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Simple DIY Car Door Lock Repair It can be very frustrating to have problems with your car door lock. It can also seem like an impossible task to solve. Most of the time, problems can be fixed by simple DIY fixes. To begin the process, spray brake cleaner into the lock cylinder components to loosen and flush out rust or dirt. Then, lubricate your latch mechanism by using white grease to keep it from getting stuck or frozen. Signs of a malfunctioning lock If your key isn't able to turn into the lock it's a sign you need to be aware. This could be due to an corroded cylinder spring in your lock or a dirty or chipped 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 door and lock. It is recommended to seek out an expert locksmith. If your door locks but freezes while it is latching, this is a indication that the mechanism for the lock has failed and must be replaced. car door handle is not only more difficult to open but can also make the door more vulnerable to burglary, so it is crucial to fix the problem as soon as possible. A broken lock can be costly to fix It is better to replace the lock completely rather than trying to repair it as this could be more costly in the long term. Having the right replacement parts is crucial to this procedure, and it is recommended that you check the original documentation and/or call the manufacturer to find out what part is required for your door. This will prevent you from purchasing parts that aren't compatible with your lock, or trying to install incorrect components. Locks can also become stiff and difficult to turn when they age. This can be due to a number of reasons. Fortunately, this is an easy fix with a little lubrication. Graphite or silicone spray can be used to ease the friction between the components and make the lock more comfortable to use. Follow the manufacturer's instructions when selecting the lubricant. Some products can trap dirt or other debris inside the lock, making it difficult to operate. If your lock's cylinder is turning itself it is an indication that someone has altered it. This is most likely to prevent you being able open your door. It is therefore essential to ensure that your home is secured. To do this, you will need to access the set screws on cylinders. These can be found underneath the door's faceplate and can be tightened to ensure they are not loose. Removing the Interior Door Handle or Door Panel Many vehicles have an opening panel that controls things like the window and lock, and this is typically attached to the vehicle using small screws and bolts. These are usually a bit tricky to get at particularly on older vehicles. The first step to taking this off is to wedge an screwdriver in the lower edge of the control panel and pry it out. The handle is then removed. To do this, you'll need an instrument that is sold at larger auto parts stores. The most common type appears like a plier, with flat hook-shaped blades. The tool is inserted into a groove on the inside of the door handle and pushes in to grab the C-clip that holds it in place. After this is done the handle can be easily pulled out of place. In certain situations, you might have to take the handle off the car completely in order to gain access to the latch mechanism, however this is not always required. It is important to move slowly and steadily, without putting too much pressure on clips that secure the handle. This will be easier if there is a friend to help you. After you have the panel and handle removed, it is a good idea to examine over the area and take out any screws that are visible. This will help you avoid missing any screws that could cause problems in the future as well as make it easier to reinstall the door panel following the repair. Keep track of all the bolts, screws, and covers used to attach the panel to your vehicle. You can label them and put them in separate bags to make it easier to locate them when you are required to reinstall your panel. This will help you save much time and headaches later on. Cleaning the Lock Cylinder If your car door lock cylinder isn't turning, it may be a sign of rust or other internal problems. Cleaning and lubricating cylinders can help prevent internal mechanisms from snapping or breaking. First, spray a general purpose cleaner like WD-40 into the lock cylinder. This will clean and lubricate your lock mechanism and make it easier to operate. Spray the entire interior of both the lock and cylinder, and the latch switch to make sure it is free of dirt. Then, lubricate the lock cylinder using a dry lubricant like graphite or a commercial door lock lubricant. Avoid using liquid lubricants, as they can attract dirt and dust. If the cylinder hasn't been lubricated, it could be harder to open and close the door as the key could be stuck or break. You can employ a chenille or other long, thin metal tools to disassemble the lock assembly to clean and lubricate the locks. It's not an easy job because you'll have to remove the door's panel as well as 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. It's a good idea to clean all the tumblers as well. Once the assembly has been cleaned, it can be reinstalled. It's important to put the springs and tumblers back in the proper order so that they are all lined up properly when you put them into the cylinder. Install the lock and test it. If the lock isn't working, it could be time to consult a professional for a full car door cylinder replacement. They'll be able to offer you guidance on what's wrong and the best way to fix it. Be aware that this is a more expensive option than simply replacing the lock assembly. However, it's the most secure method to ensure your car door is secure and can be opened with a single key. Move the Latch When you operate the handle on the outside or inside of the car the mechanism extends metal bars (or other links) that disengages the latch from its anchor. These are usually connected to plastic fasteners which bind them together using specialized adhesives. Your car could become stuck in an open position when an iron rod is removed from its fastener, or the fasteners have been damaged. A professional locksmith for automotive can check the door's internal lock assembly for such issues and reattach rods that are disconnected. They also have the tools to remove the interior door panel and access the latch assembly without causing damage to it. This is an undertaking that most people will not want to tackle themselves particularly on a day when they are running late for work or have other obligations. The interior latch release cable could have been cut off from the actuator. This is a frequent cause for your car doors getting stuck. This could happen if the lock has been jiggered or if the door's parts have been damaged by an accident or a hard hit. The good news is that this problem can be resolved by simply connecting the rod for actuator to its actuator with an screwdriver and turning it clockwise. This will move the latch into its correct position and allow the door to be opened manually from either inside or out. This kind of problem is caused by wear and tear of the bushings linking rods that move all the components. As they wear, it's possible to accumulate slop in between them which makes the mechanism move and not latch properly. You can test this by pulling on the inner and outer handles separately while watching all of these moving parts for movement.