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Simple DIY Car Door Lock Repair Car door lock issues can be frustrating and may appear like a daunting issue to resolve. The majority of issues can be solved with simple DIY fixes. Spray brake cleaning fluid inside the lock cylinders to remove rust and dirt. Next, lubricate the latch mechanism with white grease to prevent it from getting stuck or frozen. Signs of a dysfunctional lock If your key won't easily turn inside the lock, that is a signal that it is in need of attention. It could be due to a corroded pin, a worn out lock cylinder spring or even 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 yourself it could result in further damage to the lock and door. It is best to call a locksmith. If your door locks but then stops locking, it's a indication that the lock mechanism has failed and must be replaced. A faulty lock is not only more difficult to open, but it also makes the door more vulnerable to burglary, so it is important that you get the issue fixed in the shortest time possible. It can be costly to repair a faulty lock, so it's recommended to replace it rather than trying to repair it. It could cost you more in the end. It is essential to have the correct replacement parts to complete this process. Review the original instructions or ask the manufacturer for the exact part needed for your door. This will ensure that you don't end up buying parts that aren't compatible with your lock, or trying to install components that are not compatible with your lock. Locks can also become stiff and difficult to turn when they age. This could be due to a number of reasons. Fortunately this is a simple fix using oil. You can use graphite or silicone to reduce friction and make the lock easier to use. Follow the manufacturer's instructions when choosing the right lubricant. Some products can trap dirt or other debris inside the lock which makes it difficult to operate. If you notice that the lock cylinder is turning independently it is likely that someone has tampered the device. It is likely that this has been done to prevent you from being able to open your door. Therefore, it is crucial to take measures to ensure the security of your home. You'll need to get to the cylinder set screw. They are located under the door's faceplate and can be tightened to ensure that they are not loose. Remove the handle for the door's interior or door panel A lot of cars have a panel on the door that controls things such as the window and lock, and this is typically secured to the vehicle by small bolts and screws. They can be difficult to remove, particularly in older cars. Generally speaking, the first step in removing this is to insert an screwdriver in the lower edge of the control panel and pry it open. The handle is then removed. In order to do this, you need a special tool that is sold in larger auto parts stores. The most common model looks like a pliers with flat hook-shaped blades. This tool fits into a groove inside of the door handle and pushes in to grab the C-clip that secures it. Once this is done, you can simply pull the handle out of its position. It is possible to remove the handle from the vehicle to access the latch, but it's not always required. It is important to work slowly and gradually, without applying too much pressure to the clips which hold the handle. This will be simpler if you have someone to assist you. Once you have the handle and panel removed, it's a good idea to take the time to look over the area and take out any screws that are visible. This will ensure that you are not missing any hidden screws that could cause problems in the future as well as help you reinstall the door panel after repair. In fix car door lock , be sure to keep all the bolts, screws and covers used to secure the panel to the vehicle. You can label them and place them in separate bags to make it easier to locate them when you have to install your panel. This will save you a lot of stress and time in the future. Cleaning the Lock Cylinder If your car's lock cylinder isn't turning, it could be the result of corrosion or other issues within the. Cleaning and lubricating the cylinder can help to prevent internal mechanisms from snapping or breaking. The first step is to spray a general-purpose cleaner like WD-40 into the lock cylinder. This will clean and lubricate the lock mechanism, making it easier for you to operate. Spray the entire interior of the lock and cylinder and the latch switch to make sure it is free of debris. Then, lubricate the lock cylinder with an oil-based lubricant that is dry, like graphite powder or commercial car door lock lubricant. Avoid using liquid lubricants as they can attract dust and dirt. If the cylinder has not been lubricated it will be harder to open and shut the door as the key could be stuck or break. You can use an e-chenille or other long, thin tools made of metal to disassemble the lock assembly to clean and lubricate them. This isn't an easy task, as you'll have to take the door panel off and then remove the other components like the window crank, and possibly some covers or subpanels. Make use of a rag and clean all surfaces after the assembly has been removed. Also, clean the tumblers. After the assembly has been cleaned and reinstalled, it's possible to reinstall it. It's important to put the springs and tumblers back in the correct order to ensure they're aligned properly when you put them into the cylinder. Install the lock, and then test it. If the lock isn't working properly, it might be time to contact a professional for a full replacement of the cylinder for your car door. They will be able to give you suggestions on the issue and suggest a solution to fix. This is a more costly option than replacing the lock assembly. Nevertheless, it's the surest method to ensure that your car door is secure and can be opened with a single key. Move the Latch When you use the inside or outside door handle of your car the mechanism extends rods (or other linkages) that disengage the latch from its anchor. These are usually connected to plastic fasteners that hold them together using specialized adhesives. If a metal rod is not connected to its fastener or if the plastic fasteners are damaged, this may cause your car to stall in an open position. A professional automotive locksmith will be able to examine the door's interior for any issues and then reconnect rods that are removed. They also have the tools to remove the door's interior panel and open the latch assembly without damaging it. This is a job that the majority of people would not want to tackle themselves especially when they're late for work or have other obligations. Another reason that car doors could become stuck is that the internal latch release cable is disconnected from its actuator. This can happen when the lock has been jimmied or if the door's parts have been damaged due to an accident or a hard hit. The good part is that this issue can be resolved by simply connecting the rod of the actuator to its actuator with the help of a screwdriver, and turning it clockwise. This will enable the latch to be placed properly and will allow you to open the door by hand from the inside or outside. This type of problem is often the result of excessive wear on the bushings connecting the rods that move these parts. When they wear, it is easy to build up slop in between them which makes the mechanism move and not latch correctly. You can check this by pulling the handles on the inside and outside while watching for movement in all these moving parts.