Electronic locks can securely close your entrances and keep out anyone who is not supposed to enter. However, in some cases, they may malfunction and potentially lock you out of your own property. When your electronic door lock is malfunctioning, you can be left feeling helpless and unable to gain access to your residence or place of business. There are a wide variety of potential issues that can cause this problem, and it is important to know what to do in this situation. A professional locksmith can help you resolve any issues. 

Try changing the batteries

When you are experiencing issues with your electronic door lock, the first step you should take is to replace the batteries. It is possible for a “low battery” alert to appear when the power is running out, but in some cases it can occur without any warning.

Generally, batteries function for between 6 and 9 months, but they can quickly be depleted in certain situations. If you are sure you are not out of energy, you could try removing and reinserting them. Additionally, there might be some dirt on the batteries that you need to clean off.

Be sure that you are utilizing the appropriate batteries. Generally, most kinds of electronic locks require lithium batteries. If the batteries you used at first were not those, that could be the reason they stopped working so quickly.

Try using a physical key

It is possible you have a spare key stored away. A few types of electronic locks are equipped with keyholes as well as an alternate key that can be used if you’re ever stuck in a situation where the electronic lock is not functioning. This can help you get out of trouble.

If you cannot locate your key, you can apply lock-picking techniques to unlock your electronic door. An expert locksmith can also aid you in unlocking your door and provide you with lock rekey services if needed.

Consider resetting the code

It is possible that you might have input the incorrect code, so it appears that the electronic door lock is not functioning. Even if you are certain you have input the right one, the code for your malfunctioning keypad lock might have been unintentionally or unknowingly reset.

It might be beneficial to attempt to reset the code. The precise steps for resetting the code for your lock depends on the specific type of lock. The instructions for resetting the lock can be found in the lock manual. However, if you don’t have access to it, you can look up the information online. Research the model of your lock and find out what needs to be done. It might not be possible to reset the code without the original, so it is advised to contact a locksmith in such a case.

Re-calibrate

When you contact technical support, the first thing they may ask is if you have tried restarting the system. However, when it comes to electronic door locks, there are various elements to consider before you switch it off and on. For example, if a power outage has caused a reset of the timer, the internal clock may be off. In such cases, restarting the non-smart electronic lock may be less complicated.

Electronic smart locks are usually more intricate. In turn, there are several elements which may be malfunctioning. Try to reboot the lock and if that proves unsuccessful, consider that there may be other factors at play. Perhaps your device is in “sleep mode” or there might be issues with the location services.

Try restarting your phone and check if there are any available updates for the application. In some cases, uninstalling the app and downloading it again seems to do the trick. Lastly, see if there is a WIFI signal for the electronic lock. If the WIFI is working, check if Bluetooth is on.

Resetting the electronic lock is sometimes necessary. Keep in mind that this process will erase all your data and saved passwords. This should be done as a last resort after trying out all the previous solutions.

Try to fix a jam

In some cases, an electronic lock may stop working because something inside is broken or jammed. Try to listen for any unusual sounds such as clicking or sliding when you try to open the door. Also see if the handle can fully turn. If the handle seems to be stuck you’re probably dealing with a jammed lock. The source of the problem can be hard to identify at once. Perhaps a component of the mechanism is broken or loose. In some cases, something sticking to the door may be the issue.

Try to put some pressure on the lock but don’t be too forceful. Lightly hitting the lock could also help shake things up, however, don’t use too much force as that could result in an even bigger issue. Taking the lock apart is sometimes necessary in order to see what part of it is malfunctioning.

Check the electrical wiring

Since electronic locks are energy-powered, in some cases the issue lies within the electrical wiring. We don’t recommend that you try to check the wires alone as the current could be dangerous. Never attempt to touch wires without gloves and make sure to contact a professional residential locksmith if things seem to be complicated. A professional can use a voltmeter and other protective tools to ensure that everything is done according to safety protocols. 

See if you need to fix the door

Sometimes people fail to consider the fact that maybe the electrical lock is not the issue. In some cases, the door itself is broken or faulty. Something as simple as a misaligned plate can cause the electronic lock to remain locked. Doors are susceptible to wear and tear, that’s why you must make sure to have a professional locksmith evaluate their condition from time to time.

First, see if the door is properly aligned and completely closed. If it’s slightly open you will have to contact a residential locksmith who can readjust the plates to fit the door as they should. A locksmith has the right tools and equipment to efficiently fix your faulty door and recheck the functionality of your electronic lock. Lastly, if the electronic lock has been recently installed, try to remember if door handling detection is active. A locksmith can help you determine if these settings are properly set up.

Dismantling the lock

If nothing seems to be working, taking the lock apart may be the only course of action. Only in this way can a locksmith identify what is wrong with the lock. The steps required for dismantling an electronic lock may differ depending on the model of the lock. Researching the types of locks can be a time-consuming process so it’s best that you call a locksmith who already has the right knowledge and expertise. 

After dismantling the lock, your locksmith can check if any of the components are out of place, broken, worn out or faulty. Then he can replace those elements or simply reset the lock.In some cases, you won’t be able to turn the deadbolt even after inserting the right code into the lock. If the deadbolt is the source of the issue, a locksmith will recommend the proper deadbolt replacement for your needs.

If the spring is loose your locksmith can adjust it or replace it. Also, he can check if there’s an  issue with the actuator. In any case, an expert can  help you determine what the problem is and how to fix it with minimum expenses.

Takeaway

Although understanding why your electronic lock is not working may seem tricky, with the right assistance a solution is guaranteed. Something as simple as a battery change may be causing the issue. Even if there’s a problem with your electronic lock’s components, don’t worry. A professional residential locksmith can easily handle jammed locks, problematic wiring or faulty doors. Whatever the situation, a residential locksmith can help you figure out the best possible solution for you. If you’re looking for a reliable locksmith in Farmers, don’t hesitate to contact us!