Top 9 common problems with car doors and how to fix them

Updated Feb 17, 2021 | Same topic: Handy Maintenance Tips

Cars doors keep everyone safe by securing those insides, plus keeping the cabin temp regulated.

Car owners don’t realize it, but car doors need as much attention and shouldn’t be taken for granted! Luckily these problems are rare and should be hard to repair too. Unless the problem will involve any non-mechanical door, which is something that needs a bit of explaining though.

All these top 9 problems with car doors and how to fix them are a concern because of what a car door does! Look over all the components of the car which get a lot of concern. Car doors are there besides keeping everyone in and from falling out of a moving car. Let's find out with Philkotse.com.

1. Why are car doors important to driver and passengers

It is an important part of car design that has been a standard feature, ever since. It is part of a modern design that increases safety and security for those insides. Here’s the rundown why car doors are important to those inside it.

fancy car door

A car door is a part of a modern design that increases safety and security for those insides

  • Just like the windshield it keeps air out of the passenger compartment and lessens noise with closed windows and doors.
  • Secures those insides while the vehicle is moving.
  • The car door supports the roof of the chassis, just like the A, B, C chassis pillars.
  • Allows those inside to travel in comfort because it is a self-contained cocoon for driver and passengers.
  • Cars door are designed for easy entry and exit.
  • It has a protection beam that gives further protection for those inside the car.
  • It seals in the cold air and keeps the car afloat for a time when submerged.

>>> Read more: Causes of a stuck car door & how to deal with it.

2. Top 9 common problems with car doors

The door open sensors are flashing red when closed

Most car doors, when closed, will push against plastic nub with a metal part that goes in. When all four nubs work which mean that everything is okay. One way to fix it temporarily is getting a tape a wad of paper to tighten it up! If doing that doesn’t stop the indicator then check the wire and connector if it’s okay.

Go to an electrical shop and have the part replaced and re-install the sensor.

Wireless entry does not work

Most cars will come with a key fob for wireless entry with the exception of entry-level cars. Press and the key fob and check if it lights up. Check the battery and have it replaced if it’s already used up.

Do it again and press lock and unlock, if it goes without a hitch then good! Should neither the solution fails and that means either the key fob has a problem or the wireless entry needs looking at.

>>> Read more: Standard car key vs. keyless entry: Which can better secure your car?

When using the AC, the cold air does not stay in or water goes inside the car doors

Usually, the cold air from the AC will stay inside the cabin when turned on. There’s a rubber seal around the door which keeps water out as well. Check the seal if there are nicks or it’s not flush on the door frame.

It can be fixed by using automotive adhesives or sealant for it. Or maybe have the entire seal replaced by a new one. The intense heat of summer can cook the seals that allow leaks to appear.

car ac

The intense heat of summer can cook the seals that allow leaks to appear

>>> Also check: 4 most common car air conditioning problems & How to fix them.

When the electronic door handles don’t extend out

New cars may come with retractable door handles that come out when the key fob is pressed. Similar to keyless entry but with a handle that extends out. Check the key fob if there’s a power again and replace with new batteries as well.

electronic car door handle

Check the key fob if there’s power again and replace with new batteries as well

Wireless key fobs can get damaged by excessive dropping which needs an expensive replacement. New cars come with a single key fob for it, nothing more. Have the mechanism checked by a pro and look for the problem.

Its hinges are noisy when opening and closing

One of the cheapest and easiest repairs to do is this! Find the moving hinge of the car door and apply grease to keep it from creaking and making noise. Should the hinge or mechanism get old or too damaged that will need a replacement for safety reasons.

>>> Related: Best lubricants for car door hinges

hearing car noise

Find the moving hinge of the car door and apply grease to keep it from creaking and making noise

Doors look misaligned when opening

Suppose any open door does droop despite screwing attempting to fix it. The best thing to do is just have it checked and do what needs to be done. If the hinge or support needs a new set then have it done asap

The mechanical locks don’t close when the key is turned

An ultimate no-brainer for most drivers which means checking the keys if it is the right one. Another is to check if the lock has been forced open when it got locked by the driver. One solution is to get a new key barrel and lock or have it done at the dealership should it be keyless entry too. Has it done asap because of security reasons?

Electric or manual windows do not go up or down properly

Whether it's a roll down or power window it should go up or down without a hitch. A manual roll-down wind is easy to fix than a power window. Remove the roller and remove the cover on the door.

Replace roller and push the window up gently until fully closed. With the first press and the window does not go down, then don’t force it. Go to a car electrician and have it checked.

car window button

Electric or manual windows do not go up or down properly

Speed-sensing auto-locks don’t activate when moving

If the car has speed sensing locks and it needs manual locking from the driver. There might be a problem with its sensor that needs checking. Go to a qualified technician because it might be CPU related as well. Have it diagnosed and do the appropriate repair for it. This can wait compared to other more serious concerns.

car speeding-sensing auto locks

If the car has speed sensing locks and it needs manual locking from the driver

Car doors are just as important as any part of the car which needs the same amount of attention as well! Drivers should know that car doors come with their own set of problems that can be DIYed or needs professional help.

All these top 9 problems with car doors and how to fix them is resolving them for fewer expenses or spending more for otherwise expensive repairs.

Norjan Ismail Abbas

Norjan Ismail Abbas

Author

Norjan enjoys writing about various topics, and car is among them. Don't ever ask him which his most favorite car is since he has none. He believes each car is beautiful in its own way.

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