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How to Troubleshoot Door Lock Problems Before Calling a Mechanic Utilizing a lock pick made for specific use or a key opener could aid. You can also spray penetrating oil or linseed oil in the lock to lubricate it and get it moving freely. It is however not a task for the home-owner who isn't a professional and should be left to a licensed and certified locksmith. Here are four key lock problems that they can fix: Power door locks don't work Power door locks are convenient, but they also introduce more complex mechanisms into the car. This means that there are a lot more ways for things to go wrong, too. If your door lock actuator isn't functioning, it can be a major problem that requires expert assistance to fix. However, before calling for help from a professional try some easy troubleshooting strategies. Examine the battery in your key fob. If the battery is dead or is close to dying it will cause the locks to cease working. Replacing the battery is a easy and affordable solution to this problem. A malfunctioning power actuator is another possible problem. This is a very common problem and is usually easy to diagnose. You can test with a multimeter if the power is reaching or not. If the power is there, but the actuator doesn't respond when you hit the door lock button then it may be time to replace the actuator. You can also clean the contacts on the door lock actuator. This is a little more complicated than just cleaning switches but is often enough to solve the problem. To do this, you'll have to take the actuator off and disassemble it. There are typically bolts holding the exterior of the lock body together, so unscrew them and then take out the entire face of the lock actuator. After removing the actuator take care not to harm the rod that connects it to the locking mechanism. Two bolts are usually found in the interior of the doors that contain the rod. Be sure to remove them too. After the rod is removed, you can examine the latch and ensure that it is properly aligned to the locking post. If not an option, you can utilize a thin, long object to put between the door panel and the lock. This will release any locking mechanism and you can unlock your door manually. The key fob isn't working. It can be frustrating if your car key fob isn't working. However, there are some things you can try to make it work again. The first step is to change the battery. This simple action could save you from having to buy a new fob. You can find a number of useful YouTube videos that show you how to accomplish this in just a few easy steps. If this doesn't work you, you might need to reprogram the fob. This can be done in the majority of cases, but it will require the assistance of a professional or your vehicle's dealer. It's not easy because newer cars include security features that must be configured correctly. Another possibility is that your fob has been damaged. Water, physical force or scratches on the circuit may cause damage. This damage is often not obvious and can only be discovered by opening the fob up to look inside. You can identify these issues by looking at the fob for signs of damage, like cracks on the circuit board, teeny electronic components not fully attached to the circuit board, or loose buttons. You can also break the fob to remove the battery and take a more detailed look. You can open the fobs with a flathead, but some require specialized tools and equipment that is only available at the dealership. If the fob isn't working, you can try opening your car's doors using a physical key. If the physical key doesn't unlock your car, it may be time to contact an locksmith or go to an authorized service center for more extensive repair. A faulty ignition cylinder could be the cause for your key fob not turning on or starting your car. This is usually a very expensive fix, so it's best left to a professional. However, if fix car locks is working fine with the door locks, it will be able to start the car using its inductive backup system. The lock is jammed If you're unable to turn the lock it is most likely that something is jamming the mechanism. It could be as simple matter of the tumblers being clogged with dirt or rust. It could be that the pins inside are stuck in an elevated position. The first thing to do is to lubricate the lock mechanism. Spray a dry lubricant such as RP7 or graphite spray into the keyway, and then insert the key a few times to remove any debris that is stuck in the lock cylinder. This will also help to lubricate the mechanism and help prevent future issues. You can also employ 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 purchase brake cleaning fluid from many auto stores or home improvement stores. Be sure to not make use of oil-based products like WD-40 since they can keep clogging the mechanism over time. Another issue that could cause your door locks to jam is that the frame of the door has shifted over time due temperature and weather changes. This can cause the latch or deadbolt on the door to not align with the hole in the frame of the door. It is easy to solve this problem by tightening the hinges on the door and replacing any damaged or loosened screws. It is always a good idea to check the condition of your door locks on a regular basis. This will stop them from being damaged or jammed, and will save your time and money by not needing to contact a locksmith. If you discover that you've locked your car or have a broken door lock do not hesitate to contact your local mechanic who you trust for advice and assistance. They can identify the issue quickly and recommend the best option. They'll be glad to help you, whether you need an immediate fix to your power doors, or are experiencing a more serious issue. The lock is jammed. Locks stuck in the middle can be quite frustrating however, they are an unavoidable part to owning a car. Whether the lock is stuck in an unlocked position, or simply won't turn at all, you're likely need to take action earlier rather than later, before your issue gets worse. There are a few simple and quick fixes that will assist you in escaping this tense situation. Begin by examining the lock and determining what's hindering it from functioning effectively. Sometimes, a foreign object could get trapped in the lock, or a screw may have become loose. You can fix either of these issues by cleaning the lock or tightening the screws. You can also straighten or fix the balls of the lock if they've become warped or deformed because of repeated use. A damaged lock could be the reason for an unlocked lock. It will not respond to the jiggling. If your lock ceases to turn when you move it around, it's likely time to replace the lock and ensure that it is keyed correctly. If your lock is stuck and no amount of moving it around, spraying lubricant or changing the knob doesn't seem to work, you'll likely need to contact an expert locksmith. They have the expertise and tools to safely remove the lock that is stuck, without causing damage to your door or car. In some cases the cylinder of the lock is actually broken. This can occur when the lock was opened prior to the incident or the lock problem was not repaired. It is advisable to inspect your cylinder frequently for signs of corrosion or wear and replace it when required. This will ensure that your vehicle is as secure as it is. And if the lock cylinder is cracked or damaged, it can be dangerous for your passengers as well as you. So be sure to have any damaged cylinders repaired in the earliest time possible.