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How to Repair Car Lock Actuator
If your power door locks do not respond when you press the lock button on your keyfob this could indicate that your actuator is fried. In this situation it is usually lubricating the actuator that will fix the problem.
It is best to talk to an experienced auto locksmith.
Unlocking the Door
Getting locked out of the car is a frustrating experience There are a variety of things you can do to get back inside. If you're a member of AAA, or another service that provides roadside assistance, they'll send a locksmith to help you, however, you may also be able to get back inside using DIY tools and techniques. These methods will be most effective on vehicles with doors that have power locks. They can be opened by pressing the lock button on the armrest or using the keychain.
This method requires a straightened-out wire hanger with an end with a hook or a long, solid tool which won't bend when under pressure. It must be long enough to reach either the car lock button or door handle. One end should have a hook to catch the latch. You will also require an instrument like pliers to secure the hanger's end and a pair of tweezers for manipulating the hanger.
The first step is to create a space between the window frame and the body. Place the rod or hook of the hanger into the gap you made and then try to slide or press the door lock switch or flipper button with it. With a bit of luck the door will then open.
If your vehicle has an electronic lock, you will need to find a way to open the door from inside without knowing the code. www.g28carkeys.co.uk can pull a lever located on the inside of the door to unlock it but first you have to figure out how to access it. You can employ a Slim Jim or another long tool to reach the lever.
In some cases there are instances when none of the above methods will work, and you will need to call locksmith assistance. Ask them what they will charge before they show up.
Unblocking the Keyhole
If the lock is jammed due to the key was not fully engaged then gently push the pin tumblers back to the proper position within the internal cylinder. This may fix the problem but pushing too hard could cause further damage, so it is best to contact a locksmith for such an problem.
Keep the lock lubricated by using graphite spray or a silicone based product. These are better than products based on oil, like WD-40 which can attract dirt and other debris. Apply the product to the lock. Insert and turn the key a few times. Then, jiggle the keys into the hole.
Powdered graphite is another product you should have in your toolbox. It works like a dry fluid. 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 get rid of any gunk that may have been accumulating around the keyhole.
In the end, it's essential to replace the key on a regular basis to keep it in good shape and to prevent it from getting 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 or jammed, the key may be worn and need replacement or a key cut. You can make use of a file to smooth the sharp edges of the key teeth to prevent future sticking however this is a job for an experienced.
If the above suggestions do not work, you may try to free the stuck key by taking the strike plate out of the door frame and then filing down the lower portion of the plate to increase the size of the opening into which the key can be inserted. If this fails it is recommended to contact locksmiths who have the necessary tools to take apart a locked car door and resolve the issue. They will have special tools that can enter the locking mechanisms to detach them, and they will be able to pinpoint the reason the lock isn't working properly.
Unfreezing the Lock
Frozen locks are common during the Polar Vortex, which brings cold temperatures and winter storms. The good news is that there are a few simple tricks to unfreezing the lock so you can unlock your car. The first thing to do is to remove any large ice chunks that are preventing the lock cylinder from accepting the key. To avoid damaging the lock cylinder or door, it is crucial to be careful when doing this.
Another trick that is commonly used is to pour boiling water over the lock. Although this may work for a short time however, it can harm your lock in the long term and will likely freeze any moisture that remains in the lock's cylinder. Pouring hot water can also cause thermal shock that can short out modern electronics inside the lock cylinder as well as the door sensor. Using sharp objects or metal to break at the lock or try to push the key in could also cause damage to your car's door or lock, and could possibly cause an unusable lock.
A better alternative is to heat the key with matches or a lighter and then insert it into the lock. Heating the key with an igniter or hair dryer will give enough heat to melt away the ice that is coating the lock cylinder and make it easier to insert the key and unlock the door. If you are unable to get the key all the way into the lock it again and try again. Using a 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 park your car in the sun and let the sun help melt the lock. It could take a while however, it is an inexpensive and easy solution to a locked that has frozen. Having a can of de-icer in your car for an emergency such as this is also a good idea as the chemicals will quickly dissolve any ice, and will prevent further freezing.
Replacing the Actuator
The actuator is a small motor that drives the lock via a series of gears. It can be activated using the key inside the door or a remote control, keyless entry or a central control. It is a low-power device that can get worn out over time. It is prone to wear out and make an eerie sound or machine gun sound that will not stop unless the actuator is changed.
Replacing the actuator is a simple task for most people with basic tools and a bit of patience. The steps differ between vehicles, as manufacturers might make parts in different ways. However, the fundamental process remains the same. Disconnect the battery first to avoid electrical problems during the repair. Then, carefully remove the door panel from the vehicle. Depending on the vehicle you have, you may need to take off the window or the regulator to gain access to the actuator.
After removing 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 with a screwdriver. The actuator can then be removed from its mount. Once the new actuator has been put installed, make sure you connect the connector to the wiring harness. Reconnect the rods and cables to the latch, actuator and door panel.
Replace any clips that have been removed during the removal. Make sure to check all screws to ensure that they are properly tightened. This will avoid any looseness or rattle. Reconnect all wires disconnected and test the actuator to make sure it works. If it does, reinstall the door panel as well as the trim piece, then connect the battery, and conduct a test to ensure that the locks are working as they should be. If your doors don't work as they should, it could be time to replace your actuator.