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 a sign of a malfunctioning actuator. In this case the lubrication process will typically fix the problem.
It is best to talk to a professional auto locksmith.
Locking the Door
If you've locked yourself out of your car, it could be a frustrating experience. However there are a few things you can try to get inside. If you're a member of AAA or another service that provides roadside assistance, they'll send a locksmith to assist you, but you might also be able back inside using DIY tools and methods. These methods will work best with cars that have doors that have power locks. They can be opened by pressing the lock button on the armrest, or using keys.
To use this method, you will need an electrical wire hanger that is straightened out and made into a hook on one end, or other long, stiff tool that will not be able to bend under pressure. It must be long enough to reach the door handle or lock button, and should have a hook at one end to catch the latch inside the door. You will also need pliers and long tweezers in order to adjust the hanger.
First, you'll have to create a gap between the top of the window frame of your car and the body. Put the rod or hook of the hanger into the gap you made and then try to slide it or press the door lock flipper button or switch using it. The door should then open with a bit of luck.
If your car is equipped with a digital lock then you'll need find a method to unlock the doors from the inside. You can pull a lever on the inside of the door to open it however, you must first to find out how to access it. You can use the Slim Jim or another long tool to reach the lever.
In some instances, none of the above methods are effective and you'll have to call an experienced locksmith. If that's the case ensure that you ask how much it will cost before they arrive.
Unjamming the Keyhole
If the lock is stuck because the key was not inserted until it was fully engaged and locked, try gently pushing the pin tumblers back into their correct alignment in the internal cylinder. This may help solve the issue, but pushing too hard could cause more damage. In this case, it is best to call a locksmith.
Keep the lock lubricated using graphite spray, or a silicone-based product. These products are superior to 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, then jiggle the key in the hole to distribute the lubricant through the mechanism.
Another item that is useful to have on hand is powdered graphite that functions similar to a dry oil lubricant. It encourages smooth movement between metal surfaces without being a magnet for grime or dirt and is safe to use on locks with internal pin tumblers. Try rubbing a few grains of the powder inside the lock to make it lubricate and get rid of any gunk that may have been accumulating in the keyhole.
Lastly, it's 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 work more efficiently.
If the key is not turning freely or is jamming easily, it could be worn out and need to be replaced or cut. You can use an instrument to smooth the sharp points on the key teeth to prevent future sticking however this is a job for professionals.
If the above suggestions don't work, you can attempt to remove the key stuck by taking the strike plate off the door frame and then filing down the lower lip 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 a locksmith who has the necessary tools to take apart a locked car door and solve the problem. They'll have specialized tools that are designed to get into the locking mechanisms to detach them, and they will be able to identify the reason the lock isn't working properly.
Unfreezing the Lock
With the Polar Vortex bringing cold temperatures and winter storms, frozen lock situations are common. The good news is that there are simple ways to free the lock so you can unlock your car. The first thing to do is to take away any large ice chunks that are preventing the lock cylinder from accepting the key. It is important to use caution when doing this to ensure that you don't damage your car door or lock cylinder.
Pouring boiling water over the lock is another common trick. While this might work at first but it could damage your lock over the long run and likely re-freeze any moisture that is still in the lock cylinder. Pouring hot water can also cause thermal shock, which can cut off modern electronics inside the lock cylinder and door sensor. Using sharp objects or metal to break the lock or try to force the key in can also damage your car door or lock and could possibly cause a broken lock.
It is best to heat the key using an igniter or match, and then insert it in the lock. It is best to heat the key using lighter or a hairdryer to melt the ice that is covering the lock cylinder. This will allow you to turn the key to unlock the door. If you cannot get the key in fully into the lock, warm it again and try again. Using commercial de-icer on your key or spraying the lock with a lubricant can be helpful to get rid of any ice in the lock.
Another option is to place your car in the sun and let the sunlight help thaw the lock. It can take some time to accomplish, but it's a very simple and inexpensive solution to a locked that is frozen problem. It is an excellent idea to have a can de-icer on hand for times of need. The chemicals break the ice and stop further freezing.
Replace the Actuator
The actuator is a small motor that rotates the lock through a series of gears. It can be activated by keys in the door, a remote control, keyless entry or a central control. It uses a very small amount of power to operate and can get worn out over time. If it wears out, it may create a buzzing or machine gun sound that will continue to reverberate until the actuator is replaced.
Replacing the actuator is an easy task for people with a few tools and a bit of patience. The steps will vary between cars, as manufacturers may put together parts in different ways. However, the basic procedure is the same. First disconnect the battery to avoid electrical issues from arising during the repair. Remove the door panel carefully from the car. Depending on your vehicle you may have to remove the window or the regulator to access the actuator.
After removing the panel, you will see the actuator attached to the door latch. The bolts that hold the actuator in place can be removed with a screwdriver. The actuator can then be pulled out of its mount. After the new actuator is in place, be sure to connect the connector to the wiring harness. Once that is reconnected to the wiring harness, connect any rods or cables that are attached to the actuator and latch and then put the door panel back into its place.
After the trim panel is in place, you must replace any clips that fell off during the removal. Double check all screws to ensure that they are properly tightened. This will prevent any looseness or rattle. Reconnect all wires disconnected and test the actuator to ensure it works. If it does, reinstall the door panel and trim piece, then connect the battery and run a second test to ensure the locks are functioning as they should be. If lock repair aren't working as they should, it might be time to replace the actuator.