How to Repair Car Lock Actuator
If your power door locks don't respond when you press the locking button on your keyfob this could indicate that your actuator is damaged. In this situation it is usually lubricating the actuator that will fix the problem.
However, it is best to talk to a professional car locksmith.
Locking the Door
Getting locked out of the car can be a traumatic experience, but there are several things you can do to get back inside. If you are covered by roadside assistance with AAA or another service they can send a locksmith, however you might also be able gain access to your vehicle using DIY tools and methods. These techniques work best on cars with doors that are powered by electricity. These can be opened by pressing the lock button on the armrest, or a keychain.
For this method it is necessary to have a wire hanger, straightened out and turned into a hook on one end, or other long, stiff tool that isn't prone to be able to bend under pressure. It will need to be sufficient in length to reach the car door handle or lock button, and must have a hook at one end that can catch the latch inside the door. You will also need pliers as well as long tweezers to manipulate the hanger.
First, you will need to create a space between the window frame and body. Insert the rod or hook of the hanger into the gap that you created and then try to slide or press the door lock flipper button or switch using it. With a bit of luck the door will be opened.
If your car is equipped with an electronic lock, you'll need to figure out how to open the door from the inside without knowing the code. You can pull a lever on the inside of the door to unlock it but first you have to find out how to get to it. A Slim Jim can be used to accomplish this, or a similar long tool that can be put into the space between the window and the door.
In some cases none of the methods above will work, and you'll require a professional locksmith for assistance. If that's the case, make sure you ask them how much it will cost before they arrive.
Keyholes that aren't jamming Keyhole
If the lock is jammed due to the key was not fully engaged and the pin was not fully engaged, gently push the tumblers back into their proper alignment inside the cylinder's internal. This could solve the issue, but pushing too hard could cause further damage. In this situation, it is best to call a locksmith.
A good way to prevent a stuck key is by making sure the lock is lubricated using graphite spray or a silicone-based product. These products are superior to oil-based products such as WD-40 which tend to attract dirt and dust. Apply the product on the lock. Turn the key several times. Then jiggle the keys into the hole.
Another item that is useful to have on hand is powdered graphite that functions like a dry oil lubricant. It allows for smooth movement between metal surfaces, without attracting dirt or grime, and it's also safe to use on locks with internal pin tumblers. Try rubbing a few grains of the powder inside the lock to make it lubricate and clear away any gunk that has accumulated in the keyhole.
It's also important to replace your key on a regular basis to ensure it stays in good shape and also to ensure it doesn't jam in the future. This will help it last longer and work more efficiently.
If the key is not moving freely or jams easily, it is likely to be worn out and requires to be replaced or cut. To prevent sticking, you can use a file to smooth the sharp edges of the key teeth. However, this is a job that should be left to an expert.
If the above suggestions do not work then you can try to get rid of the key stuck on by removing the strike plate the door frame. You will need to file down the lower lip to create a larger opening in which the key can be inserted. If this isn't successful then you should contact locksmiths who have the tools needed to disassemble a car door and fix the issue. They'll have tools designed to enter the locking mechanisms to disengage them. They will also be able to determine why the lock isn't functioning properly.
Unfreezing the Lock
With the Polar Vortex bringing cold temperatures and winter storms locks that are frozen are quite common. There are a few simple tricks that you can use to unfreeze the lock and then open your vehicle. The first thing to do is to remove any large ice chunks that are preventing the lock cylinder from receiving the key. It is essential to take care in this process to avoid damaging your car door or lock cylinder.
Another method is to pour boiling water onto the lock. This may work at first but it could damage the lock over time and also refreeze any moisture that remains in the lock cylinder. Pouring hot water can also cause thermal shock, which can short out modern electronics inside the lock cylinder as well as the door sensor. It is also possible to harm the car lock or door by using metal or sharp objects.
A better alternative is to heat the key using matches or a lighter and then insert it into the lock. Heat how to repair car key lock www.g28carkeys.co.uk with a hairdryer or lighter to melt the ice covering the lock cylinder. This will allow you to turn the key and open the door. If you're not able to get the key in all the way, simply heat it up again and try again. You can get rid of ice from your lock by spraying a lubricant on the lock or using a commercial de-icer.
It is a great idea to leave your car parked in the sun and let the sun help melt the lock. It may take some time but it's an inexpensive and simple solution to a lock that is frozen. A de-icer bottle in your car for an emergency such as this is also a good idea as the chemicals will quickly melt any ice and stop future freezing.
Replacing the Actuator
The actuator is a tiny motor that drives the lock through a series of gears. It can be activated by turning a key inside the door, pressing an appropriate button from a remote device or using keyless entry or activating it from a central control unit. It is a low-power device that will wear out over time. It is prone to wear out and produce the sound of a buzzing or machine gun sound that will not stop until the actuator is changed.
Replacing the actuator can be an easy task for the majority of people with a few tools and a bit of patience. The steps vary from car to cars, as manufacturers may put together parts in different ways. However, the fundamental process remains the same. First disconnect the battery to prevent electrical issues from arising during the repair. Remove the door panel in a safe manner from the vehicle. Depending on the model you might also have to remove the regulator and/or window to access the actuator.
After removing the panel you will see the actuator attached to the door latch. The bolts holding it in place will usually be undone with a screwdriver. The actuator can then be pulled out of its mount. Once the new one is in place, reinstall the connector that goes to the wiring harness. Reconnect the rods and cables to the latch, actuator and door panel.
When the trim panel is back in place you must replace any clips that were removed during removal. Make sure that all screws are tightened again to avoid rattle or looseness. Reconnect any wires that were disconnected and test the new actuator to see if it functions. If it does, reinstall the door panel as well as the trim piece, and then reconnect the battery and perform another test to ensure that the locks are working as they should be. If your doors aren't functioning in the way they should, it may be time to replace the actuator.