Symptoms of a Bad or Faulty Barrel Locking Plate
Auto repair

Symptoms of a Bad or Faulty Barrel Locking Plate

Common signs include a "Door open" warning when the door is actually closed, knocking, and trunk opening when going over bumps.

The trunk or cargo area of ​​your car is likely to get used quite regularly. Whether it's groceries, sports equipment, a dog, weekend lumber, or something else - the trunk or tailgate locking mechanism is a commonly used "door" in your car. The locking mechanism for the trunk lid, tailgate, or sunroof consists of a lock cylinder, a locking mechanism, and a striker plate, the passive component that the locking mechanism engages with to keep the door closed. This ensures that your passengers and contents remain inside the vehicle as you wish.

The striker plate absorbs some of the repetitive force when the trunk lid, tailgate or sunroof are closed. The lock plate may include a round bar, hole, or other passive connection that engages the lock mechanism to secure the door. The strike plate absorbs a large number of repetitive impacts as door hinges wear out over time and rough road conditions allow the door and door lock mechanism to hit the strike plate. These repeated impacts wear down the striker plate, further increasing the impact and wear from each impact. There are several signs that indicate that the striker plate has failed or failed:

1. The "Door open" warning appears when the door is actually closed.

Wear on the striker plate can be enough for the microswitches that detect when the trunk is "closed" to incorrectly register an open door. This may be the first sign that the striker plate is worn enough to require replacement. While the door can remain securely closed, increased wear and tear is a safety issue.

2. Knocking from the trunk lid, rear door or hatch when hitting a bump or pothole.

Trunk lids, like car doors, are cushioned by rubber pads, bumpers, and other shock-absorbing devices that provide controlled suspension or "flex" between the trunk and the rest of the car's structure when driving over bumps or potholes. As the trunk hinges and these shock-absorbing devices wear, the striker plate also wears, potentially allowing the trunk lid, sunroof, or tailgate to physically act on the vehicle's body structure and create a rear-end rattle when driving over bumps. This is excessive wear on the latch mechanism, a big safety issue.

3. Trunk lid, tailgate or sunroof open when hitting a bump or pothole.

This level of wear is definitely a safety issue, so the striker plate and any other worn locking or hinge parts should be replaced by a professional mechanic immediately!

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