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Locks

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Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Proportioning/Combination Valve
If your rear brakes are locking up, especially on wet surfaces, you should have a mechanic inspect the proportioning/combination valve.
How to Pick an Anti-Theft Device For Your Car
Depending Depending on where you live, an anti-theft device may give you added peace of mind about the security of your car. It may also lower your car insurance rates, which is an added bonus. With so many products on...
How to Repair a Door Lock Actuator
The power door lock actuator can be integral to a car door lock repair. If a remote device or unlock switch fails, the actuator may be faulty.
How to Get a Car Door Latch Unstuck
If you are in a situation where you need to get your car door latch unstuck, or fix a stuck door latch, it may be due to rusty or bent components.
How to Unfreeze Door Locks
Frozen door locks are a pain when you need to hit the road. Don't use hot water to fix frozen door locks. A hair dryer or de-icer is a better fix
How to Safely Break Into Your Own Car
If you locked keys in your car you may need to break into your car to get them out. Use a coat hanger to or slim metal tool to open a locked car door.
How to Prevent Car Doors From Freezing Shut
Frozen car doors are a disaster if you're in a rush. Replace door gaskets, clean the door frame, and protect your door locks to fix frozen car doors.
How to Replace a Tailgate Lock Solenoid
The tailgate lock solenoid controls the locking mechanism on your trunk or tailgate and needs to be replaced if your tailgate doesn't unlock.
How to Replace a Trunk Lock Actuator
A car trunk is secured by a trunk lock that uses an electronic or mechanical lock actuator. A bad actuator prevents the lock from working properly.
How to Replace a Door Lock Relay
Electric door locks work via a door lock relay located near the brake pedal, behind the stereo, behind the passenger air bag, or under the hood.
How to Get a Replacement Car Key
Lost car keys can be extremely frustrating. Try to find missing keys first, then call a local locksmith to see if they can make a replacement car key.
How Long Does a Key Fob Battery Last?
In order to get into a modern car, you will usually have to have the key fob that comes...
How to Get a Car Door Latch Unstuck
If you are in a situation where you need to get your car door latch unstuck, or fix a stuck door latch, it may be due to rusty or bent components.
5 Common Reasons Why Your Car Door Isn’t Locking Properly
Are your power locks keeping you from getting into your car, or locking it when you leave? You need to know what’s...
Do You Need to Lubricate Door Locks and Hinges?
Every so often you need to lubricate your car door locks and hinges. Use silicone spray, white lithium grease, or graphite to lubricate door hinges.
B2100 OBD-II Trouble Code: Driver's Door Key Cylinder Switch Failure
B2100 trouble code means a failure in the driver's door key cylinder, often due to a defective driver's door key cylinder switch.
How to Replace a Tailgate Locking Assembly
The tailgate locking assembly controls the lock and can be activated from a key fob or the driver lock controls.
How to Replace a Trunk Lock Cylinder
A car trunk is secured by a trunk lock, which works via a trunk lock cylinder. Replacing a bad cylinder is imperative to your vehicle’s security.
How to Replace a Tailgate Lock Cylinder
A tailgate lock cylinder unlocks the unit that secures the tailgate handle. Signs of failure include a lock that turns endlessly or not at all.
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Tailgate Lock Solenoid
Common signs include the tailgate not unlocking and the tailgate opening on its own without any buttons being pressed.

Related questions

What is the shift lock release??
If your Accord has an automatic transmission, it has a shift lock release. This is an important feature and it’s designed to let you shift out of park if the gear selector won’t move when you press the brake pedal....
Steering wheel locked
This is a pretty common problem on Ford trucks. Typically, you can get the steering wheel to unlock by turning the wheel side to side while also turning the key forward. If this doesn't work you likely need to replace...
Steering wheel is locked up and key won't turn.
Hi there. Try turning the steering wheel back and forth while trying to turn the key in the ignition. There is a steering wheel lock inside the steering column that could be bent or broken if the ignition switch will...
Remote and windshield issues
If you can lock and unlock the door using the driver's door switch but not the remote, then you may have a remote communication issue. If pushing the unlock button twice does not unlock the door, then your lock's module...
My key ignition won't turn.
The issue could be the steering column lock mechanism or the key cylinder, or both. To repair those components, typically there will be partial disassembly of the steering column. That is a sensitive area as the air bag is installed...
How do you use the keypad to lock and unlock the doors?
Your car’s keyless entry system (the keypad, if so equipped) allows you to lock and unlock the doors, as well as the trunk with a simple code. Here’s what you need to know: To Unlock the Doors: Enter your code...
How do you lock or unlock the doors from inside?
Locking the doors provides important safety. You should lock the doors before driving (even if auto-lock is enabled on your car). Not sure how to lock or unlock them from inside? Here’s what you need to know: To Lock: Push...
How do the childproof door locks work?
As a parent, keeping your children safe is priority number one. That applies to when they’re in the car as well. If your child is large enough to reach the door handles from the car seat or booster seat, you...
How do I use the power window lock?
The power window lock locks all of the Power Window switches from working, except those on the front doors. This is an important safety feature that keeps children from opening the windows. To lock the power windows, press the Power...
How do I use the power door locks?
Both front doors have a Power Door Lock switch. Press the lock icon on either of these switches to lock all of the vehicle’s doors, including the trunk. Press the unlock icon on either of these switches to unlock all...
What is shift lock release?
Most automatic transmissions come equipped with a solenoid designed to prevent the transmission from being moved out of park of the brake isn’t pressed. However, if the brake light switch malfunctions, the battery fails or the solenoid fails, you may...
Steering wheel lock system prevents my car from starting
Hello. These fixes are band aids. If you want to repair the vehicle correctly then the steering lock module and assembly need to be replaced. This will allow the system to work as designed. If you bypass it you can...
Starting problems
The PATS system or passive anti theft system is not turning off the arming of the system and may need to be reprogrammed as per the technical bulletin issued by the manufacturer. I recommend looking on the dash and if...
My steering wheel is locked.
Hi there. Sounds like the steering wheel lock solenoid is not working. To get to the solenoid or to remove the lock, you would need to remove the battery cables (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/service-battery-cables) (both) and remove the horn with the airbag from...
How do you use the power door locks?
Power locks are convenient, and the master lock control on the driver side allows you to lock and unlock all the doors in the car. Here’s how to use it: Press the end of the switch with the closed lock...
How do you lock the glove box?
Securing your glove box is important. You can easily lock the glove box with your master key. Just insert the key into the lock on the handle and turn it to the right. To unlock the glove box, turn the...
How do you lock or unlock the doors from inside?
Locking the doors provides important safety. You should lock the doors before driving (even if auto-lock is enabled on your car). Not sure how to lock or unlock them from inside? Here’s what you need to know: To Lock: Push...
How do the childproof door locks work?
As a parent, keeping your children safe is priority number one. That applies to when they’re in the car as well. If your child is large enough to reach the door handles from the car seat or booster seat, you...
How do I use the power window lock
The power window lock keeps the power windows in your vehicle from working. This can be a key safety feature when children are in the car. To use the power window lock, press the lock button next to the power...
How do I use the childproof door locks?
The childproof door locks are an important safety feature that help keep children safe in your vehicle. When set, the childproof door locks make it impossible to open the rear doors from the inside of the vehicle, even when the...

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