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Automotive Door Lock Repair There are a number of things that can go wrong when it comes to your door locks powered by electricity. Locksmiths for automotive work with many of these problems on a regular basis. A dying actuator is the cause of your car's power lock not working or making a buzzing sound or a'machine gun sound' when you lock or unlock it. The actuator can be replaced easily however the procedure differs depending on the brand and model. Broken or Damaged Lock Cylinder A broken lock cylinder is frustrating, especially when you're trying to get into your car following an attempted break-in. A locksmith can replace the cylinder easily and quickly. A locksmith can replace an actuator for the lock that is damaged. This is a small motor that moves the lock cylinder in order to open or shut the door. The lock cylinder is similar to the lock mechanism that is found on your door at home When you insert a key it presses against spring-loaded pins and aligns them with a shear line, which allows you to turn the cylinder to unlock or shut the door. If the cylinder is damaged or stymied, however, it can stop the key from turning at all. In certain instances it is possible to smooth the cylinder using a little bit of WD-40 or graphite, but these methods aren't likely to last very long. The ignition lock cylinder can be located on the right-hand side of the steering column near the shift lever. It is housed in the electrical component that locks the ignition switch, which is usually connected to the steering column. It's difficult to get to the ignition lock cylinder. Many mechanics recommend replacing it instead of attempting to fix it. To remove the ignition cylinder, first disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable. Then, you'll need to take off any trim panel covering the cylinder's lock, using a screwdriver to take out any fasteners holding it in place. Use G28CarKeys or awl, or a pick to pull the lock-cylinder's tab that holds it in place. Then take the lock-cylinder straight out. If the new mechanical key you purchased doesn't turn the ignition cylinder, you can try spraying WD40 on the cylinder for ignition lock and moving the key. If this doesn't help you can try bumping the cylinder. To bump a lock, just insert your new mechanical key halfway into the cylinder, and then push it in with a large screwdriver handle (rubber is the best choice). Bumping a lock cylinder can sometimes remove misaligned or displaced wafers that are keeping the lock from turning. Broken or Damaged Key If your car keys are broken or damaged, the issue may be more serious than a simple lockout. This is why it's always good to have an extra car key. If you do not have a spare, try not to worry. Your car key could be easier to fix than you think. Examine the circuit boards and battery first. If they're fine The grooves on your key could have worn out. This could cause the key to not turn or stick in the ignition. A locksmith can usually repair this by sanding down the grooves to be in line with the mechanism. Older keys are more likely to break due to the constant stress caused by being inserted and turned in the lock. Keys may also break if they are used as tools, for instance to open the lid of a soda bottle or cut plastic packaging. Make use of pliers or a multipurpose tool instead of your keys for these tasks. If you do have a key that's barely recognized, a locksmith may create a duplicate from the remaining parts. However, you might need to provide proof of ownership in order to avail this service. Depending on the kind of key you have, you can also try spraying it with lubricant to remove it from the ignition. If the key is stuck in the ignition, it's best to leave this to a professional since it could cause damage to the locking mechanism or the cylinder that controls ignition. It's worth mentioning that some car insurance companies provide roadside assistance for broken or lost keys. You should check your policy to determine whether this is an option for you. If so, they'll often send someone to unlock your door and assist you to find keys. Depending on the type of key you own they may be able to provide you with a new one on-site. This could save you time and money in the long term. Faulty window switches A power window that moves upwards or downwards in a sporadic manner or does not move at all indicates a bad switch. There are electrical connections in the door panel that need to be bypassed in order to determine if there is an electrical problem with the window motor or the switch itself. Start by checking for a blowing fuses, since they are often the reason why windows aren't functioning. After replacing any fuse that is defective then you can bypass the window switches by connecting the connector wires to an external battery power source, such as an automobile battery or an extension cord with an outlet that is 12-volt. Once you have connected the wires to an outside source of power, test the window motor by pressing the window switch. If the motor of the window functions normal and the switch is not malfunctioning, then it is probably a mechanical issue with the window mechanism, its track or a bad power window regulator. If the window motor does not work and the switch is in good shape, then there may be problems with the window guides that hold it in place. They can be damaged or loosened, which could cause the window to slide in its tracks and jam the motor assembly. This can be a frequent problem on older vehicles with window regulators made of gears. In some instances the power window actuators can be worn out or get stuck in their down or up position. When they fail, they are the components that control the movement of the window. They typically make a buzzing noise or a unexpected crackling sound. The actuators can be replaced, but you'll need remove the window for access to them. The removal of the window panels is contingent on the make and model of the vehicle but is generally straightforward. Once the panel is removed, you'll need to take off any trim or covers that keep it in place. Then, you'll have to be careful when backprobing each switch panel to isolate the problem. If the switch panel is found to be faulty you can replace it with a new unit.