When attempting to fix a car's power door lock start with the simplest solution first, just as you would with any repair. Most power door locks are actuated by a battery controlled key fob that you attach to your keys with a key ring. This is the place to begin your diagnosis for repair of the inoperative lock.

If the key fob isn't working then it's most likely the battery inside the key fob that has failed. If that doesn't fix the situation then you may just have a faulty key fob; take it to your dealer and have them check the system for you. They will be able to hook up to the computer that controls your keyless entry and make sure the key fob is still programmed or if it's just not sending a signal and needs replaced.

But what if you just have a single power door lock that is inoperative? Here are some tips. In all my years of being a mechanic most of the problems appeared in the wiring in the hinge area of the door or the door lock solenoid just fails. So before you go ripping the door panel off, try making these checks first.

- If any other door lock works then you know that the fuse is good. Most door lock systems work off of one fuse circuit. If the fuse is blown then try putting a new one in and seeing which door locks will work. If the fuse blows right away then you have a continuous short in the wiring somewhere. If the fuse doesn't blow until you use a certain door lock switch then you can isolate it to that switch. If it blows every time you hit the switch you will need to unplug each door lock solenoid one at a time to isolate it further.

- If the fuse isn't blown then try moving the door lock by hand while actuating the switch (make sure the key is on). If the door lock tries to move on it's own then you know it's not the switch. Either the lock solenoid is bad or the door lock mechanism is frozen and taking too much power to move.

- If the door lock seems to be without any power assist then try this: 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 tries to work. If the lock works then you have a wire that is broken or partially broken in the hinge area. This is where the wiring loom is connected between the door and the body through a loom that is usually covered by plastic tubing. You will need to pull out the wiring and check for breaks or cracks.

- If that doesn't work then you will need to get to the switch and door lock solenoid.

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