How Do Car Door Locks Work?

The process of keeping your vehicle secure can include a variety of measures in addition to the car door locks that exist on the car. However, many drivers will not be aware of the workings of the lock and are able to do nothing more than lock and unlock it. Being aware of how these work will help you to determine what will be necessary should a defect arise and what additional safety measures are required.

Step 1 – Interior

Many drivers will only be aware the door lock button inside the car, which can be operated by hand or automatically with a remote. This lever or latch is the visible portion of the link to the actuator, which controls the car door locks. In addition to the lock mechanism, there is a lever that is connected to the system which enables you to open the door once the door is unlocked.

Step 2 – Connection

There is much more going on below the surface within the panel that the car door locks are housed in. The visible latch is the small button that goes up and down according to whether the car is locked or unlocked. It is attached to a metal rod, which links it to main body of the lock mechanism. Where the lock has the ability to be operated automatically, there are additional components that will be found as part of the locking mechanism. This will either be an electronic sensor or solenoid with a reversible switch. Where the door ceases to be able to be opened with the use of the remote, you will know that the cause is a defect to the electronic sensor or the solenoid.

Step 3 – Operation

The connection is put into operation either with the use of the key in the keyhole or by pushing or pulling the latch. In the event that the car is able to work on an automatic basis, it will also be able to be put into action with the use of a remote control. Accordingly, whether it is manual or electronic, some type of power will be required to make it work. By unlocking the car door using the internal latch or a key, the visible latch will be in the up position and the car door locks release the door opening mechanism. This will allow the door to be opened and closed as necessary. When locked, the latch will be depressed and the mechanism will be connected to prevent the door from being opened.

Step 4 – Function

As a result of the operation of the car door locks mechanism being operated, the door is also affected. The handle on the outside of the vehicle and the lever on the inside of the car door relate to the door lock mechanism. They are disconnected from the system when the lock is in the locked position, which ensures that the door cannot be opened either from the inside or outside of the car without it specifically having been unlocked.