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Simple DIY Car Door Lock Repair Car door lock problems can be a hassle and appear like a daunting issue to solve. The majority of problems can be fixed with simple DIY fixes. To begin, spray brake cleaning fluid into the lock cylinder parts to remove rust and flush it out or dirt. Next, lubricate the latch mechanism with white grease to prevent it from getting stuck or frozen. Signs of a Malfunctioning Lock If your key is unable to easily turn inside the lock, that is a sign that it needs attention. It could be due to the corroded spring of your lock, a chipped or dirty key that has been in your pocket for a long period of time. If you attempt to fix the issue on your own, you can cause further damage to the lock and door. It is best to call a locksmith. This is a sign of a failed lock mechanism. It's time to replace it. A faulty lock is not just more difficult to open but can also make the door easier to break into, so it is important that you resolve the issue as soon as possible. A damaged lock could be expensive to repair, so it is usually recommended to replace the lock entirely instead of attempting to repair it since this may cost more in the long run. It is essential to have the right replacement parts for this process. Check the original manual or contact the manufacturer to find the exact part required for your door. This will help you avoid purchasing parts that are not compatible with your lock or trying to install components that are not compatible with your lock. It is also typical for locks to become stiff and difficult to turn around this can be caused by many different issues. This is a simple fix, just apply some oil. The use of silicone spray or graphite can be used to ease friction between the parts and make your lock easier to use. Follow the manufacturer's instructions when choosing the lubricant. Certain products can trap dirt or other debris inside the lock, making it difficult to operate. If your lock is turning on its own, this is an indication that someone has played with it. It is likely that this has been done to stop you from opening your door. Therefore, it is important to take the necessary steps to protect your home. To do this, you will have to locate the set screws for cylinders. They are located under the faceplate of your door and can be tightened to ensure they are not loose. Removing the Interior Door Handle or Door Panel A lot of cars have an opening panel that controls things such as the window and the lock, and this is typically secured to the vehicle with small screws and bolts. These are usually a bit tricky to get at, especially on older cars. In general the first thing to do is put an screwdriver on the lower edge of your control panel, and pry up. The handle is then removed. To do car door lock repairs near me , you need an appropriate tool available at larger auto parts stores. One model is more similar to pliers, with flat hook-shaped knives. The tool is inserted into a groove inside of the door handle and pushes into the handle to grasp the C-clip that keeps it in place. After this is done the handle can simply be pulled out of place. In certain instances, you may have to take the handle off the vehicle completely to access the latch mechanism, however this is not always required. It is important to move slowly and steadily, without applying too much pressure to the clips which hold the handle. If you can, have an assistant assist you in this step as it will make the job significantly easier and speedier. It is a good practice to remove all visible screws after removing the handle and the panel. This will allow you to avoid missing any screws that could cause issues in the future. It will also make it much easier to put back your door panel. Additionally, you should to keep all the bolts, screws and covers used to fasten the panel to the vehicle. It is recommended to store them in bags that are labeled separately so you can easily find them when it comes time to put the panel back in place. This will save you much time and headaches later on. Cleaning the Lock Cylinder If your car door lock cylinder isn't turning, it may be the result of corrosion or other problems within. It is worth cleaning and lubricating it, as this can keep the internal mechanisms from getting damaged or snapped. Spray WD-40 or a similar general-purpose cleaner into the lock cylinder. This will clean and lubricate the lock mechanism, making it easier to operate. Make sure you spray the entire interior of the lock and the cylinder including the latch switch, to ensure that it's free of any obstructions. Then, make sure that the lock's cylinder is lubricated with an oil-based lubricant that is dry, like graphite powder or a commercial car door lock lubricant. Avoid using an oil-based lubricant because this can attract dirt and dust. If the cylinder hasn't been lubricated, it will be difficult to open and close the door, as the key may be stuck or break. Using a chenille-like stem or another long, thin tool made of metal can help you get the lock assembly off so you can clean it and lubricate it. It's not an easy task because you'll have to take off the door panel and some other components, such as the window clock, and possibly the covers and subpanels. Use a rag and wipe all surfaces after the assembly has been disassembled. Also, clean the tumblers. After the assembly has been cleaned and reinstalled, it's possible to reinstall it. It's a good idea put the tumblers and springs in the correct order to ensure that they're lined correctly when you insert them back into the cylinder. Install the lock and then test it. If the lock isn't working, it might be time to consult a professional for an entire car door cylinder replacement. They can provide you with advice on the issue and what to fix. This is a more expensive alternative than replacing the lock assembly. It's still the best way to ensure that your car's door can be opened with a single key. Moving the Latch Whenever you operate the inside or outside door handle of your vehicle the mechanism extends metal rods (or other linkages) that disengage the latch from its anchor. These are usually attached to plastic fasteners that are bonded by special adhesives. Your car could become stuck in open position if a metal rod is detached from its fastener, or if the fasteners break. A professional locksmith for automotive can check the door's internal lock assembly for such problems and can reattach any rods that have been removed. They are equipped to remove the inner door's panel and gain access to the latch assembly. The majority of people don't want to do this job by themselves, particularly if they are running late to work or have other obligations. The interior latch release cable could have been cut off from the actuator. This is another frequent cause for your car doors becoming stuck. This can happen when the lock has been jimmied or if the door's parts have been damaged by an accident or a violent slam. This problem can be resolved by connecting the rod of the actuator to the actuator using the screwdriver and turning it clockwise. This will rotate the latch to its proper position and allow the door to be opened manually from either inside or outside. This type of problem is most often caused by excessive wear to the bushings connecting rods that move all these components. When they wear out, it's possible to accumulate slop in between them which makes the mechanism move and it won't latch correctly. You can test this by pulling the inner and outer handles separately while watching the other moving parts for movement.