15 Things Your Boss Wished You Knew About Car Door Lock Repairs
Wiki Article
Car Door Lock Repairs
The lock on the car's door is an essential part of your vehicle's overall security. If the lock on your car is damaged or doesn't function properly, you should have it repaired by an expert.
Some door locks for cars can be repaired by a mechanic. For instance broken keys. The most common problems can be fixed by locksmiths.
Wiring Problems
When you hit the lock button on your key fob, it sends a signal to a solenoid within your car door. This solenoid converts the electronic signal into a mechanical action. In this case it is moving a steel rod which was previously required the use of a key to open the traditional lock for cars. When the solenoid fails it will be difficult to open your car door.
Your car's electrical system has a complex network of wires running throughout the interior and exterior of your vehicle, and even the simplest power door locks are made up of several interconnected components. The electrical connection that relays instructions for locking and unlocking from the actuator to the car's exterior and interior can fail for many reasons.
Fuses are among the most common electrical issues in cars and the fuse connected to your door lock's power might have failed. There is the diagram in your owner's manual which will help you identify which fuse is responsible. Replace it, and then lock your door once more.
The mechanical component of your power door locks is also susceptible to wear and tear. It is a complex assembly of cables, gears and a motor that can be damaged or disaligned. The latch itself may be damaged by physical damage or a failed attempt to jimmy the lock open, or simply the daily use that all automotive components must endure.
It's important to know that a majority of the issues that occur that arise with your door locks powered by electricity can be resolved without having to take your vehicle to a shop. You can use a voltmeter troubleshoot and inspect any wiring that may be the cause of the problem. Regularly checking and the lubrication of your door lock components will help reduce wear and tear. If you are still experiencing issues with your door lock's power, contact a professional for assistance. A specialist in car repairs has the tools and experience to perform the repair quickly and efficiently. In most instances, the warranty of your manufacturer will cover the repair. In some instances, the damage to your lock could be severe enough and you'll have to replace the entire mechanism of your door latch or the actuator.
Stuck Latch
A stuck latch is the most common cause of failure of a door lock. This occurs when the metal latch does not fall into the strike plate's hole correctly, which causes friction. This can happen due to a variety of factors including wood expansion and moisture. This issue can be fixed by performing a few simple troubleshooting.
Examine the latch to determine if it's the latch and not the handle or keyed cylinder. If it's the latch, you can try several different things to fix it. You can begin with a screwdriver and push the latch into its final position. This is less difficult than trying to use credit card since the screwdriver is able to fit into the space that the latch sits in.
It is also possible to grease the latch. This is a quick fix that you can do with some WD-40. You can make use of the straw that comes with the can to spray the lubricant onto the latch. After you've done this, you should be able feel the latch moving and loosen.
If the lubricant doesn't work then you can try using needle-nose pliers to move the mechanism back and back and forth. This can help break up any rust that is causing the latch not to fall into place correctly. If the pliers do not work, you may have to replace the latch.
The latch may be stuck due to structural damage. Repeated slamming of the door can warp and damage parts of the mechanism, including the metal connecting rods which are responsible for the latch's movement. This could be a cause for concern requiring the assistance of a professional.
Lock Cylinder
The lock cylinder is where your keys are inserted to unlock the trunk or door. It's also where wear and tear can occur. If your car's doors are not locking, the cylinder could be blocked and require Lubrication to solve the issue. To lubricate the cylinder, first spray brake cleaner in it to remove any dirt or grime. Then, you can stick a thin strip of lubricant, like white grease, into the keyhole. You can also use WD-40 which is an extended red straw that which you can insert directly into the keyhole. You could also spray a little more lubricant in the hole and turn the key several times to spread it around and ensure everything is oiled.
Cylinder locks are also prone to a problem known as "lock snapping." This happens when the notches in your keys wear out or aren't the right height and position to cause the pin tumblers within the cylinder to move up and down. This causes gaps between the pins on the upper and lower that prevents the cylindrical from moving when you insert it into the trunk or door lock. This could be a major problem, as you will not be able to open your vehicle. It is also necessary to replace the cylinder.
A locked cylinder that's seized could be a nightmare to resolve however, it's actually quite easy. You can get rid of the screw that holds the cylinder into position with a screwdriver. Once you've removed the screw put it away in a safe location so you don’t lose it. Insert the key, and then turn it to either the RUN, ACC or START positions depending on your vehicle's repair instructions. Once you've done this, remove the key and you should be in a position to pull the cylinder that was previously in the lock housing.
The only thing more difficult than lubricating the lock's cylinder is taking it out of your car. To do this, you'll have to take off the door panel and perhaps other covers or panels. Then, remove the screw holding the cylinder in place. Then you'll need to use a pick or awl to pry the cylinder out of its housing for the lock.
Lost Keys
It's a frightening feeling to reach into your purse or pocket only to find that your keys are not there. That's why it is so important to keep an extra key on hand at all moments, and to keep it in a location where you or someone else will be capable of retrieving it if needed. It wasn't that long ago that losing keys to your car was not a big issue. In the past, calling roadside assistance or an expert locksmith to open your car's doors was not a major issue. Nowadays, however, cars are becoming more advanced in technology and keys have also changed too, making them more expensive to replace if you lose them.
There are a variety of options you can take to try and get into your car when you put your keys inside it, but you should be aware that some of these methods are not always safe. If you have a pet or a small child that is locked inside your car, you should not attempt to break the windows to release them. This is dangerous and could cause further damage to the vehicle. Also, if you don't have a slim jim, you shouldn't attempt to unlock your car's locks using screwdrivers or pliers as this could cause further damage.
Another way to prevent locking your keys in the car is to have a locksmith create you a spare key that will be readily accessible at all times. They can install this in a spot where you or someone you are confident will be able to find it, and you should keep the spare on hand to be able to quickly get into your car when needed.
In some cases, when you have lost your key and it is a newer model that has a chip in it, a professional locksmith might require to unlock your car and rekey your locks or create a new key from scratch. This is a more complex process that can cost hundreds of dollars. check here If you find an online replacement chipped key, you might be able to save money by having a professional install it for you.