What To Do When Your Car Won’t Unlock or Start?

AvatarByCarl Frisch

Car Won’t Unlock or Start is a common problem that can be caused by a variety of factors, including faulty locks, dead batteries, or faulty ignition systems. The first step to resolving this issue is to determine the cause of the problem. If the car won’t unlock, then it could be due to broken locks or a dead battery. If the car won’t start, then it could be due to a faulty ignition system or fuel system. To diagnose and fix these issues, you may need to access diagnostic data from the vehicle’s computer or consult a mechanic for help. Once the cause is determined, you can take appropriate steps to repair or replace any faulty components.

Automobile

When it comes to automobiles, there are a few common causes that can prevent your car from unlocking or starting. This could be due to mechanical, electrical, or fuel system issues. In order to diagnose the problem and get your car running again, it is important to understand the different types of symptoms and troubleshooting techniques.

Check the Key Fob Battery

The first step in diagnosing a car that won’t unlock or start is to check the key fob battery. If the key fob battery is low or dead, then it may be preventing the car from unlocking or starting. To check the battery, remove the back of the key fob and take out the small battery inside. Use a voltmeter or multimeter to measure the voltage of the battery and make sure it is above 3 volts. If it is not, then you will need to replace it with a new one.

Once you have replaced the battery in your key fob, try unlocking and starting your car again. If this does not work, then there may be an issue with one of the other systems in your vehicle.

Mechanical Problems

If you still cannot unlock or start your car after checking and replacing your key fob battery, then there may be an underlying mechanical issue causing the problem. Common mechanical problems that can prevent a car from unlocking or starting include worn out ignition switch contacts, faulty door lock actuators, and broken door latches.

To diagnose these issues, you will need to inspect each component for signs of damage or wear such as broken parts or loose connections. If any of these components are damaged or worn out, then they will need to be replaced in order for your car to start properly again.

Electrical Issues

In addition to mechanical problems, electrical issues can also prevent a car from unlocking or starting properly. Common electrical issues that can cause this type of problem include faulty wiring harnesses, bad relays and switches, and faulty solenoids. To diagnose these types of issues, you will need to inspect each component for signs of corrosion or damage such as burnt wires or loose connections. If any of these components are damaged or corroded they will need to be replaced in order for your car to unlock and start properly again.

Fuel System Problems

The last common cause that can prevent a car from unlocking or starting is fuel system problems such as a clogged fuel filter or bad fuel pump relay switch. To diagnose this type of issue you will need to inspect each component for signs of damage such as cracks in fuel lines or broken wires on relays. Once any damaged components have been identified they will need to be replaced in order for your vehicle to unlock and start properly again

Troubleshooting a Car That Won’t Unlock or Start

Troubleshooting a car that won’t unlock or start can be an intimidating task, but there are several steps you can take to diagnose and repair the issue. The first step is to identify the source of the problem. If your car won’t unlock or start, it could be due to an issue with the ignition cylinder, starter motor and solenoid, battery and charging system, or other electrical problems.

Inspect the Ignition Cylinder

The ignition cylinder is located in the steering column and is responsible for connecting the key to the starter motor. To inspect it, turn the key in the ignition switch and examine how it moves. If it feels sticky or doesn’t turn all the way, then it may need to be replaced. You should also check for any signs of corrosion or damage that may have occurred over time.

Test the Starter Motor and Solenoid

The starter motor is responsible for turning over your engine when you turn your key in the ignition switch. To test if it’s working properly, you can use a multimeter to measure voltage drop across starter circuit components while cranking your engine over. If you find that voltage drop is too low, then it could indicate a bad starter motor or solenoid.

Diagnose Battery and Charging System Issues

Your car’s battery is responsible for providing power to all of its electrical components. If your battery isn’t holding a charge or isn’t providing enough power, then this could be causing your car not to unlock or start. You should check both your battery’s voltage level and its charging system using a multimeter.

Check for Other Electrical Problems

If none of these issues are present, then you should check for other electrical problems such as spark plugs that are worn out or wires that have become corroded over time. It’s also important to use a diagnostic scanner to check for fault codes as this can help pinpoint any underlying issues that may be causing your car not to unlock or start properly.

FAQ & Answers

Q: What Are Common Causes of a Car Won’t Unlock or Start?
A: Common causes of a car that won’t unlock or start include mechanical problems, electrical issues, and fuel system problems.

Q: How Do I Diagnose a Car That Won’t Unlock or Start?
A: To diagnose a car that won’t unlock or start, you should check the key fob battery, inspect the ignition cylinder, test the starter motor and solenoid, diagnose battery and charging system issues, and check for other electrical problems.

Q: What Should I Do To Troubleshoot a Car That Won’t Unlock or Start?
A: To troubleshoot a car that won’t unlock or start, you should check the ignition switch.

Q: What Is an Ignition Cylinder?
A: An ignition cylinder is the part of an automobile that houses the key that starts the vehicle. It is typically located on the steering column.

Q: What Is an Ignition Switch?
A: An ignition switch is a component in an automobile which is used to turn on the vehicle’s engine. It is typically located near the steering column and connected to the key fob.

In conclusion, it can be difficult to diagnose a car that won’t unlock or start. It could be something as simple as a dead battery or a faulty key fob, or it could be something more complicated such as an electrical component failure. In any case, it is important to take the car to a professional mechanic and have them inspect the vehicle in order to determine the cause of the issue. Once the cause is identified, the appropriate steps can be taken to fix the problem and get your car back on the road.

Author Profile

Carl Frisch
Carl Frisch
With more than 30 years in the bicycle industry, I have a strong background in bicycle retailing, sales, marketing and customer service. I have a passion for cycling and a dedication to excellence. As a manager, I worked diligently to increase my capabilities and responsibilities, managing up to eleven mechanics (at Palo Alto Bicycles) and later as a working partner in my own store.

As the shop owner of Spoke n’ Word Cycles in Socorro, NM, the success of the mission was my responsibility, which I pursued passionately since we opened in 2003 through the spring of 2011. I am adept at managing owned and loan inventory, preparing weekly & annual inventory statements, and managing staff. The role as managing partner also allowed me tremendous freedom. I used this personal freedom to become more deeply involved in my own advancement as a mechanic, to spearhead local trail building, and advocating for cycling both locally and regionally.

As a mechanic, I have several years doing neutral support, experience as a team mechanic, and experience supporting local rides, races, club events. I consistently strive to ensure that bicycles function flawlessly by foreseeing issues and working with the riders, soigners, coaches and other mechanics. Even with decades of experience as a shop mechanic and team mechanic, and continue to pursue greater involvement in this sport as a US Pro Mechanic, and UCI Pro Mechanic.

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