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Simple DIY Car Door Lock Repair Problems with locking your car door can be a source of frustration and appear like a daunting issue to fix. Most of the time, problems can be fixed with simple DIY fixes. Spray brake cleaning fluid into the lock cylinders to eliminate dirt and rust. Then, lubricate your latch mechanism with white grease to prevent it from getting stuck or frozen. Signs of a malfunctioning lock If your keys are difficult to turn in the lock it's a sign you should be aware. This could be due to the corroded spring of your lock or a damaged or dirty key that has been in your pocket for a long time. If you attempt to fix the issue on your own, you can cause further damage to the door and lock. It is best to seek out an expert locksmith. If your door locks but then freezes while it is latching, this is a sign that the lock mechanism has failed and should be replaced. A damaged lock is not only more difficult to open however it can also make the door easier to break into, so it is important that you fix the problem in the shortest time possible. A broken lock can be costly to fix and it is better to replace the lock altogether instead of trying to repair it as it could cost more in the long in the long run. It is essential to have the right replacement parts to complete this process. Review the original instructions or contact the manufacturer for the exact part needed for your door. This will stop you from purchasing parts that are incompatible with your lock, or from trying to install the wrong components. Locks can also become stiff and difficult to turn when they age. This could be due to a number of reasons. This is a straightforward fix, just apply some oil. The use of silicone spray or graphite can be used to lessen the friction between the components and make the lock easier to operate. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines when choosing the right lubricant. Some products can trap dirt or other particles inside the lock and make it difficult to operate. If your lock cylinder is turning by itself it is an indication that someone has tampered with it. It is likely that this was done to prevent you from being able to open your door, therefore it is crucial to take the necessary steps to protect your home. To accomplish this, you'll need to get access to the set screws for cylinders. They are located beneath the door's faceplate and can be tightened to ensure that they are not loose. Removing the Interior Door Handle or Door Panel Many cars have an opening panel that controls things such as the window and lock, and this is typically attached to the vehicle by small bolts and screws. They can be a little difficult to remove, particularly in older cars. In general, the first thing to do is put an screwdriver on the lower edge of the control panel and pull it out. The handle is then removed. To accomplish this, you'll require a tool specifically designed for this purpose, which is available in the larger auto parts stores. One kind is similar to pliers, with flat hook-shaped knives. This tool fits in a groove on the inside of the handle and is pushed in to grab the C clip that holds it in position. After this is done, you are able to pull the handle out of its place. It might be necessary to remove the handle from the vehicle to get to the latch, however it is not always required. It is essential to move slowly and carefully, not putting too much pressure on clips that hold the handle. This step will be much easier if you have an assistant. Once you have the panel and handle removed, it is an excellent idea to examine over the area and take out any screws that are visible. This will prevent you from missing any hidden screws that could cause issues in the future and will help you reinstall the door panel after the repair. Also, make sure to keep an eye on the bolts, screws, and covers used to attach the panel to the vehicle. It is a good idea to put them in bags that are labeled separately so that you can easily locate them when you need to put the panel back in place. This will save you a lot of time and headaches later. Cleaning the Lock Cylinder If the cylinder in your car's door lock isn't turning, it could indicate that there is rust or an internal issue. 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 which makes it easier for you to operate. Make sure lock repairs spray the entire interior of the lock and the cylinder, including the latch switch to ensure that it's free of dirt. Then, you need to apply lubrication to the lock cylinder using dry lubricant, like graphite powder, or a commercial car door lock lubricant. Avoid using liquid lubricants, as it can attract dirt and dust. If the cylinder hasn't been lubricated it'll be harder to open and close the door, since the key could be stuck inside or break. You can employ an e-chenille or other long, thin metal tools to disassemble the lock assembly so that you can clean and lubricate the lock components. It's not an easy task since you'll need to take off the door panel and some other components, including the window clock, and possibly some subpanels and covers. Use a rag and wipe all surfaces after the assembly has been taken apart. It is also recommended to clean the tumblers. After the entire assembly has been cleaned, you can re-install it. It's a good idea place the springs and tumblers in the proper order, so that they're all lined up correctly when you put them back into the cylinder. Reinstall the assembly, and then test it. If the lock doesn't work then it's time to contact an expert for a complete car door cylinder replace. They'll be able to give you advice on the cause and how to fix it. This is a more costly option than replacing the lock assembly. But, it's the best method to ensure your car door is secure and able to be opened with a single key. Move the Latch Whenever you operate the outside or inside of your car door handle the mechanism extends metal rods (or other linkage) that disengage the latch from its anchor. They are typically attached to plastic fasteners which are joined by special adhesives. Your car could get stuck in open position if a metal rod is detached from its fastener, or if the fasteners are broken. A professional locksmith for automotive will be able to inspect the door's inner assembly for any problems and reattach rods that are disconnected. They have the tools to remove the interior door's frame and gain access to the latch assembly. Most people won't want to tackle this task themselves, especially if they are running late to work or have other obligations. The interior latch release cable could have been cut off from the actuator. This is another frequent cause for your car doors getting stuck. This 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 hard slam. This issue can be solved 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 the inside or out. This type of malfunction is caused by excessive wear on the bushings linking the rods which move all the components. When they wear, it's easy to get slop between them, which causes the mechanism to move and not latch correctly. You can test this by pulling both the inner and outer handles and watching for movement in all these moving parts.