or if there was an issue with the lock itself that was not repaired or replaced. It is advisable to check your cylinder regularly for signs of wear or corrosion and replace it if needed. This will ensure that your vehicle is as safe as possible. If the lock cylinder is damaged or cracked, it can be dangerous for your passengers and you. Make sure you get any damaged cylinders repaired in the earliest time possible.