Common Car Lock Issues and How a Locksmith Can Help

You’re running late for work, and your car door or ignition lock is malfunctioning. Car lock and key issues happen to every car owner and are one of the most frustrating issues to deal with. What should you do? 

One of the most common car lock issues may be key fob issues, which can happen anytime. Issues can arise from a dead battery or with a high-security lock, and understanding these common issues may be complex if you’re not an emergency locksmith.

Unfortunately, car insurance doesn’t cover an auto locksmith unless you have roadside coverage as an add-on, and many car insurance companies require collision and comprehensive insurance to get automotive locksmith services. If you need professional assistance with a door lock repair or a battery replacement, professional help goes a long way.

In this blog, we’ll show you eight issues with your car you might have to deal with and how a locksmith can offer their professional services. A professional locksmith can handle everything from keys stuck in the ignition lock to lock installation and even get into the panel to access your lock. Some common car lock problems can affect a modern car with a keyless entry, compromising your vehicle’s security.

1. Key Stuck in Ignition

This is a common problem and one of the most frustrating. If your key is stuck in the lock and doesn’t work, you can’t start your car up. Autozone says that this could stem from minor problems or significant mechanical failures. 

“One frequent cause is a locked steering wheel, which happens if the wheel was turned too far after the car was turned off, locking the ignition in place,” explains Autozone. Another issue could come from the gear shifter if the car is not parked in neutral. “A worn-out key or damaged ignition cylinder can cause problems.”

2. Worn Out Locks

If you’re locked out of your car and have various car lock issues, it may be because the car door cylinder is worn out and must be replaced. 

Common reasons may be wear and tear, which can result in the breakdown of car locks, making locks malfunction, not allowing you to open your car door, and possibly leading to more serious issues if not fixed immediately. 

When this happens, it’s best to call a car locksmith for automotive locksmith services to ensure your vehicle remains secure.

3. Defective Key Fob

A defective key fob is another common car lock issue. This occurs when the battery is dead or when the key fob malfunctions. Try charging the key fob battery or contacting a professional locksmith for repairs or replacement on the spot with no excessive towing costs. Locksmith United can diagnose the problem right away and offer the following services:

• Key fob programming
• Key fob replacement
• Same day service
• 24/7 emergency automotive locksmith services
• Cars, SUVs, trucks and bikes
• All vehicle brands

4. Jammed Lock

Another common problem is dirt, gunk, and debris in the car lock. You can avoid this by cleaning regularly and using a graphite-based lubricant to keep the car lock functioning smoothly.

But if your car lock is already jammed, you can call Locksmith United to get help restoring the lock to working condition. 

” The first thing you can try to unlock a stuck car door luck is a lubricant. A dry lubricant is preferred as a long-term solution as oil-based lubricants tend to attract things that can build up, such as dirt and dust,” explains News on 6.

” Also, if a foreign object is lodged in the key door lock, you can attempt to remove it. When applying lubricant, be sure first to clean the assembly. Remove any blockages, as well.” News on 6 says that you should continue to lubricate the assembly until it moves freely to ensure more of a long-term fix if the culprit is a buildup of dirt and gunk. 

5. Accidental Lockouts

If you’ve just locked your keys in the car or are dealing with a malfunctioning lock system, automotive locksmith services can help get you back in and help you with vehicle security 24/7.

While many vehicles have push-button ignition feature safeguards to prevent accidental lockouts, this is a common problem today for drivers with conventional keys for ignition, door locks, and electronic key fobs.

“Some automakers offer smartphone apps to access your vehicle during a lockout. For example, with an OnStar subscription from General Motors, you can use an app to remotely unlock your Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, or GMC. BMW and Hyundai offer similar apps, as do several other automakers,” says Car and Driver.

If these options aren’t available, Car and Driver suggests calling a locksmith directly—many will handle car lockouts like Locksmith United.

6. Wiring is Defective

Another common issue is faulty electrical wiring from frayed wires, resulting in doors not unlocking or locking and key fobs not working. Frayed cables can interrupt the flow of electricity needed to operate the door locks effectively. 

This is almost impossible to fix on your own, probably due to wear and tear or water damage. You may also deal with loose connections inside your car door panel inside the door, resulting in intermittent power and car lock issues. 

Corrosion also triggers wiring issues by weakening connections and impeding the transmission of electrical signals. If you don’t want to remove the door panel and think you’re dealing with any wiring issue, a car door locksmith can help.

7. Mulfunctioning Solenoid

This electromagnetic component in your car works with the door lock mechanism by engaging or disengaging. When this happens, one or both car door locks can become stuck in either the locked or unlocked position, leaving you with a malfunctioning car lock. Automotive locksmith services can help diagnose the problem by replacing a malfunctioning solenoid.

8. Blown Fuse

If you have a blown fuse, one door lock will work, but you won’t be able to operate the lock on the other door. A blown fuse will disrupt the power supply to the door lock system, making it impossible to open.

Your car’s instruction manual will show you where the fuse box is, so it’s easy to check. Look up which one is linked to the car door, and find it. Otherwise, call for automotive locksmith services to help you with this problem.

Final Thoughts

Car lock problems can become huge issues that take a lot of time to fix and compromise security. The best way to solve this is with automotive locksmith services that can get you inside the car, even if you don’t know whether it’s a broken key, door lock actuator, car key fob battery, or lock cylinder.

Locksmith United helps with car electronic issues without damaging the lock and allows for a quick fix. Our technicians can be at your location in minutes and deal with various lock issues. 

They have plenty of experience dealing with issues like car security systems and broken keys in the lock and can have you back on the road immediately. 

As usual, always keep a spare key in a secure place in case your key fob battery dies or you have issues trying to unlock the door of your car.