How to Repair Car Lock Actuator If your door lock's power does not respond when you press the lock button on your key fob, it may be the result of a damaged actuator. In this case you can usually repair it by lubricating the assembly. However, it is recommended to consult with an expert car locksmith. Unlocking the door Being locked out of your vehicle can be a stressful experience, but there are several things you can do to get back inside. If you are a member of AAA or another service with roadside assistance, they'll send a locksmith to help you, but you may be able to get back in using some DIY tools and methods. These methods work best with cars that have doors that are powered by electricity. These are opened by pressing the lock button on the armrest, or a keychain. To make this method work it is necessary to have an electrical wire hanger that is straightened out and turned into a hook at one end, or other long, stiff tool that will not bend under pressure. It will need to be sufficient in length to reach the car door handle or lock button, and it should have a small hook on one end to catch the latch inside the door. It will also require pliers as well as long tweezers to manipulate the hanger. You'll first have to make a space between the top of the window frame for your car and the body. Insert the rod or hook of the hanger into the gap you made and then try to slide or push the door lock flipper button or switch using it. With a little luck, the door will open. If your car has a digital lock, you'll have to figure out how to unlock the door from inside without knowing the code. There is a lever inside the door that can be pulled to open it, but you will require a method 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 above methods will work, and you will have to call an expert locksmith. Ask them about the price they will charge before they arrive. Unblocking the Keyhole If the lock is stuck because the key was not inserted until it was fully engaged, try to gently push the pin tumblers into their proper position in the internal cylinder. It may solve the problem however, pushing too hard can cause further damage to the. In this instance it is recommended to contact a locksmith. A good way to prevent a stuck key is by keeping the lock lubricated with graphite spray or a silicone-based item. These products are better than oil-based products such as WD-40 which tend to attract dirt and other debris. Apply the product to the lock. Insert and turn the key a few times. Then jiggle the keys inside the hole. Another item that is useful to have in your arsenal is powdered graphite that functions like dry lubricant. It promotes smooth movement between metal surfaces without attracting dirt or grime, and is safe to use on locks that have internal pin tumblers. Try rub a few grains the powder inside the lock to lubricate it and get rid of any gunk that might have built up in the keyhole. It is also important to replace the key on a regular basis to ensure it's in good shape and to prevent it from getting stuck over time. This will help it last longer and operate more efficiently. If the key is still not turning freely or is jamming easily, it may be worn out and need to be replaced or cut. You can make use of a file to smooth out the sharp points on the key teeth to avoid any further sticking but this is a job for a professional. If car lock replacement aren't working, you can attempt to remove the key stuck by removing the strike plate from the door frame and filing down the lower portion of the plate to increase the size of the opening into which the key can be inserted. If this doesn't work, it's best to call locksmiths who have the tools required to disassemble a car door and resolve the issue. They'll have tools to remove the locking mechanisms and will be capable of determining the reason why the lock isn't working correctly. Unfreezing the Lock With the Polar Vortex bringing cold temperatures and winter storms, frozen lock situations are common. There are a few easy methods you can use to free the lock and unlock your vehicle. First, try to chip away any large pieces of ice that block your lock cylinder. It is important to use caution in this process to ensure that you don't damage your car door or the lock cylinder. Another common trick is to pour boiling water on the lock. Although this may work for a short time but it could damage your lock over the long run and likely freeze any moisture that is still in the lock cylinder. Pouring hot water can also cause thermal shock, which can short out modern electronic components in the lock cylinder and door sensor. It is also possible to cause damage to the door lock or car lock by using sharp or metal objects. A better option is to heat the key using match or lighter and then insert it into the lock. Heat the key with lighter or a hairdryer to melt the ice covering the lock cylinder. This will allow you to turn the key and open the door. If you are unable to get the key in fully, you can heat it up again and try again. You can de-ice your lock by spraying oil on the lock or by using a commercial de-icer. Another idea is to place your car in the sun and let the light help to melt the lock. This may take a while to do but it is an extremely simple and cost-effective solution for a frozen lock problem. Having a can of de-icer in your car for emergencies like this is beneficial as the chemicals will quickly melt any ice and stop future freezing. Replace the Actuator The actuator is the tiny motor that moves the lock through a series of gears. It can be activated by turning a key inside the door, or pressing a button from the remote device or a keyless entry device, or activating it from the central control unit. It uses a very small amount of power and can get worn out over time. It could be worn out and create a buzzing noise or a machine gun sound that won't stop unless the actuator is replaced. Most people can replace the actuator with basic tools and a bit of patience. The steps will vary between automobiles, since manufacturers make parts in different ways. But the basic process remains the same. Disconnect the battery first to avoid electrical issues during the repair. Then, carefully remove the door panel from the. Depending on your vehicle, you may need to remove the window or the regulator in order to access the actuator. Once you have removed the panel, you'll be visible the actuator that is attached to the door latch. Usually the bolts that hold the actuator in place can be removed using a screwdriver. The actuator is then pulled out of its mount. Once the new actuator is in place, be sure to connect the connector to the wiring harness. Connect the rods and cables to the latch, actuator and door panel. Replace any clips that have been removed during the removal. Double check that all of the screws have been tightened to prevent rattle or looseness. Reconnect all wires disconnected and test the actuator to ensure it is working. If it does, install the door panel and the trim piece, and then reconnect the battery and run a second test to ensure the locks are working exactly as they should. If your doors aren't working as they should, it might be time to replace your actuator.
car lock replacement
