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Simple DIY Car Door Lock Repair Car door lock problems can be frustrating and may seem like a daunting task to solve. Most of the time, issues can be resolved by simple DIY fixes. Spray brake cleaning fluid inside the lock cylinders to remove rust and dirt. Then, lubricate your latch mechanism with white grease to prevent it from being stuck or frozen. Signs of a Malfunctioning lock If your key isn't able to turn in the lock, it's a sign that you should pay attention. It could be due to an corroded cylinder spring in your lock or a damaged or dirty key that's been in your pocket for a long period of time. Any attempt to address the issue by using force can lead to further damage to your door or lock therefore it is recommended to contact a locksmith assistance. If your door locks but then it freezes when latching, this is another sign that the lock mechanism has failed and must be replaced. It is essential to fix the problem as quickly as you are able to. A damaged lock is difficult to open and makes it easier to break into. A damaged lock could be costly to fix and it is recommended to replace the lock completely instead of trying to fix it, as this could be more costly in the long run. It is crucial to have the right replacement parts for this process. Consult the original documentation or contact the manufacturer to find the exact part required for your door. This will ensure that you don't end up buying parts that aren't compatible with your lock, or attempting to install incorrect 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 simple solution, simply apply a grease. You can apply graphite or silicone to reduce friction and make the lock more comfortable to operate. Make sure you follow the manufacturer's recommendations when selecting a lubricant since certain products may trap dirt and other debris inside the lock, making it harder to operate. If the lock is turning on its own this could be an indication that someone has altered it. It is likely that this has been done to prevent you from being able to open your door, so it is essential to take steps to secure your home. You'll need to look to the cylinder set screw. 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 A lot of cars have a panel on the door that controls things such as the window and lock. It is typically secured to the vehicle by small bolts and screws. They are generally difficult to reach, especially on older cars. In general the first thing you need to do is insert an screwdriver on the lower edge of your control panel, and lift it up. The next step is to remove the handle. To accomplish this, you'll need a special tool sold in the larger auto parts stores. The most common type appears like a pliers with flat hook-shaped blades. This tool fits in an inside groove of the handle and is pushed into the groove to grasp the C clip which holds it in place. After that the handle can simply be removed from its place. It may be necessary to remove the handle from the car in order to access the latch, but it is not always required. The most important thing is to do the procedure slowly and with a steady pace, trying not to put too much pressure on the clips that hold the handle in place. If you can, have a friend help you with this step as it will make the job much easier and quicker. It is a good practice to remove all screws visible after taking the handle off and the panel. This will help you avoid missing any screws that could cause issues in the future. It will also make it easier to install your door panel. Keep in mind all the bolts, screws and covers that are used to secure the panel to your vehicle. You can label them and place them in separate bags to help you locate them when you need to install your panel. This will help you save lots of time and headaches later. Cleaning the Lock Cylinder If the cylinder of your car's door lock is not turning, this could indicate that there is rust or another internal issue. It's a good idea to clean and lubricate it, as this can prevent internal mechanisms from becoming damaged or snapped. The first step is to spray a general-purpose cleaner like WD-40 into the lock cylinder. This will clean and lubricate your lock mechanism, making it easier to operate. Spray the entire interior of the lock and cylinder, and the latch switch to ensure that it is clean and free of any debris. Next, lubricate your lock cylinder with an oil-based lubricant such as graphite or a commercial door lock lubricant. Avoid using liquid lubricants, as it can attract dust and dirt. If broken car lock repair hasn't been lubricated it will be more difficult to open and close the door, since the key could be stuck in the cylinder or break. You can use a chenille or any other long, thin metal tools to remove the lock assembly so that you can clean and lubricate the locks. This isn't an easy task as you'll need remove the door panel off and remove some other components such as the window crank and some subpanels or covers. Once the assembly is apart, use a rag to clean all surfaces. It's a good idea to clean all the tumblers, as well. After the entire assembly is cleaned it is able to be put back together. It's important to put the springs and tumblers back in the proper order to ensure they're aligned properly when you put them into the cylinder. Then, you can reinstall the lock and test it. If the lock doesn't work, it might be the right time to call an expert for a complete car door cylinder replacement. They'll be able to give you suggestions on the cause and the best way to fix it. Be aware that this is a more costly option than simply replacing the lock assembly. It's still the most effective way to make sure that your car's door can be opened with one key. Move the Latch Whenever you operate the outside or inside door handle of your vehicle the mechanism extends rods (or other linkages) that disengage the latch from its anchor. They are typically connected to plastic fasteners that bind them together using specialized adhesives. Your car could become stuck in an open position when the rod of metal is separated from its fastener, or the fasteners are broken. A professional automotive locksmith will be able to inspect the door's inner assembly for any issues and then reattach any rods that have been removed. They also have the tools to take off the interior door panel and access the latch assembly without damaging it. This is a job that a majority of people do not wish to tackle on their own particularly on a day when they're running late for work or have other obligations. The latch release cable in the interior may have been disconnected from the actuator. This is another common reason for your car's doors getting stuck. This can happen if the lock has been damaged or when the door or its parts have been damaged due to an accident or a violent smash. The good news is that this issue can usually be solved by connecting the actuator rod to its actuator with a screwdriver and turning it clockwise. This will shift the latch to its correct position and allow the door to be opened manually from inside or outside. This kind of issue could be caused by wear and tear on the bushings connecting the rods which move all these components. When they wear, it's possible to accumulate slop between them, which makes the mechanism move and it won't latch correctly. You can check this by pulling both the inner and outer handles while observing movement in all these moving parts.