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 malfunctioning actuator. In this case, you can usually fix it by lubricating your assembly.
It is, however, recommended to speak with an experienced car locksmith.
Locking the door
If you've locked yourself out of your vehicle, it can be a frustrating experience. However there are a few options you can do to get inside. If you are a member of AAA or another service that provides roadside assistance, they'll provide a locksmith you, but you may be able to get back in using some DIY tools and techniques. These methods work best with cars with doors that are powered by electricity. These are opened by pressing the lock button that is located on the armrest, or a keychain.
This method requires a straightened-out wire hanger that has a hook on one end or another long, rigid tool that won't break when under pressure. It should be sufficient in length to reach the button for your car lock or door handle. One end should have a hook to catch the latch. You will also need tools like pliers to hold the end of the hanger and a pair of long tweezers to manipulate it.
First, you will need to create a space between the window frame and body. Then, you can insert the rod or hook from the hanger through the gap you've made, and try to slide or press the door lock flipper or button using it. With a bit of luck the door will be opened.
If your vehicle is equipped with a digital lock then you will have to discover a way to unlock the doors from the inside. There is a lever inside the door that can be pulled to open it, but you'll require a method to reach it. A Slim Jim can be used to accomplish this, or a similar long tool that can be put into the space between the door and the window.
In some instances, none of the above methods will work, and you will require a locksmith for help. Ask them what they will charge before they arrive.
Unjamming Keyhole
If the lock is jammed because the key was not fully engaged and the pin was not fully engaged, gently push the tumblers back to the proper position within the cylinder's interior. This could solve the issue, but pushing too hard can cause further damage. In this instance, it is best to contact a locksmith.
Keep the lock lubricated using graphite spray, or a silicone based product. These products are better than 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 yet another item you should keep in your toolbox. It works like a dry lubricant. It helps to ensure smooth movement without drawing dirt and grime. It's safe to use on locks with internal pin tumblers. Rub a few grains of the powder inside the lock. This will help to lubricate the lock and eliminate any gunk that might have been accumulating around the keyhole.
It's also crucial to replace your key regularly to ensure it's in good condition and to keep it from becoming jammed in the future. This will help it last longer and operate more efficiently.
If the key still doesn't turn freely or is prone to jamming or jammed, the key may be worn and requires replacement or a key recut. To avoid sticking in the future, you can use a file on the sharp points of the key teeth. However, this is a job that should be left to professionals.
If the above tips aren't working, you can try to get rid of the stuck-on key by removing the strike plate door frame. You will have to sand down the lower lip to make it larger opening where the key is placed. If this doesn't work, you should contact an expert locksmith who will have the tools needed to disassemble the locked car door. They'll have tools to remove the locking mechanisms and will be capable of determining what is causing the lock to not function correctly.
Unfreezing the Lock
Frozen locks are common during the Polar Vortex, which brings cold temperatures and winter storms. There are a few quick tricks that you can use to defrost the lock and open your vehicle. The first step is to take away any large ice chunks that are blocking the lock cylinder from accepting the key. It is crucial to take care in this process to ensure that you don't damage your car door or lock cylinder.
Pouring boiling water on the lock is a common method. While this might work at first but it could damage your lock in the long haul and likely freeze any moisture that remains in the lock cylinder. Pouring hot water into the lock or door sensor could also cause the door sensor to experience a thermal shock. You can also damage the car lock or door with sharp or metal objects.
It is best to heat the key using a lighter or a match and then put it into the lock. car door lock repair G28CarKeys can be heated using a lighter or hairdryer to melt the ice that is 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 all the way into the lock, heat it again and try again. Using a commercial de-icer on your key or spraying the lock with lubricant can be helpful to remove any ice that has formed on the lock.
Another idea is to park your car in the sun and let the sun help to melt the lock. This may take a while to complete, but it's an extremely simple and cost-effective solution to a frozen lock problem. It is an excellent idea to have an open container of de-icer available in case of an emergency. The chemicals break down the ice and prevent further freezing.
Replacing the Actuator
The actuator is a small 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 or a keyless entry device, or activating it from the central control unit. It uses a very small amount of power to operate and is prone to wear out over time. If it wears out, it can produce a buzzing sound or machine gun sound that won't stop until the actuator is replaced.
Replacing the actuator is an easy task for the majority of people with basic tools and a bit of patience. The steps might differ between cars since manufacturers build the parts in different ways, but the basic process is the same. First, disconnect the battery to avoid electrical issues during the repair. After that, remove the door panel from the. Depending on the car you may also need to remove the regulator and/or window in order to access the actuator.
After removing the panel, you will see the actuator attached to the door latch. The bolts that hold it in place will usually be removed with a screwdriver. The actuator can then be pulled out of its mount. When the new actuator is in place, reinstall the connector that goes to the wiring harness. Once that is reconnected, reconnect any cables or rods that are attached to the actuator and latch and then put the door panel back into place.
Once the trim panel is reinstalled, it is recommended to replace any clips that fell off during removal. Verify that all of the screws are tightened again to avoid looseness or rattle. Reconnect all wires that were disconnected and test the actuator to ensure it is working. If it does, install the door panel as well as the trim piece, then reconnect the battery and run a second test to make sure the locks are operating as they should be. If your doors don't function as they should, it may be time to replace the actuator.