How to Repair Car Lock Actuator If your power door lock does not respond when you press the lock button on your key fob, it may be an indication of a malfunctioning actuator. In this case it is usually possible to fix it by lubricating your device. It is recommended to speak with a professional auto locksmith. Locking the Door If you've locked yourself out of your vehicle, it can be a frustrating experience. However, there are a few things you can do to get inside. If you are a member of AAA or another organization that offers roadside assistance, they'll send a locksmith to help you, however, you may be able to get back inside using DIY tools and methods. These methods work best with cars with doors that are powered by electricity. They can be opened by pressing the lock button on the armrest, or a keychain. To use this method, you will need an electrical wire hanger that is straightened out and turned into a hook at one end, or some other long, stiff tool that will not break under pressure. It will need to be long enough to reach the car door handle or the lock button, and must include a hook on one end to catch the latch inside the door. You will also require an instrument like pliers to grasp the end of the hanger and an extended tweezers to manipulate the hanger. First, you'll have to create a gap between the top of the car window frame and the body. Then, insert the rod or hook from the hanger through the opening you have created, and try to move or push the door lock flipper or button using it. The door should then open with a little luck. If your vehicle is equipped with a digital lock, then you'll need to find a way to open the doors from inside. There is a lever inside the door that can be pulled to release it, but you will need to find a way to reach it. You can make use of a Slim Jim or another long tool to reach the lever. In some instances, none of the options above are effective and you'll have to call a professional locksmith for assistance. Ask them how much they'll charge before they arrive. Unblocking the Keyhole If the lock is stuck due to the key was not inserted until it was fully engaged Try gently pushing the pin tumblers back into their proper position in the internal cylinder. It may solve the problem However, pushing too hard could cause more damage. In this instance it is recommended to call a locksmith. Keep the lock lubricated with graphite spray, or a silicone-based product. These are better than oils-based products, like WD-40, which can attract dirt and other debris. Apply the product to the lock, insert and turn the key several times, and then play around with the key into the hole to distribute the lubricant across the mechanism. Powdered graphite is yet another item that you should keep in your toolbox. It acts as a dry lubricant. It promotes smooth movement without getting rid of grime and dirt. It's safe to use on locks with internal pin tumblers. Rub a few grains of powder inside the lock. This will lubricate the lock and remove any gunk that may have accumulated around the keyhole. It is also essential to replace your key on a regular basis to ensure it's in good condition and to ensure it doesn't jam in the future. This will help it last longer and operate more efficiently. If the key is not turning freely or jams easily, it is likely to be worn out and need to be replaced or recut. To prevent future sticking you can use a file to smooth the sharp points of the key teeth. However this is a task best left to a professional. If the above suggestions don't work, you can attempt to remove the key stuck by taking the strike plate out of the door frame and filing down the lower portion of the plate to increase the size of the opening into which the key is inserted. If this isn't working, seek out a professional locksmith who will have the tools necessary to take apart the locked car door. They'll have tools designed to enter the locking mechanism to release them, and they will be able to pinpoint the reason the lock isn't working correctly. Unfreezing the Lock With the Polar Vortex bringing cold temperatures and winter storms freezing lock problems are common. There are a few easy techniques you can employ to free the lock and unlock your vehicle. The first thing to do is to chip away any large chunks of ice that are preventing the lock cylinder from accepting the key. To avoid damaging the lock cylinder or car door, it is essential to be careful during this process. Another common trick is to pour boiling water onto the lock. This may work at first however it could harm the lock in the long run and then refreeze any moisture in the lock cylinder. Pouring hot water into the lock door sensor or cylinder could also cause an electrical shock. It is also possible to cause damage to the car lock or door by using metal or sharp objects. It is better to heat the key using an igniter or match and then put it in the lock. Heating the key using the help of a lighter or hair dryer will provide enough heat to melt the ice that's encased the lock cylinder and make it easier for you to turn the key in and out. If you're unable to get the key to enter fully, you can warm it again and try again. Using a commercial deicer on your key or spraying the lock with lubricant can be helpful to remove any ice from the lock. car door locks repair is to place your car in the sun and let the sunlight help melt the lock. It could take a while however, it is an inexpensive and simple solution to a frozen lock. Having a can of de-icer in your car for emergencies such as this is also an excellent idea since the chemicals will quickly melt any ice and prevent future freezing. Replace the Actuator The actuator is the tiny motor that rotates the lock through a set of gears. It can be activated by turning a key inside the door, pressing an appropriate button from a remote device or a keyless entry device, or by activating it through a central control unit. It uses a very small amount of power to operate and is prone to wear out over time. When it does wear out it can create a buzzing or machine gun sound that will not stop until the actuator is replaced. Most people can replace the actuator with basic tools and patience. The steps might differ among different vehicles since manufacturers build the parts in different ways however the process is the same. First, disconnect the battery to avoid electrical issues during the repair. Remove the door panel carefully from the vehicle. Depending on the vehicle you might also have to remove the window and/or regulator in order to gain access to the actuator. When you remove the panel, you can see the actuator that is attached to the door latch. The bolts that hold it in place can usually be removed with the help of a screwdriver. The actuator can be removed from its mount. After the new one is in place, reconnect the connector to the wiring harness. Reconnect the rods and cables to the actuator, latch and door panel. After the trim panel is back in place you must replace any clips that fell off during removal. Make sure that all of the screws are re-tightened to prevent looseness or rattle. Reconnect all wires disconnected and test the actuator to confirm it works. If it does, install the door panel as well as the trim piece, and then reconnect the battery and perform another test to ensure that the locks are functioning as they should be. If your doors aren't working as they should, it could be time to replace your actuator.
car door locks repair
