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How to Troubleshoot Door Lock Problems Before Calling a Mechanic Using a specialized lock pick or a key opener could aid. You can spray linseed or penetrating oils into the lock in order to lubricate and make it move freely again. However, it is not a project for the average homeowner and should be left to a licensed and certified locksmith. Here are four key lock problems that they can address: Power door locks don't work The power door locks are useful however, they also bring more complex mechanisms into the car. This also means that things could fail in various ways. If the door lock actuator doesn't work it could be a serious issue that requires professional assistance. Before calling a mechanic try these ways to troubleshoot. The first thing to look at is the battery in your key fob. If the battery is drained or close to death it could cause the locks to stop working. Replacing the battery is a easy and affordable solution to this problem. A defective power actuator is another possible problem. This is a common issue that is generally easy to diagnose. You can use a multimeter to check if the power is reaching or not. If there is power, but the actuator doesn't respond when you hit the door lock button then it could be time to replace the actuator. g28carkeys is also possible to clean the contacts of the door lock actuator. This is more involved than simply cleaning switches, but it's often enough to resolve the issue. To do this, you'll need to remove the actuator from the door panel and take it off. Unscrew the bolts that join the exterior portion of the lock body together and then remove the entire face of the lock actuator. After you've removed your actuator, it's important to be cautious not to damage the rod that connects it to the lock mechanism. There are typically two additional bolts in the interior of the door that hold the rod in place so be sure to unscrew those also. Once the rod is removed, you are able to inspect the latch to ensure that it is aligned to the locking post. If not, you can insert a thin, long object between the lock and the door panel. This should open the locking mechanism, and you can unlock the door by hand. The key fob isn't working. It can be a hassle when your car's key fob doesn't work. There are a few things you can try to get it working again. First, you must replace the battery. This simple step could save you from needing to purchase a new fob. You can find a number of useful YouTube videos that will show you how to do this in a few easy steps. If this isn't working, you might need to re-program your fob. In most cases, this should be handled by an expert. It can be complicated because many modern vehicles have security features that need to be properly configured. Another possibility is that your fob has been damaged. The cause of damage can be a number of reasons, including water, physical force, or scratches on the circuit board. The majority of the time, the damage isn't evident and can only be identified by opening up the fob to inspect inside. You can identify these issues by looking at the fob for any signs of damage, like cracks on the circuit board, teeny electronic components that are not connected to the circuit board or buttons that are not in good condition. You may also open the fob in order to remove the battery and have a closer look. You can pry the fobs using a flathead, however certain ones require special tools and equipment that are only available at the dealership. You could also try using the physical key to open the doors of your car If the fob isn't working. If the physical key doesn't unlock your car, it could be time to call an locksmith or go to an authorized service center for more extensive repair. A damaged ignition cylinder could be the cause for your key fob not turning on or even starting your vehicle. This is a very expensive fix that should be left to experts. If the key fob works fine with the door locks it should be possible to start the vehicle through the inductive backup system. The lock is jammed If you cannot turn your lock at all, it is likely that something is jamming the mechanism. It could be as simple as the tumblers becoming clogged by dirt or rust, or that the pins are stuck in an partially raised position. The first thing to do is to grease the lock mechanism. Spray a dry lubricant like RP7 spray or graphite aerosol, into the keyway. Inject the key several times to remove 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 the parts of the lock cylinder and to get rid of any grime and rust that could be obstructing the tumblers. You can buy brake cleaning fluid at most home improvement centers or at auto supply stores. Make sure not to make use of oil-based products like WD-40 since they can cause clogging of the mechanism over time. The frame of the door may have moved due to temperature and changes in the weather. This can cause the latch or deadbolt on the door to not align properly with the hole in the frame of the door. You can easily fix this issue by tightening the hinges on the door and replacing any damaged or stripped screws. Monitoring the condition of your locks is a good idea to regularly check the condition of your locks. This will prevent them from becoming damaged or jammed, which will save your time and money by not needing to contact a locksmith. If you find that you've locked your vehicle or a damaged door lock Do not hesitate to contact your trusted local mechanic for assistance and advice. They'll be able to identify the issue quickly and suggest the best course. They'll be glad to help you, whether you require a quick fix for your power doors, or are having a more serious issue. The lock is stuck Locks stuck in lock positions can be a gruelling and sometimes inevitable aspect of owning a car. Whether the lock is locked in an unlocked position, or simply won't turn at all, you're likely need to take action sooner rather than later, before the problem gets worse. Fortunately, there are a couple of quick and simple fixes that can help to get out of this bind. Begin by looking at the lock to find out what's preventing its operation. Sometimes, a foreign object may be stuck in the lock or a screw can become loose. You can fix one or both of these problems by cleaning the lock or tightening the screws. You can also try to straighten or fix the balls in your lock, if they're damaged or have become warped from prolonged use. A worn-out lock may also be the reason for an unlocked lock. It won't respond to jiggling. If your lock ceases to turn when you move it around, it's likely time to replace it and ensure that it is keyed correctly. If your lock is stuck and no amount moving it around, spraying lubricant or changing the knob doesn't seem to help, you will likely have to call a locksmith for assistance. They can remove a lock stuck without creating further damage to your car or door. In a few cases the lock's cylinder is actually broken. This can occur when the lock was forced open in the previous, or if a lock issue was not addressed. It is recommended to inspect your cylinder frequently for signs of corrosion or wear and replace it if required. This will help to ensure that your car is as secure as possible. And if the lock cylinder is damaged or cracked it could pose dangerous for your passengers and you. So be sure to have any damaged cylinders fixed as soon as you can.