How To Explain Repair Car Lock To A 5-Year-Old
How to Repair Car Lock Actuator
If your door lock's power isn't responding when you press the lock button on your key fob, it may be an indication of a damaged actuator. In such a case you can usually fix it by lubricating your actuator.
It is recommended to speak with an experienced auto locksmith.
Locking the door
If you've locked yourself out of your car, it can be a stressful experience. However there are some things you can do to get inside. If you're a member of AAA, or another service that offers roadside assistance, they'll send a locksmith to help you, but you might also be able back in using some DIY tools and techniques. These methods work best with cars that have power door locks. These can be opened using the lock button that is located on the armrest, or a keychain.
To use this method you'll need a wire hanger, straightened out and made into a hook at one end, or some other long, rigid device that won't be able to bend under pressure. It must be long enough to reach either the car lock button or door handle. One end should have a hook to catch the latch. You will also require an instrument like pliers to hold the hanger's end and a pair of tweezers to manipulate it.
First, you'll have to make a space between the top of the car window frame and the body. Then, slide the rod or hook from the hanger through the opening you have created and try to slide or press the door lock flipper or button with it. With a little luck the door will be opened.
If your car is equipped with a digital lock, you will need to find a way to open the door from inside without knowing the code. You can pull a lever on the inside of the door to open it but first you have to figure out how to access it. You can employ a Slim Jim or another long tool to reach the lever.
In some cases none of the methods above are effective and you'll need to contact a professional locksmith for assistance. Ask them what they will charge before they show up.
Unjamming the Keyhole
If the lock is stuck because the key was inserted before it was fully engaged and locked, try gently pushing the pin tumblers back into their proper position in the internal cylinder. This may help solve the issue However, pushing too hard could cause further damage. In this case it is recommended to call a locksmith.
A good way to prevent stuck keys is by keeping the lock lubricated with graphite spray or a silicone-based product. They are superior to oils-based products, like WD-40, which are more likely to attract dirt and debris. Apply the product to the lock, then insert and turn the key several times, and then play around with the key into the hole to distribute the lubricant across the mechanism.
Powdered graphite is another item that you should keep in your toolbox. It acts as a dry fluid. It allows for smooth movement between metal surfaces without attracting dirt or grime, and is safe to use on locks with internal pin tumblers. Rub some grains of powder inside the lock. This will help to lubricate the lock and eliminate any gunk that may have accumulated around the keyhole.
It is also important to replace the key on a regular basis to ensure it's in good condition and prevent it from getting stuck over time. repair car lock doors will help it last longer and work more efficiently.
If the key is not turning freely or is jamming easily, it is likely to be worn out and requires to be replaced or cut. To avoid sticking in the future, you can use a file on the sharp edges of the key teeth. However, this is a job that should be left to a professional.
If the suggestions above aren't working, you can attempt to remove the key stuck by taking the strike plate out of the door frame and then filing down the lower lip of the plate to increase the size of the opening in where the key is placed. If this fails it is recommended to contact a locksmith who has the tools required to disassemble a car door and resolve the issue. They'll have specialized tools designed to enter the locking mechanism to release them and will be able to pinpoint the reason the lock isn't working properly.
Unfreezing the Lock
With the Polar Vortex bringing cold temperatures and winter storms freezing lock problems are quite common. There are a few easy techniques you can employ to defrost the lock and then open your vehicle. The first thing to do is try to chip away any large ice chunks that are blocking the lock cylinder from receiving the key. It is crucial to take caution when doing this to keep from damaging your car's door or the lock cylinder.
Another trick that is commonly used is to pour boiling water over the lock. This might work for a while, but it can damage the lock in the end and also refreeze any moisture that remains in the lock cylinder. Pouring hot water into the lock or door sensor could also trigger a thermal shock. Using metal or sharp objects to break the lock or try to push the key in could also damage your car door or lock, and could lead to a broken lock.
An alternative is to heat the key with match or lighter and then insert it into the lock. Heat the key with a hairdryer or lighter to melt the ice covering the lock cylinder. This will enable you to turn the key to unlock the door. If you are unable to get the key in completely into the lock, warm it up again and try again. You can get rid of ice from your lock by spraying oil on the lock or using a commercial deicer.
Another idea is to park your car in the sun and let the light help melt the lock. This may take a while to complete, but it's a very simple and inexpensive solution to a frozen lock problem. It is an excellent idea to have a can de-icer on hand for such emergencies. The chemicals break the ice and stop further freezing.
Replace the Actuator
The actuator is a small motor that drives the lock using a set of gears. It can be activated by the key inside the door or a remote control, keyless entry or a central control. It is a low-power device that will wear out over time. It could wear out and produce a buzzing noise or a machine gun sound that won't stop unless the actuator is changed.
The majority of people can repair the actuator with a few tools and patience. The steps will vary between cars, as manufacturers may put together parts in different ways. However, the fundamental procedure is the same. First disconnect the battery to avoid electrical issues from occurring during the repair. Then, carefully remove the door panel from the car. Depending on the vehicle you have, you may need to remove either the window or the regulator in order to access the actuator.
When you remove the panel, you will see the actuator attached to the door latch. Usually, the bolts that hold the actuator in place can be removed with the help of a screwdriver. The actuator can then be removed from its mount. Once the new actuator is in place, be sure to connect the connector to the wiring harness. Reconnect the cables and rods to the actuator, latch and door panel.
Replace any clips that may have been removed during the removal. Make sure that all of the screws are re-tightened to prevent rattle or looseness. Reconnect all wires that were disconnected and test the actuator to confirm it functions. If it does, reinstall the door panel as well as the trim piece, then connect the battery and run a second test to ensure the locks are operating in the way they should. If your doors don't function as they should be it could be time to replace your actuator.