The power door locks utilize individual solenoids in each of the doors that activate the door lock mechanism. The switch provides power to the door lock solenoids. To lock the doors the switch provides voltage to the two terminals of the solenoid. To unlock the doors the switch reverses the polarity of the voltage applied to the solenoid.
An inoperative power door lock can be caused by the switch, solenoid, wiring problem, or mechanical problem within the linkage of the affected door. So for this reason car doesn’t auto lock.
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Why Your Car Doesn’t Auto Lock?
There are five common reasons why a car doesn’t auto lock. You need to know what is going wrong and you need the steps to stop the problem.
1. The Dead Key Fob Battery
This is a very common reason for not working auto lock. Because if you notice this type of problem it can be the reason for the dead key fob battery. Just replace the battery of the key fob and I think the problem will be resolve.
2. The Faulty Key Fob
If the key fob battery is not the problem, go to the mechanics they can resolve the problem. The mechanics hook up the fob to the computer and make sure that programming is still good. In that case, it is not sending the signal, the fob is likely to have to be replaced.
3. A Blown Fuse
In case you notice that one of the doors is working but the other does not, then it is the reason for a blown fuse. You have to just replace the fuse with the new one and I think the problem will resolve. It is a very easy and cheaper solution.
4. The Bad Solenoid
Again if one of the door auto locks is working but others do not. it can be the reason for the bad solenoid. You have to change the solenoid with the new one. Replacing it may require opening the car door panel.
5. Broken Wire
Another reason of car doesn’t auto lock can be due to having a broken wire. If the lock isn’t getting power, hold the lock switch either up or down, and then open and close the door repeatedly to see if the lock will work. If it works sometimes, you probably have a broken wire.
How To Fix The Auto Lock Of Your Car?
You should listen to the affected door while energizing the door lock. If a click is heard but the lock did not engage, a problem with the door lock mechanism or linkage is the most likely cause. But anyway you can fix the issue with the auto lock of your car
1. Check The Battery
If you use your key fob to open and close car locks and not much happens, check to make sure its battery isn’t dead or dying. Just like your car, your key has a tiny battery that must be replaced from time to time.
2. Replace The Key Fob
If the above solution doesn’t solve the problem, you may have a faulty key fob.
Go to a dealer or mechanics and they will be able to hook up to the computer that controls your keyless entry and make sure the key fob is still programmed. If the key fob isn’t sending a signal, it will need to be replaced.
3. Try The Other Doors
Before ripping off a door and changing the wiring when it doesn’t open, check the other door locks first. If they don’t work, then there’s a good chance that you might have a blown fuse. This can usually be fixed with a simple replacement.
4. Consider The Solenoid
If the other doors work, the problem could be the door lock solenoid.
If this is the case, your regular mechanics can diagnose the problem. Then, if necessary he or she can remove the car door panel and replace the solenoid.
5. Defrost The Lock
Check an individual lock mechanism, work the door lock manually up and down or backward and forwards in newer vehicles, and use the auto lock button at the same time. Just make sure the key is “on”.
If the lock tries to move, then the problem could be a frozen lock mechanism. For a frozen lock you can use a hairdryer or the flame from a match or lighter to heat the key to thaw it out.
Another option is to use a lock de-icer or even a battery-powered key that heats up and melts the ice.
6. Try Spray Lubricant
If the car doesn’t auto lock, get a can of multi-purpose spray lubricant and use the supplied tube to spray inside the lock mechanism. Let the lock sit for about 10 minutes and then it should open easily.
7. Open And Close The Driver’s Side Door
In the case of door auto lock doesn’t seem to be getting power, hold the door lock switch in the up or down position and slowly open and close the door several times to see if the lock attempts to work.
If it does, there’s probably a broken or partially broken wire in the hinge area. Take the car to the mechanic, they will pull out the wiring and check for breaks or cracks. It’s not a good idea to try the windows.
How Much Does It Cost To Repair The Auto Lock Of The Car?
Typically the cost to repair or replace is totally dependent upon the car making and the model. And it hugely varies due to the labor cost which depends on from mechanics to mechanics. For a standard vehicle, the repair cost will vary between 100$n to 300$ which include labor cost and repair cost.
Conclusion
Your locks will be used every time you use your car. With such frequent operations, including small parts and delicate operations, the switches and electrical components will eventually wear out, fail and require replacing.
If you are still facing any issues, let us know in the comments below, we will get back to you!
