Car lock issues are not uncommon. Sometimes the lock doesn’t work properly and the door remains unlocked. There are multiple reasons that can cause this issue. Identifying the root cause and fixing it is crucial to ensure the security of your car and important things inside it. Today, we will take a look at common causes behind car lock malfunction.
Reasons Car Door Does Not Lock
Car locking system has transitioned from manual to power locking. The modern power locking system includes a number of circuits and complex parts like additional fuses and wiring – which makes them more reliable but increases the chances of malfunction at the same time.
Here we have listed the most common issues due to which your car doors won’t lock properly.
Blown Fuse of Power Lock
A blown fuse is the common hurdle in locking doors properly. Car doors rely on this fuse’s command to lock or unlock. The fuse is usually located under the glove box (passenger’s side) and can get blown due to high voltage. The fuse is cheaper and can be easily replaced at home. It is essential to fix it immediately to prevent your car from break-ins.
Presence of Obstructions
Dirt, grime or worn-out pieces of rubber can serve as an obstruction in shutting the door. The easy way to recognise it is with the help of a car fob. Unlock the car and carefully listen to the sound. If you hear a lock sound and the door is still not opening it represents a physical obstruction holding the door. For a quick fix, you can use any lubricant or WD40, but it is better to visit a professional for complete car detailing.
Worn-Out or Broken Locks and Keys
If your car has a manual locking system then you may encounter this issue. The keys or lock can wear out with time. Therefore, it causes car lock damage. The car lock fails to recognise key patterns or vice versa. Fixing it at home is a difficult task, and you must visit a locksmith immediately. It is one of these issues that should not be ignored and get treated at first.
Malfunctioning Solenoid
Solenoid is a type of electromagnet that is used in modern locking systems. It is included in the list of advanced safety features of cars. It connects the plunger to the latch and makes the doors lock or unlock. Each door has its own solenoid, if central locking is not working on one door this can be due to solenoid. Fixing it is convenient. Remove the door panel, locate and replace the old solenoid with the new one.
Loose Wirings
All the electrically controlled systems in a car are connected to the control unit. This connection makes a complex network of wires running throughout the car. If your car has loose or work-out wiring, the car doors won’t lock. The wiring issue is a complex problem and requires professional assistance. Even if it’s a smaller fixture, you will need devices to locate it.
Faulty Car Fob
Key fob is a battery-operated device. Generally, it is the battery that causes issues in the normal functioning of car fobs. Replace your fob batteries at regular intervals. Sometimes, the issue is not with the battery, rather it is mechanical. The circuit or other functional parts in the fob can get affected by external factors. You have to visit your dealership if the remote is having mechanical issues.
Broken Actuator
The actuator is connected with the solenoid inside the door panel which locks or unlocks the door with a simple push. When the actuator malfunctions, the whole process of locking and unlocking doors is disrupted. It will cause the car door to unlock but doesn’t lock properly and vice versa.
Cost of Fixing Car Doors
The cost of fixing car doors is completely dependent upon the problem you encounter. However, it is not that expensive and is often considered a minor issue. See the following costs as per the problem.
Problems | Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
Problems Blown fuse | Cost (AED) 36-40 |
Problems Malfunctioning solenoid | Cost (AED) 150-200 |
Problems Actuator | Cost (AED) 350-400 |
Problems Panel defect | Cost (AED) 600-700 |
Problems Complete panel repair | Cost (AED) 750-850 |
Problems Wiring Issue | Cost (AED) 600-1000 |
Disclaimer: All the prices are subject to change as per the complexity of the problem and service charges of mechanics.
FAQS
Why isn’t my car door locking properly?
There are several reasons why your car door might not be locking as it should. These include a blown fuse or power lock issue, something blocking the door’s mechanism, worn-out or damaged locks and keys, a solenoid that’s not working correctly, loose wiring, a faulty car remote or a broken actuator.
What leads to a car being unable to unlock?
If you can’t unlock your car using the key FOB, it might be due to a battery problem or internal issues within the key fob. You can easily figure this out by manually unlocking your vehicle with the key. If it unlocks smoothly, then your key might be the issue.
These were all the reasons why your car doors won’t lock. The car lock issues are more common in older vehicles on the contrary to modern ones. This is because modern cars are equipped with an intelligent key system or smart key which eliminates many of these issues. If you are interested in buying a vehicle with a smart key feature, browse through these used cars for sale in the UAE. You can also consider the following manufacturers.
- Buy second-hand Audi for sale in the UAE
- Buy used BMW for sale in the UAE
- Buy second-hand Mercedes-Benz for sale in the UAE
Stay tuned to UAEs top auto blog for more information on car safety and security issues.
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