Why your car door won’t lock or unlock properly

Just because electric locks are now standard on even the lowest-end economizer boxes doesn’t mean there are fewer problems with your car’s most basic security feature. In fact, the presence of a keyless entry means there are more hidden parts deep inside your car than with old analog locks.

If you’re having trouble getting in and out of your car due to an electric lock malfunction, here are six common reasons why your door lock might not be working.

1. Key fob battery out. A simple the battery replacing in main fob may solve your problem. Batteries are usually coin-type, but consult your owner’s manual for exact numbers. (Or remove a dead battery from the fob; the battery size is usually printed on the battery itself. You may need to see your manual or online to learn how to open the fob.)
2. Blow fuse. The next simple solution might be to blow the fuse. Before you take yours car to a dealerChecking your electric door lock fuse can prevent a costly visit. Your owner’s manual will show you the specific location of the fuse box, but they’re usually behind the plastic plate near your driver’s side footrest and don’t usually require any tools to remove. . Once you have removed the cover of the fuse box, inside the cover (or owner’s manual) there will be a diagram showing the function of the different fuses. Find the one that corresponds to the door lock. You may need pliers or tweezers to pull it out (some car manufacturers provide a puller on the inside of the fuse box cover). See if the small metallic sound in the middle of the fuse is connected. A blown fuse will have a noticeable gap. Be sure to replace the fuse with a new one of the same amperage.
3. Key fob malfunction. Unfortunately, key fobs are a bit more complicated than old-fashioned key fobs. If the battery isn’t the culprit, you’ll need to take care of the problem seller to be diagnosed. They will connect it to a computer to check that the fob is still sending the proper signal. Otherwise, the fob will have to be replaced.
4. Electromagnetic fault. When you press the buttons on the keypad, it sends a signal to the solenoid unit inside your car door. The solenoid converts the electronic signal into a mechanical action, in this case moving a steel rod that the turning of a key in a keyhole used to do. Electromagnetism in non-locking/unlocking doors will require removal of the interior door panels for replacement.
5. Broken rod or connector. While it’s less likely to have an electronic problem, there’s always a chance that one of the aforementioned (more precisely) plastic rods or connectors has failed. The hardware network links the switches on the door panel to the interior and exterior door handles and locks. Plastic hardens over time and can become brittle, or dirt seeps in and accumulates in the door through repeated opening and closing of the window. Just like replacing the solenoid, this will require removing the interior door panel for diagnosis and repair, although if there are any problems they should be visible to the naked eye.
6. Electrical problems. If none of the above resolves the problem, there may be an electrical problem. Every electrical component requires a logic board and a final lead that can be traced to the power source (battery). Malfunctioning logic boards or broken wires can cause problems. If the locking and unlocking functions operate intermittently, a short circuit may occur in the system due to wear of the plastic insulation of the wire. If it no longer works, the cord may be broken.

Remember that almost all cars still have a physical key that can be used to lock and unlock the vehicle. It can be hidden in your keys or exist as a separate backup that came with the car. At least you can use that lock to lock the car for peace of mind until you or a professional mechanic can solve the problem.