How to Repair Car Lock Actuator
If your power door lock fails to respond when you press the lock button on your key fob, it may be a sign of a damaged actuator. In such a case it is usually possible to fix it by lubricating your actuator.
It is recommended to speak with an experienced auto locksmith.
Locking the Door
If you've locked yourself out of your car, it could be a difficult experience. However, there are a few things you can try to get inside. If you have roadside assistance from AAA or another service they can send a locksmith to you, but you could also return to your vehicle using DIY tools and techniques. These techniques work best on cars with power door locks. These can be opened by pressing the lock button located on the armrest, or by a keychain.
This method requires a straightened out wire hanger with hooks on one end or a long, solid tool that won't break when under pressure. It must be long enough to reach the car lock button or the door handle. The other end should include a hook that can catch the latch. You will also require a tool such as pliers to secure the end of the hanger and a pair of tweezers to move it.
First, you'll need to create an opening between the window frame and the body. Then, slide the rod or hook from the hanger through the gap you've created, and try to slide or depress the door lock flipper or button using it. The door should open with a bit of luck.
If your car has an electronic lock, you'll have to figure out how to open the door from the inside without knowing the code. There is a lever in the door that can be pulled to unlock it, but you'll need to find a way to reach it. You can use the Slim Jim or another long tool to reach the lever.
In certain situations, none of the methods above will work and you will need to contact an expert locksmith for help. Ask them about the price they'll charge you before they arrive.
Unjamming the Keyhole
If the lock is stuck due to the key was inserted before it was fully engaged and locked, 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 to the. In this instance, it is best to call a locksmith.
Keep the lock lubricated with graphite spray, or a silicone based product. These products are superior to oil-based products such as WD-40 which can attract dirt and debris. Apply the product to the lock, insert and turn the key several times, and then jiggle the key into the hole to distribute the lubricant across the mechanism.
Powdered graphite is a different item you should keep in your toolbox. It functions as a dry oil lubricant. It helps to ensure smooth movement without getting rid of grime and dirt. It's safe to use on locks that have internal pin tumblers. Try rubbing a few grains of 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 essential to replace your key frequently to ensure it stays in good shape and to keep it from becoming jammed over time. This will help it last longer and work more efficiently.
If the key is still not moving freely or jams easily, it could be worn out and need to be replaced or recut. To prevent sticking, you can use a file to smooth the sharp edges of the key teeth. But this is a task that should be left to professionals.
If the suggestions above don't work, you can try to free the key stuck by removing the strike plate from the door frame, and then filing down the lower edge of the plate to increase the size of the opening through 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 problem. They will have special tools designed to enter the locking mechanism to release them. They will also be able to pinpoint the reason the lock isn't functioning properly.
Unfreezing the Lock
With the Polar Vortex bringing cold temperatures and winter storms locks that are frozen are quite common. The good news is that there are a few simple ways to free the lock to open your car. First, try chipping away any large chunks of ice that are blocking your lock cylinder. To avoid damaging the cylinder of the lock or the car door, it is crucial to be careful during this process.
Another common trick is to pour boiling water onto the lock. While this might work at first but it could damage your lock in the long term and will likely re-freeze any moisture which is still inside the lock cylinder. Pouring hot water on your lock can cause thermal shock that can cause damage to modern electronic components in the lock cylinder and door sensor. You can also damage the door lock or car lock with sharp or metal objects.
It is best to heat the key using a lighter or a match, and then insert it in the lock. Heating the key using an igniter or hair dryer will give enough heat to melt away the ice that's encased the lock cylinder and make it easier for you to turn the key in and unlock the door. If you're unable to get the key to enter all the way, simply warm it again and try again. You can remove ice from your lock by spraying grease on the lock, or using a commercial de-icer.
An excellent idea is to park your car in the sun, and let the sun to melt the lock. This may take a while to do but it is a very simple and inexpensive solution for a frozen lock problem. A de-icer bottle in your car for emergencies such as this is also an excellent idea since the chemicals will quickly dissolve any ice and prevent future freezing.
Replacing the Actuator
The actuator is a tiny motor that powers the lock through a series of gears. It can be activated by turning a key inside the door, or pressing an appropriate button from a remote device, using keyless entry, or by activating it via a central control unit. It uses a tiny amount of power to operate and will wear out over time. When car door lock repairs does wear out it may make a buzzing or machine gun noise that will continue to reverberate until the actuator is replaced.
The majority of people can repair the actuator using a few tools and a bit of patience. The steps vary from car to automobiles, since manufacturers put together parts in different ways. However, the basic procedure is the same. First disconnect the battery to prevent electrical issues from occurring during the repair. After that, remove the door panel from the. Depending on the vehicle you have, you may need to take off the window or the regulator in order to access the actuator.
After you have removed the panel, you'll be in a position to see the actuator that is attached to the door latch. Usually, the bolts that hold it in place can be removed using the help of a screwdriver. The actuator can then be removed from its mount. After the new actuator is installed, make sure you connect the connector to the wiring harness. Once it is connected connect any cables or rods that connect to the latch and actuator and then put the door panel back into place.
After the trim panel is in place, you should replace any clips that fell off during removal. Double check that all of the screws are tightened again to avoid looseness or rattle. Reconnect all wires disconnected and test the actuator to make sure it works. Install the door panel, trim piece and battery. Then, conduct another test. If your doors don't work as they should, it could be time to replace the actuator.