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Simple DIY Car Door Lock Repair Car door lock issues can be a hassle and seem like a daunting problem to fix. However, most issues can be resolved using simple DIY repairs. Spray brake cleaning fluid in the lock cylinders to eliminate dirt and rust. Then, you need to lubricate the latch mechanism by using white grease to keep it from being stuck or frozen. Signs of a Malfunctioning lock If your key is unable to easily turn inside the lock, it is a sign that it requires attention. This could be due to a corroded lock cylinder spring or a damaged or dirty key that has been kept in your pocket for a while. If you try to fix the issue yourself it could result in further damage to the door and lock. It is best to call a locksmith. This is another sign of a failed lock mechanism. It's time to replace it. A damaged lock is not only more difficult to open, but it also makes the door much more vulnerable to burglary, so it is crucial to get the issue fixed as soon as you can. A broken lock can be costly to fix and it is recommended to replace the lock completely rather than trying to repair it as it could cost more in the long term. The right replacement parts is essential for this procedure, and it is recommended that you check the original documentation and/or call the manufacturer to find out the part that is required for your door. This will prevent you from purchasing parts that are incompatible with your lock, or trying to install incorrect components. Locks can also become stiff and difficult to turn with time. This can be caused by a variety of reasons. Fortunately it is a simple fix by applying some oil. Graphite or silicone sprays can be used to ease the friction between the parts and make the lock easier to use. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer when selecting the right oil or lubricant. Certain products may trap dirt or other debris within the lock which makes it difficult to operate. If you notice that your lock cylinder is not turning by itself and not turning, it's likely that someone has tampered the device. It is likely to stop you from being able to open your door. It is therefore important to ensure that your home is secured. You will need to get at the set screw for the cylinder. These screws are located under the faceplate of your front door. They can be tightened in order to keep them from loosening. Remove the Door Handle or Door Panel Many cars have an opening panel that controls things like the window and the lock. It is typically attached to the vehicle by small bolts and screws. They can be a little difficult to remove, especially in older vehicles. The most common step to remove this is to wedge a screwdriver along the lower edge of the control panel and pry it open. The handle is then removed. In order to accomplish this, you will require a special tool that is sold at larger auto parts stores. The most common type appears like a pliers with flat hook-shaped blades. This tool fits into a groove on the inside of the door handle, and then pushes in to grab the C-clip that keeps it in place. After this is done the handle can be simply pulled out of place. In certain situations, you might have to take the handle off of the car completely in order to get access to the latch mechanism, however this will not always 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 hold the handle in place. This process will be easier if you have an assistant. It is a good idea to remove all screws visible after taking off the handle and panel. This will help you to avoid missing any hidden screws which could cause problems in the future. It also makes it much easier to reinstall your door panel. Keep track of all the bolts, screws and covers that are used to secure the panel to your vehicle. You can label them and place them in separate bags to make it easier to find them when you are required to replace your panel. This will save you a lot of stress and time in the future. Cleaning the Lock Cylinder If the cylinder in your car's door lock isn't turning, it could be a sign there is rust or an internal problem. Cleaning and lubricating cylinders can help to prevent internal mechanisms from snapping or breaking. Spray WD-40 or a similar general-purpose cleaner into the lock cylinder. This will clean and lubricate your lock mechanism which makes it easier for you to operate. Spray the entire interior of both the lock and cylinder and the latch switch to ensure it is free of dirt. Then, lubricate the lock cylinder with a dry lubricant, such as graphite or a commercial door lock lubricant. Avoid using liquid lubricants, as this can attract dust and dirt. If the cylinder isn't lubricated, it'll be harder to open and close the door as the key may stick in the cylinder or break. You can employ a chenille or other long, thin metal tools to remove the lock assembly so that you can clean and lubricate them. This isn't an easy task as you'll need to take the door panel off, and also remove some other components such as the window crank and the covers or subpanels. Make use of a rag and clean all surfaces after the assembly has been removed. You should also clean the tumblers. Once the assembly is cleaned, it's time to reinstall it. It's important to put the springs and tumblers back in the correct order so that they are aligned properly when you put them into the cylinder. Finally, reinstall the assembly and test it. If the lock isn't working, it could be time to contact a professional for a full car door cylinder replacement. They'll be able to give you suggestions on what the problem is and the best solution. This is a more expensive option than replacing the lock assembly. But, it's the best method to ensure that your car door is secure and can be opened using a single key. Moving the Latch When you use the outside or inside car door handle, the mechanism extends metal rods (or other linkages) that disengage the latch from its anchor. They are typically attached to plastic fasteners, which are bonded together by specialized adhesives. Your car could become stuck in open position if a metal rod is detached from its fastener, or if the fasteners are broken. A professional locksmith can examine the door's inner lock assembly for such problems and can reattach rods that are disconnected. They are equipped to take off the interior door's frame and gain access to the latch assembly. Many people will not want to do this job themselves, especially if are running late to work or have other obligations. Another reason why your car doors could become stuck is because the interior latch release cable has been disconnected from the actuator. auto door locks repair could happen if someone has jimmied the lock or if there was physical damage to the door or its parts due to an accident or a hard hit. The good part is that this issue can usually be solved by simply connecting the rod for actuator to its actuator with an screwdriver and turning it clockwise. This will shift the latch to its proper orientation and should allow the door to be opened manually from the inside or out. This kind of issue could be caused by wear and tear of the bushings linking the rods that move the components. When they wear, it's possible to accumulate slop in between them which makes the mechanism move and not latch correctly. You can test this by pulling the inside and outer handles individually while watching all of these moving parts for movement.