How to Repair Car Lock Actuator
If your power door locks do not respond when you press the locking button on your keyfob, this could be a sign that your actuator is damaged. In this instance, you can usually fix it by lubricating your assembly.
It is, however, recommended to speak with a professional car locksmith.
Locking the door
If you've locked yourself out of your car, it could be a stressful experience. However there are some things you can do to get inside. If you have roadside assistance from AAA or another service they will send a locksmith, however you might also be able gain access to your vehicle with DIY tools and techniques. These techniques work best on cars with 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 a wire hanger, which is straightened out and turned into a hook on one end, or some other long, stiff tool that won't be able to bend under pressure. It must be sufficient in length to reach the door handle or the lock button, and should include a hook on one end to catch the latch inside the door. You will also require pliers as well as long tweezers to move the hanger.
First, you will need to create a space between the window frame and body. Put the rod or hook of the hanger into the gap that you created and then try to slide or press the door lock switch or flipper button with 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 method to unlock the doors from inside. You can pull a lever on the inside of the door to open it however, you must first to find out how to get to it. You can employ the Slim Jim or another long tool to reach the lever.
In some cases, none of the above methods will work, and you will require a locksmith for help. Ask them about the price they'll charge you before they show up.
Keyhole is not jamming Keyhole
If the lock is jammed due to the key was not fully engaged and the pin was not fully engaged, gently push the tumblers back into the correct 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 call a locksmith.
An effective way to avoid stuck keys is making sure the lock is lubricated using graphite spray or a silicone-based item. These products are better than oils-based products like WD-40 which can attract dirt and dust. Apply the product on the lock. Insert and turn the key several times. Then, jiggle the keys inside the hole.
Powdered graphite is a different 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 is safe to use with locks with internal pin tumblers. Try rubbing a few grains of the powder into the lock to make it lubricate and remove any gunk that might have built up in the keyhole.
It's also important to replace your key on a regular basis to ensure it's in good shape and to keep it from becoming jammed over time. This will also help it last longer and work more efficiently.
If the key isn't moving freely or is easily jammed it could be worn and requires replacement or a key recut. You can use a file to smooth out the sharp points on the key teeth to avoid any further sticking however this is a job for an experienced.
If the above tips do not work then you can attempt to remove the stuck-on key by removing strike plate from the door frame. You will need to file down the lower lip to create a larger opening into which the key can be inserted. If this isn't working, call a professional locksmith who will have the tools necessary to disassemble the locked car door. They'll have specialized tools that are designed to get into the locking mechanisms to detach them and will be able to identify the reason the lock isn't working correctly.
Unfreezing the Lock
Locks that are frozen are commonplace during the Polar Vortex, which brings cold temperatures and winter storms. The good news is that there are simple tricks to unfreezing the lock, allowing you to open your car. The first thing to do is to remove the large chunks of ice that are preventing the lock cylinder from receiving the key. To avoid damaging the lock cylinder or door, it is important to take care during this process.
Another common trick is to pour boiling water onto the lock. While this may work initially but it could damage your lock in the long term and will likely re-freeze any moisture that is still in the lock cylinder. Pouring hot water into the lock or door sensor could cause the door sensor to experience a thermal shock. Using sharp or metal objects to break the lock or attempt to force the key into it can also cause damage to your car's door or lock, and could lead to breaking the lock.
It is recommended to heat the key with an igniter or match, and then insert it in the lock. The key can be heated using a hairdryer or lighter to melt the ice coating the lock cylinder. This will enable you to turn the key to unlock the door. If you are unable to get the key to enter completely, just heat it up again and try again. You can remove ice from your lock by spraying a grease on the lock, or by using a commercial de-icer.
An excellent idea is to park your car in the sun and let the sun help to melt the lock. It might take a while, but this is an inexpensive and easy solution to a locked that has frozen. It is a good idea to keep a can de-icer on hand in case of an emergency. The chemicals break down the ice and stop further freezing.
Replace the Actuator
The actuator is a small motor that moves the lock using a set of gears. It can be activated by a key in the door or remote control or keyless entry central control. It is a low-power device that can get worn out over time. When it is worn out it can make a buzzing or machine gun noise that will not stop until the actuator is replaced.
Replacing the actuator is an easy task for the majority of people with a few tools and a bit of patience. The steps differ between vehicles, as manufacturers might put together parts in different ways. However, the fundamental process remains the same. First remove the battery to prevent electrical issues from arising during the repair. After that, remove the door panel from the car. Depending on the model you may also need to remove the regulator and/or window 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. Usually, the bolts that hold the actuator in place can be removed using a screwdriver. The actuator is then pulled out of its mount. After the new one is installed, carefully reinstall the connector that goes to the wiring harness. Reconnect car door lock repair cost uk G28CarKeys and cables to the latch, actuator and door panel.
Replace any clips that may have fallen off during removal. Make sure that all screws have been tightened to prevent rattle or looseness. Reconnect all wires that have been disconnected and test the actuator to confirm it is working. If it does, put back in the door panel and the trim piece, then reconnect the battery and run a second test to ensure the locks are functioning as they should be. If your doors aren't functioning as they should be it could be time to replace the actuator.