Automotive Door Lock Repair
There are a number of things that could be wrong when it comes to your door locks powered by electricity. These issues are dealt with by automotive locksmiths on a regular basis.
If your car's power locks are dead or make a rumbling or 'machine gun' noise when you lock or unlock them it's because of a dying actuator. Replacing the actuator is fairly simple, but the process varies between different models and makes.
Broken or Damaged Lock Cylinder
A damaged lock cylinder can be an aggravating situation, particularly when you're trying to gain entry into your car following an attempted break-in. Locksmiths can repair the cylinder in a short time and with ease. Locksmiths can also replace a damaged door lock actuator, which is a small motor that moves the lock cylinder to open or close the door.
The lock cylinder operates similarly to the lock mechanism of your home door. When you insert the key, it presses on pins that are spring-loaded, that align them to form a shearline, permitting you to turn the cylinder, and then open or close the door. If the cylinder is damaged or is stuck however, it may prevent the key from turning any point. In certain instances it is possible to reshape the cylinder by using some graphite or WD-40, however these solutions typically don't work for long.
The ignition lock cylinder is located on the right-hand side of the steering wheel, close to the shift lever. It is located inside the electrical component that locks the ignition switch, usually attached to the steering column. It's difficult to get to the ignition lock cylinder. Many mechanics suggest replacing it rather than attempting to repair it.
To remove the ignition coil remove and isolate the negative cable of the battery. Then, you'll need to take off any trim panels covering the cylinder's area employing a screwdriver in order to remove any fasteners that are holding it in place. Use Continued , awl or screwdriver to remove the tab on the lock cylinder's retaining tab and take the lock cylinder straight out of the housing.
If the new mechanical key you purchased doesn't turn the ignition cylinder, try spraying WD40 into the cylinder for ignition lock and jiggling the key. If this fails, you can try bumping the cylinder. To bump a lock, just insert your new mechanical key halfway into the cylinder and then push it in using a large screwdriver handle (rubber is the most effective). Bumping the lock cylinder may aid in removing the wafers that are not aligned and hinder the lock from turning.
Keys damaged or broken
If your car key is broken or damaged, the issue can be more serious than an ordinary lockout. This is why it's always important to have a spare car key. Don't panic if you don’t have an extra. It may be simpler than you think to fix your broken car key.
Examine the battery and circuit boards first. If the battery and circuit board are in good condition it's possible that your key's grooves are worn out. This could cause your key to become stuck in the ignition, or not turn at all. Locksmiths usually fix this by sanding the grooves to match the mechanism.
Older keys are more prone to break because of the repeated stress from being inserted and turned inside the lock. Making use of your keys as an instrument, for instance to open a soda container or cut through plastic packaging is another reason keys tend to break and wear down. Use pliers or a multi-purpose tool instead of your keys for these tasks.
Locksmiths can copy a key if it is barely identifiable. However, you may need to prove ownership to get this service.
Depending on the type of key you own, you can also try spraying the key with lubricant in order to remove it from the ignition. It's best to let a professional remove the key from the ignition if it's stuck. It could cause damage to the locking mechanism or ignition cylinder.
It's worth noting that some car insurance companies provide roadside assistance for broken or lost keys. Check your policy to find out if you're covered by this option. If so it is, they'll usually send someone to unlock your car door and assist you locate your keys. Depending on the type of key you have they might be able to provide you with a new one on-site. This could help you save money and time in the long in the long.
Faulty window switches
A defective switch can cause a power window to move up and down in a sporadic manner, or not at all. There are electrical connections within the door panel that require to be bypassed in order to determine if there is an electrical issue with the window motor or the switch itself. Start by looking for fuse that has been blown, as they can often be the reason why windows aren't functioning. After replacing any faulty fuses then you can bypass the window switches by connecting the connector wires to an external battery power source, like an automobile battery or an extension cord that has 12 volt power outlets. Once you have the wires connected to an outside source of power, test the motor of your window by pressing the window switch. If the window motor operates normally and the switch isn't in error, then it is probably a mechanical issue with the window mechanism or its track, or perhaps a defective power window regulator.
If the motor of the window fails to function and the switch is working properly, there could be a problem with the window guides that help to hold the window in the right position. They can become damaged or broken, which can cause the window to slide in its tracks and jam the motor assembly. This can be a common issue on older cars with window regulators made of gears.
In some cases power window actuators could also wear out or get stuck in the up or down position. These are the components that control the movement of a window and usually produce noises that are buzzing or a surprising rattling sound when they fail. The actuators can be replaced, but you'll need remove the window panel for access to them.
The procedure to remove the window panel differs based on the particular vehicle model, but it is generally straightforward. Once the panel is removed, you'll have to take off any trim or covers that hold it in place. Then, you will need to be careful when backprobing each switch panel in order to identify the issue. If the switch panel is found to be faulty you can replace it with a new unit.