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How to Troubleshoot Door Lock Problems Before Calling a Mechanic You can also use lockspicks or a key opener to assist. You can also spray penetrating oil or linseed oil into the lock to help lubricate it and make it move freely again. But, it's not a task for the average homeowner and should be left to a licensed, certified locksmith. Here are four common problems with car doors that they can fix: Power door locks don't work Power door locks offer an incredible convenience, but they bring more complex mechanisms to the vehicle. This means there are a lot more ways for things to go wrong too. If the door lock actuator isn't working, it could be a major issue that needs professional help. Before calling a professional try these ways to troubleshoot. The first thing to look at is the battery on your key fob. If it's dead or nearly dead, that will obviously cause the locks to not function. This issue can be easily and cheaply solved by replacing the battery. A malfunctioning power actuator is another possible issue. This is a frequent issue and is usually easy to identify. You can use a digital multimeter to check whether power is reaching the actuator or not. If it is and the actuator doesn't respond to the button for locking doors and it's time to replace it. You can also clean the contacts on the door lock actuator. It's a bit more complicated than cleaning a switch, however it generally works. To do this, you'll need to remove the actuator from the door's panel and then take it apart. There are usually bolts holding the exterior of the body take them off and then take out the entire body of the actuator. Once you've removed the actuator, you must be careful not to scratch the rod that connects it to the lock mechanism. Two bolts are usually located inside the doors that house the rod. Be sure to remove them as well. Once the rod is disconnected then you can open the door and inspect the latch to make sure it's aligned correctly with the locking post. If not, you can insert a thin, long object between the lock and door panel. This should release any locking mechanism so you can unlock your door by hand. The key fob doesn't work If your car's key fob isn't working, it could be an extremely frustrating experience. There are a few steps you can do to make it work. First, replace the battery. This simple step could help you avoid having to purchase a brand new fob. YouTube has a range of helpful videos that will show you how to accomplish this in just a few easy steps. If this does not work, you might need to re-program your fob. In the majority of cases, this can be done by a professional. It's not easy since many of the latest automobiles come with security features that require to be set up correctly. The fob could also be damaged. It could be damaged due to various reasons, such as physical force, water, or scratches on the circuit board. Most of the time, the damage isn't obvious and can only be identified by opening the fob to inspect inside. You can check for these issues by looking at the fob for indications of damage, including cracks on the circuit board, tiny electronic components not fully attached to the circuit board or buttons that are loose. You can also open the fob and take out the battery for a closer look at the connections. By using a flathead screwdriver you can typically pry open most fobs and gain access to the battery, but some require more specialized tools or equipment only available at your car's dealership. If the fob doesn't work, you can try opening your car's doors using a physical key. If the physical key doesn't unlock your car, it could be time to contact a locksmith or visit the service center for more serious repair. A faulty ignition cylinder could be the cause of your key fob not turning on or even starting your vehicle. This is typically a very expensive fix, and it's best left to a professional. If the key fob works with the door locks then it's possible to start your vehicle using the inductive backup system. The lock is jammed. If you are unable to turn your lock it is most likely that something is jamming the mechanism. G28 could be as simple as the tumblers are blocked by dirt or rust, or it could be that the pins inside are stuck in an unintentionally raised position. First, you must lubricate your lock mechanism. Spray a dry lubricant such as RP7 or graphite spray in the keyway, and then insert the key several times to loosen any debris stuck in the lock cylinder. This will also help to lubricate the mechanism and help prevent future problems. You can also make use of brake cleaner to lubricate parts of the lock cylinder, and also get rid of any grime and rust that might be blocking the tumblers. You can buy brake cleaning fluid from most home improvement centers or at auto supply stores. Be sure to not use oil-based products such as WD-40 since they can keep clogging the mechanism over time. The frame of the door may be shifting due to temperature or weather changes. The deadbolt or latch of the door may no longer align properly with the hole on the frame. This problem can be easily resolved by tightening hinges, and replacing broken or damaged screws. It's always recommended to inspect the condition of your door locks regularly. This will help prevent them from being damaged or jammed, which will save your time and money by not needing to call a locksmith. Don't hesitate to contact your local mechanic who you trust when you discover an unlocked or broken door lock. They'll be able to quickly identify the issue and recommend the most effective course of action. They'll be glad to assist you, whether you need a quick fix for your power doors or experiencing a more significant problem. The lock is jammed. Locks stuck in lock positions can be a gruelling, but often unavoidable part of owning a car. Whether the lock is locked in an unlocked position, or won't turn at all, you're going be looking to fix it earlier rather than later, before your problem worsens. There are some quick and easy fixes that will help you get out of this tense situation. Begin by examining the lock and determining what's stopping it from working effectively. A screw or a foreign object may have become loose. You can fix either of these problems by cleaning the lock or tightening the screws. You could also try to straighten or fix the ball in your lock if they're bent or have become warped from long-term use. A damaged lock could be the cause of a locked that is jammed. It will not respond to the jiggling. If your lock ceases to turn when you jiggle it, it is likely that you need to replace it and ensure that it's keyed correctly. If your lock is stuck and no amount of wriggling, spraying lubricant, or changing the knob doesn't seem to help, you will likely need to contact an expert locksmith. They have the knowledge and tools to safely take out the lock that is stuck without causing any additional damage to your door or car. In a few cases, the lock cylinder itself is actually broken. This can occur in the event that the lock was forced open in the past or the lock issue was not addressed. You should inspect your cylinder for signs of corrosion and wear frequently, and replace the cylinder if necessary. This will ensure that your vehicle is as safe as possible. If the lock cylinder is cracked or damaged it could pose an extremely risk to the safety of your passengers and you. Therefore, make sure you have any damaged cylinders fixed as soon as possible.