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Simple DIY Car Door Lock Repair It can be frustrating to experience issues with your car door lock. It could also seem like an impossible task to tackle. The majority of issues can be solved with simple DIY fixes. Spray brake cleaning fluid into the lock cylinders in order to remove dirt and rust. Then, you should lubricate using white grease for the latch mechanism to prevent it from becoming stuck or frozen. Signs of a malfunctioning lock If your key is unable to easily turn inside the lock, this is a red flag that it needs 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 prolonged periods of time. Attempts to mitigate the problem with force could result in further damage to your lock and door so it is best to contact a locksmith assistance. This is a sign of a malfunctioning lock mechanism. It should be replaced. A damaged lock is not only more difficult to open, but it also makes the door much easier to break into so it is crucial to fix the problem in the shortest time possible. It's costly to fix a damaged lock, which is why it's recommended to replace it rather than trying to repair it. This may cost you more in the end. It is essential to have the right replacement parts to complete this process. Consult the original documentation or ask the manufacturer for the exact component needed for your door. This will prevent you from buying parts that are not compatible with your lock, or from trying to install incorrect components. It is also typical for locks to become stiff and hard to turn around, which can be caused by various issues. Fortunately, this is an easy fix with a little lubrication. Graphite or silicone sprays can be used to reduce the friction between the components and make the lock easier to use. Be sure to adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines when selecting a lubricant as some products can trap dirt and other particles within the lock, making it more difficult to operate. If your lock's cylinder is turning itself, this is an indication that someone has altered it. It is likely to prevent you being able access your door. It is therefore essential to secure your home. You'll need to get at the set screw for the cylinder. Visit Home Page can be found beneath the faceplate of your front door. They can be tightened in order to keep them from loosening. Remove the handle for the door's interior or door panel Many vehicles have a panel on the door that controls things such as the window and lock. This is typically attached to the vehicle with small screws and bolts. They can be a little difficult to remove, particularly in older vehicles. In general the first thing to do is wedge an screwdriver on the lower part of your control panel, and lift it up. The next step is to take off the handle. In order to accomplish this, you will require an appropriate tool sold in larger auto parts stores. One kind is similar to pliers, and has flat hook-shaped knives. The tool is inserted into a groove in the inside of the door handle, and then pushes into the groove to grab the C-clip that keeps it in place. Once this is done, you can simply take the handle out of its slot. It might be necessary to remove the handle from the car in order to access the latch, but it is not always required. The key is to do the procedure slowly and with a steady pace, trying not to put too much pressure on the clips that keep the handle in place. This will be simpler if you have an assistant. Once you have the panel and handle removed, it's an excellent idea to take the time to look over the area and take out any screws that are visible. This will help you avoid missing any hidden screws that could cause problems later on and will make it easier to reinstall the door panel after the repair. Additionally, you should to keep all the bolts, screws, and covers used to fasten the panel to the 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 help you save a lot of time and headaches down the road. Cleaning the Lock Cylinder If the cylinder in your car's door lock isn't turning, it could indicate that there is rust or another internal issue. It's a good idea to clean and lubricate it, as this can stop internal mechanisms from becoming broken or snapped. First, spray a general purpose cleaner like WD-40 into the lock cylinder. This will remove dirt and lubricate the mechanism making it easier to operate. Make sure to spray the entire interior of the lock and the cylinder including the latch switch, to ensure that it's clean and free from obstructions. Next, lubricate your lock cylinder with a dry lubricant like graphite or a commercial 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 close the door since the key could stick or break. You can employ an e-chenille or other long, thin tools made of metal to disassemble the lock assembly to clean and lubricate the locks. It's not an easy job because you'll have to take off the door panel and some other parts, like the window clock, and possibly some covers and subpanels. Use a rag and wipe all surfaces after the assembly has been taken apart. It's a good idea clean the tumblers, as well. 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 correct order, to ensure that they're lined up properly when you insert them back into the cylinder. Finally, reinstall the assembly and test it. If the lock isn't working, it may be time to contact an expert for a full car door cylinder replacement. They'll be able to give you suggestions on the cause and the best solution. This is a costlier alternative than replacing the lock assembly. It's still the most effective way to make sure that your car's doors can be opened by only one key. Moving the Latch When you operate the handle on the outside or inside of your car the mechanism extends metal bars (or other links) that release the latch from its anchor. They are typically connected to plastic fasteners that hold them together with specialized adhesives. If a rod made of metal is not connected to its fastener, or if the plastic fasteners are damaged it could cause your car to get stuck in an open position. A professional locksmith will be able to inspect the inner door assembly for any issues and then reattach any rods that have been disconnected. They also have the tools to remove the door's interior panel and open the latch assembly without causing damage to it. Most people won't wish to tackle this task by themselves, particularly if they 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 its actuator. This could 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 slam. This issue can be solved by connecting the rod with its actuator using the screwdriver and turning it clockwise. This will shift the latch back into its proper position and allow the door to be opened manually from inside or out. This kind of issue is often the result of excessive wear to the bushings that connect the rods that move these components. When they wear out, it is easy to build up slop between them, which causes the mechanism to move, and it won't latch correctly. You can test this by pulling on the inner and outer handles individually while watching all the moving parts for movement.