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Simple DIY Car Door Lock Repair It can be frustrating to experience issues with the door lock of your car. It can also seem like an impossible task to resolve. Most common issues can be resolved with simple DIY fixes. 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 getting stuck or frozen. Signs of a malfunctioning lock If your key isn't able to turn inside the lock it's a sign you need to be aware. It could be due to a corrosion pin, worn out spring on the lock's cylinder, or a chipped key with dirt particles inside it from being held in your pocket for long periods of time. If you try to fix the issue on your own, you can cause further damage to the door and lock. It is recommended to contact an expert locksmith. This is a sign of a malfunctioning lock mechanism. It should be replaced. A broken lock isn't just more difficult to open however it can also make the door easier to break into, so it is important that you get the issue fixed in the shortest time possible. A broken lock can be expensive to repair, so it is usually recommended to replace the lock altogether instead of attempting to repair it as this may cost more in the long run. Finding the correct replacement parts is crucial to this process, therefore it is recommended that you review the original manual or contact the manufacturer to find out the part that is required for your door. This will help you avoid purchasing parts that are not compatible with your lock or attempting to install incorrect components. It is also common for locks to become stiff and difficult to turn over time and could be due to a variety of issues. Fortunately this is a simple fix with a little lubrication. You can use graphite, or silicone to decrease friction and make the lock easier to use. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions when choosing a lubricant, since certain products may trap dirt and other debris inside the lock, making it difficult to operate. If you notice that your lock cylinder is not turning by itself, it is likely someone has tampered the device. It is likely that this was done to prevent you from opening your door, so it is essential to take the necessary steps to protect your home. You'll need to look at the cylinder set screw. These screws are located beneath the faceplate of your front door. They can be tightened to prevent them from loosening. Removal of the Interior Door Handle or Door Panel Many vehicles have an opening panel that controls things like the window and lock. This is typically attached to the vehicle with small screws and bolts. They can be a little difficult to remove, especially in older cars. The most common step in removing this is to put an screwdriver in the lower edge of the control panel and pry it out. The next step is to remove the handle. To accomplish this, you'll require a tool specifically designed for this purpose, which is available in the larger auto parts stores. One common type looks more like a pliers with flat hook-shaped blades. The tool fits into a groove on the inside of the handle and is pushed in to grab the C clip which holds it in place. After that, the handle can be simply pulled out of place. It is possible to remove the handle from the vehicle to gain access to the latch, but it is not always required. It is essential to move slowly and carefully, not placing too much pressure on the clips that secure the handle. If you can, have someone else help you with this step as it will make the job significantly easier and speedier. It is a good practice to remove all screws visible after taking off the handle and panel. This will prevent you from missing any hidden screws which could cause problems in the future as well as make it easier to reinstall the door panel after the repair. Also, make sure to keep an eye on the screws, bolts, and covers used to fasten the panel to the vehicle. It is a good idea to keep them in separate, labeled bags to make it easy to locate them when you need to install the panel. This will save you lots of time and headaches later on. Cleaning the Lock Cylinder If your car's lock cylinder isn't working, it could be a sign of corrosion or other problems within. It is worth cleaning and lubricating it, as this can prevent internal mechanisms from becoming damaged or snapped. Spray WD-40 or another general-purpose cleaner into the lock cylinder. This will clean out and lubricate the mechanism, making it easier to use. 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 debris. Next, lubricate your lock cylinder with a dry lubricant, such as graphite or a commercial door lock lubricant. Avoid using liquid lubricants because they draw dust and dirt. If the cylinder has not been lubricated, it will be harder to open and close the door as the key may be stuck or break. You can use a chenille or any other long, thin tools made of metal to take the lock assembly apart so that you can clean and lubricate them. This isn't an easy task, as you'll have to remove the door panel off and then remove some other parts like the window crank, and possibly some covers or subpanels. After the assembly is removed, use a rag to clean all surfaces. It is also recommended to clean the tumblers. Once the assembly has been cleaned and reinstalled, it's possible to reinstall it. It's best to put the tumblers and springs in the proper order, so that they're all lined up properly when you insert them back into the cylinder. Reinstall the assembly, and then test it. If the lock isn't working, it may be time to consult an expert for a complete replacement of the door cylinder. They will be able to give you suggestions about the problem and how to fix. Be aware that this is a more costly option than simply replacing the lock assembly. But, it's the best method to ensure your car door is secure and able to be opened with just a single key. Moving the Latch When you use the handle on the inside or outside of the car the mechanism extends metal bars (or other links) that release the latch from its anchor. These are usually connected to plastic fasteners which bind them together with specialized adhesives. Your car could become stuck in open position if an iron rod is removed from its fastener or 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 remove the interior door's panel and gain access to the latch assembly. This is a task that most people will not wish to tackle on their own particularly on a day when they're late for work or other obligations. The cable for the latch's interior may have been disconnected from the actuator. This is another common cause of your car doors becoming stuck. car lock repairs may happen if someone has jiggered the lock or in the event of physical damage to the door or its components as a result of an accident or a hard hit. This issue can be fixed by connecting the actuator rod with its actuator using an screwdriver, then turning it in a clockwise direction. This will shift the latch into its proper position and allow the door to be opened manually from inside or outside. This kind of issue is most often caused by excessive wear on the bushings connecting the rods that move these components. When they wear, it's possible to accumulate slop in between them that makes the mechanism move and not latch properly. You can check this by pulling the handles that are on the outer and inner sides while watching for movements in all the moving parts.