How to Troubleshoot Door Lock Problems Before Calling a Mechanic Utilizing a lock pick made for specific use or a key opener can help You can spray linseed or penetrating oils into the lock to lubricate and make it move freely again It is best to delegate it to a professional, licensed locksmith who is licensed, certified and certified Here are four most frequent problems with car doors that they'll fix for you Power door locks don't work Door locks with power are useful but they also introduce more complex mechanisms into the vehicle This means that things could be faulty in various ways If your door lock actuator doesn't work it could be a serious problem that requires professional assistance Before calling a mechanic try these troubleshooting methods The first thing to check is the battery inside your key fob If the battery is drained or is close to dying it will cause the locks to cease working This problem is easily and cheaply resolved by replacing the battery A faulty power actuator could be a issue This is a common problem and is usually straightforward to identify You can utilize a digital multimeter determine if the actuator is receiving power or not If it is and the actuator doesn't respond to the door lock button and it's time to replace it It is also possible to clean the contacts in the door lock actuator It's a little more difficult than cleaning a switch, however it generally is successful To accomplish this, you'll have to remove the actuator from the door panel and take it off There are typically bolts holding the exterior section of the lock body together take them off and then take out the entire face of the lock actuator After you've removed your actuator, it is important to be careful not to break the rod that connects it to the lock mechanism There are typically two additional bolts inside the door that keep the rod in place therefore, you must remove those also Once the rod is disconnected then you can open the door and examine the latch to ensure it is properly aligned with the locking post If not, you can use a long, thin object to put between the door panel and the lock This will release any locking mechanism, so you can open your door by hand The key fob won't work If your car's key fob isn't working properly, it can be an unpleasant experience Fortunately, there are some ways to get it to work again First, you must replace the battery https//wwwg28carkeyscouk/car-door-lock-repair-near-me/ can save you from having to purchase a brand new fob YouTube has a number helpful videos that will guide you through this in a couple of easy steps If this isn't working, you might need to re-program your fob In most cases, this should be done by a professional It can be complicated, as many newer cars come with security features that require to be set up correctly Another possibility is that your fob is damaged Physical force, water, or scratches on the circuit may cause damage The damage is usually not visible and can only be detected by opening the fob up to examine the inside You can determine whether there are any issues by inspecting the fob Find indications of damage like cracks on the circuit board or tiny electronic components that aren't fully connected to the circuit board You can also remove the fob from the inside and remove the battery for a closer look at the connections It is possible to pry the fobs apart with a flathead, but some require specialized tools and equipment that are only available at the dealer If the fob does not work If the fob doesn't work, try opening your car doors with the physical key If the physical key you have cannot unlock your car, you may require contacting an expert locksmith for more extensive repairs or visit a service center If the key fob will not turn on or turn your car on It could be due to a faulty ignition cylinder This is usually an expensive fix, so it's best left to an expert If the key fob is working perfectly with the door locks, it should still be capable of starting the car using its inductive backup system The lock is jammed If your lock will not move at all, despite trying to insert the key, it is likely to be something blocking the mechanism It could be as simple as the tumblers becoming blocked by rust or dirt or the pins may be stuck in a partially raised position First, you must lubricate your lock mechanism Spray a dry lubricant, such as RP7 aerosol or graphite into the keyway Insert the key several times to loosen any debris that has accumulated in the lock cylinder This will also help lubricate and safeguard the mechanism You can also use brake cleaner to lubricate parts of the lock cylinder, and also remove any grime or rust that could be obstructing the tumblers You can purchase brake cleaning fluid from most auto stores or home improvement stores Avoid using products that contain oil such as WD-40 because they can clog the brake mechanism over time The frame of the door may have shifted due to temperature and changes in the weather The deadbolt or latch on the door might not align with the hole in the frame It is easy to fix this issue by tightening the hinges on the door and replacing any broken or stripped screws It is always a good idea to check the condition of your door locks on a regular basis This will help prevent them from getting damaged or jammed and help you avoid the hassle and expense of calling a locksmith for assistance If you notice that you've locked your car or broken door lock Do not hesitate to contact your trusted local mechanic for advice and assistance They'll be able to identify the issue quickly and recommend the best solution They'll be glad to help you, whether you need an immediate fix for your power doors, or are having a more serious problem The lock is jammed Locks stuck in lock positions can be a gruelling and often inevitable part of owning a car You'll want to address the problem as soon as you can and before it gets any worse Fortunately, there are a couple of quick and simple solutions that can get you out of this bind Begin by looking over the lock to find out what is preventing its operation A screw or other foreign object could have become loose If either of these situations is the case, you may be able fix the issue by cleaning out the lock or tightening the screw You can also straighten or repair the ball bearings of the lock if they've become warped or deformed due to repeated use A worn-out lock could be the reason for a locked that is jammed It isn't responsive to jiggling If your lock isn't turning when you twist the knob, it's likely time to replace it Also, ensure that it's properly keyed to 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 have to call an expert locksmith They can safely remove a stuck lock without causing further damage to your door or car Sometimes, the cylinder of the lock is damaged This can occur if the lock was opened prior to the incident, or if a lock problem was not repaired It is advisable to examine your cylinder on a regular basis for signs of wear or corrosion and replace it if required This will ensure that your car is as secure as it can be If the lock cylinder has been damaged or broken it could pose a serious safety risk for passengers and you Make sure you repair any damaged cylinders as quickly as you can