Simple DIY Car Door Lock Repair
Car door lock issues can be a hassle and seem like a daunting task to resolve. However, most common issues can be resolved using simple DIY fixes.
Spray brake cleaning fluid inside the lock cylinders to remove rust and dirt. Next, lubricate with white grease the latch mechanism to keep it from becoming stuck or frozen.
Signs of a dysfunctional lock
When your key will not easily turn inside the lock, this is a signal that it is in need of attention. This could be caused by an corroded cylinder spring in your lock, a chipped or dirty key that has been in your pocket for a long time. If you try to fix the problem yourself it could result in further damage to the lock and door. It is recommended to seek out a locksmith.
If your door locks but freezes while locking, it's a indication that the lock mechanism has failed and must be replaced. A broken lock isn't only more difficult to open but can also make the door easier to break into so it is essential to fix the problem as soon as possible.
It's costly to repair a faulty lock, so it's better to replace it instead of trying to repair it. This could cost you more in the end. It is essential to have the correct replacement parts for this procedure. Review the original instructions or contact the manufacturer for the exact part required for your door. This will prevent you from buying parts that aren't compatible with the lock you have or trying to install the wrong components.
It is also typical for locks to become stiff and hard to turn and could be due to many different problems. This is a simple solution, simply apply a lubricant. The use of silicone spray or graphite can be used to ease the friction between the parts and make the lock easier to operate. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines when choosing a oil or lubricant. Certain products may trap dirt and other particles inside the lock, making it difficult to operate.
If your lock's cylinder is turning by itself, this is an indication that someone has played with it. It is likely that this was done to prevent you from opening your door, therefore it is essential to take the necessary steps to protect your home. To do this, you will need to get access to the set screws for cylinders. These screws can be found beneath the front door's faceplate. They can be tightened to stop them from loosening.
Remove the handle for the door's interior or door panel
A lot of cars have a door panel that controls things like the window and the lock. It is typically secured to the vehicle by small screws and bolts. They are generally tricky to get at especially on older vehicles. In general, the first thing to do is put a screwdriver in the lower edge of your control panel and pull it out. The next step is to take off the handle. To remove the handle, you'll need a special tool sold in the larger auto parts stores. The most common type appears like a plier with flat hook-shaped blades. This tool fits into a groove on the inside of the door handle and pushes into the groove to grab the C-clip that holds it in place. Once this is done the handle can simply be removed from the handle.
In certain instances, you may need to remove the handle off of the car completely to access the latch mechanism, however this may not be required. The key is to do the process slowly and steadily and be careful not to put too much pressure on the clips that keep the handle in place. This step will be much easier if there is someone to assist you.
It is a good practice to remove all visible screws after removing the handle and the panel. This will ensure that you are not missing any hidden screws that could cause problems in the future as well as help you reinstall the door panel after repair.
Also, make sure to keep an eye on the bolts, screws and covers used to fasten the panel to the vehicle. It is recommended to keep them in separate, labeled bags to make it easy to locate them when it comes time to install the panel. This will save you a lot of hassle and time in the future.
Cleaning the Lock Cylinder
If the cylinder of your door lock in your car isn't turning, this could indicate that there is rust or an internal problem. Cleaning and lubricating the cylinder can aid in preventing internal mechanisms from snapping or breaking.
First, spray a general purpose cleaner such as WD-40 into the lock cylinder. This will clean and lubricate your lock mechanism, making it easier for you to operate. Spray the entire inside of both the lock and cylinder, and the latch switch to make sure it is free of debris.
Then, apply lubrication to the lock cylinder using dry lubricant, like graphite powder, or a commercial car door lock lubricant. Do not use liquid lubricants, as this can attract dust and dirt. If the cylinder hasn't been lubricated it will be harder to open and shut the door as keys can become stuck or break.
Using a chenille-like stem or any other long, thin metal tool can help you get the lock assembly apart to clean it and lubricate it. This isn't a simple task, as you'll have remove the door panel off and remove some other components such as the window crank and possibly some subpanels or covers.
After the assembly is removed, use a rag to clean all surfaces. It is also recommended to clean the tumblers. After the entire assembly has been cleaned it is able to be put back together. It's best to put the tumblers and springs in the correct order so that they line up correctly when you put them back into the cylinder.
Install the lock and test it. If the lock doesn't work, it might be the right time to call an expert for a complete car door cylinder replacement. They'll be able to give you advice on what the problem is and the best way to fix it. This is a more costly option than replacing the lock assembly. However, it's the most secure way to ensure that your car door is secure and able to be opened with just a single key.
Moving the Latch
Whenever you operate the inside or outside car door handle the mechanism extends rods (or other linkages) that release the latch from its anchor. They are typically attached to plastic fasteners that bind them together using specialized adhesives. If a rod of metal is disconnected from its fastener or if the plastic fasteners themselves are broken it could cause your car to become stuck in an open position.
A professional locksmith will be able to examine the inner door assembly for any problems and reconnect any rods that have been disconnected. They also have the tools needed to take off the interior door panel and get access to the latch assembly without damaging it. This is a job that most people will not be able to do themselves, especially on a day when they're running late for work or have other obligations.
The interior latch release cable may have been disconnected from the actuator. This is another common reason for your car's doors getting stuck. This may happen if someone has jimmied the lock or the door was damaged physically to the door or its components due to an accident or a hard slam.
This problem can be resolved by connecting the rod with its actuator using an screwdriver, then turning it in a clockwise direction. www.g28carkeys.co.uk will move the latch back into its proper position and allow the door to be opened manually from either inside or out.
This kind of issue is often the result of excessive wear to the bushings connecting the rods that move these parts. As they wear, it's easy to get slop in between them which makes the mechanism move and not latch correctly. You can test this by pulling the inner and outer handles individually while watching the other moving parts for movement.