coughgrain00

How to Repair Car Lock Actuator If your power door locks don't respond when you press the lock button on your keyfob, this could be a sign that your actuator is damaged. In this case it is usually possible to fix it by lubricating your assembly. It is recommended to speak with a professional auto locksmith. Locking the Door Locked out of the car can be a traumatic experience however there are several things you can do to get back inside. If you're a part of AAA or another service with roadside assistance, they'll provide a locksmith you, but you might also be able back inside using DIY tools and techniques. These techniques work best on cars that have doors that are powered by electricity. These are opened by pressing the lock button that is located on the armrest, or by a keychain. This method requires a straightened out wire hanger with an end with a hook or another long, rigid tool that won't break when under pressure. It must be long enough to reach the door handle or lock button, and it should include a hook on one end that can catch the latch inside the door. You will also need an instrument like pliers to hold the end of the hanger and a pair of long tweezers to move the hanger. The first step is to create an opening between the window frame and body. Then, you can insert the rod or hook from the hanger into the gap you've created and try to slide or depress the door lock flipper or button with it. The door will open with a bit of luck. If your car comes with a digital lock then you'll need to discover a way to open the doors from the inside. There is a lever inside the door that can be pulled to unlock it, however you will have to figure out a way to reach it. A Slim Jim can be used for this purpose, or a similar long tool that can be put into the space between the door and the window. In certain situations, none of the methods above are effective and you'll need to contact a professional locksmith for assistance. Ask them what they'll charge you before they arrive. Unblocking the Keyhole If the lock is stuck because the key was inserted prior to it was fully engaged, try to gently push the pin tumblers into their correct alignment in the internal cylinder. It may solve the problem However, pushing too hard could cause more damage. In this instance it is recommended to call an expert locksmith. A good way to prevent stuck keys is keeping the lock lubricated with graphite spray or a silicone-based item. These products are superior to oil based products such as WD-40 which can attract dirt and debris. Apply the product on the lock. Turn the key several times. Then, jiggle the keys inside the hole. Powdered graphite is yet another item you should keep in your toolbox. It acts as a dry lubricant. It helps to ensure smooth movement without attracting dirt and grime. It's safe to use with locks that have internal pin tumblers. Rub a few grains of the powder inside the lock. This will lubricate the lock and remove any gunk that may have built up around the keyhole. Lastly, it's important to replace the key on a regular basis to keep it in good shape and to prevent it from becoming stuck over time. This will allow it to last longer and perform more efficiently. If the key isn't moving freely or is easily jammed, the key itself may be worn and need replacement or a key cut. You can make use of a file to smooth out the sharp points on the key teeth to avoid any further sticking but this is a job best left to an experienced. If the above tips aren't working, you can try to free the stuck key by taking the strike plate off the door frame and then filing down the lower portion of the plate to increase the size of the opening into where the key is placed. If this fails, call a professional locksmith who has the tools necessary to disassemble the locked car door. They'll have tools to remove the locking mechanisms and be in a position to determine the reason what is causing the lock to not function properly. Unfreezing the Lock Locks that freeze are common during the Polar Vortex, which brings cold temperatures and winter storms. There are a few simple methods you can use to defrost the lock and open your vehicle. The first thing to do is to remove the large chunks of ice that are blocking the lock cylinder from receiving the key. To avoid damaging the cylinder of the lock or the car door, it is essential to be careful when doing this. Another common trick is to pour boiling water on the lock. Although this may work for a short time but it could damage your lock in the long run and likely freeze any moisture that remains inside the lock cylinder. Pouring hot water on your lock can cause thermal shock, which can short out modern electronics in the lock cylinder as well as the door sensor. You could also damage the car lock or door by using metal or sharp objects. A better option is to heat the key with a lighter or match and then insert it into the lock. Heating the key with an igniter or hair dryer will give enough heat to melt the ice that is coating the lock cylinder, making it easier to turn the key in and open the door. If you cannot get the key completely into the lock, heat it again and try again. You can de-ice your lock by spraying oil on the lock or using a commercial de-icer. Another idea is to park your car in the sun and let the light help melt the lock. It might take a while but it's an inexpensive and easy solution to a lock that is frozen. A de-icer bottle in your car for times such as this is also an excellent idea since the chemicals will quickly break down any ice and prevent future freezing. Replace the Actuator The actuator is the small motor that moves the lock through a series of gears. It can be activated by turning a key inside the door, pressing a button from an electronic device, using keyless entry, or by activating it via a central control unit. It uses a very small amount of power and is prone to wear out over time. When it does wear out it will make a buzzing or machine gun noise that will not stop until the actuator is replaced. Replacing the actuator is a simple task for most people using a basic tool and a bit of perseverance. The steps can differ between different cars as the manufacturers build the parts in different ways however the fundamental process is the same. First disconnect the battery to avoid electrical issues from occurring during the repair. Then carefully remove the door panel from the vehicle. Depending on your vehicle, you may need to remove the window or the regulator to gain access to the actuator. After you have removed the panel, you will be able to see the actuator attached to the door latch. Usually, the bolts that hold the actuator in place can be removed using the aid of a screwdriver. The actuator can then be pulled out of its mount. After the new actuator is in place, carefully reconnect the connector to the wiring harness. After that, reconnect any rods or cables that are attached to the actuator and latch and then place the door panel back in its place. Once the trim panel is reinstalled, you should replace any clips that were removed during removal. Make sure to check the screws to ensure that they are properly tightened. This will prevent any looseness or rattle. Reconnect any wires that were cut off and test the new actuator to ensure it functions. If car lock replacement does, install the door panel and trim piece, then connect the battery and run a second test to ensure the locks are working as they should be. If your doors don't work as they should, it may be time to replace the actuator.