Drivers side power door lock actuator won’t unlock
I have a locked door that will not open with any of the methods that I have tried. Took it to Tires Plus and they also tried to unlock it. I am not able to get the acuator out of the door to replace it. I ordered the new actuator that all sites recommend whick is a Dorman part, however, it doesn't match up with the one in my door. Are there any other options to getting the door actuator unlocked or out of the door since I can't get the door open to remove the whole panel?
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hello.
If you are unable to unlock the door I would recommend taking the vehicle to a professional locksmith, as they will have the tools and knowledge to unlock your vehicle without causing any damage. If the part you ordered does not match the one in the door then perhaps you have the wrong part.
In this instance, I would consult a professional for help with both issue, a technician/locksmith and a parts person. If you’d like, one of our mobile technicians can come to your home to diagnose the issue with your door lock firsthand for an accurate repair. Best of luck.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
The behind-the-scenes mechanism that locks and unlocks your vehicle`s doors with the push of a button is the power door-lock actuator. Mounted inside the door, it includes an electric motor, gears and linkage, or a cable that extends or retracts to operate the lock.
Door lock actuators are an electronic component found on vehicles equipped with power door locks. They are the electronically controlled actuators in every single door that are responsible for locking and unlocking the power door locks when the switches are pressed.
Lack of lubrication. Moving parts always experience friction, so a possible cause of the driver-side door locks not working is a poorly lubricated door latch. For this issue, check if the latch mechanism on the door has any corrosion that could be hindering the lock.
The door control module (DCM), also called a door control unit (DCU), is a type of automotive electronic that provides intelligent control for vehicle doors, and their peripheral electric parts and components, that enable features such as power windows, anti-pinch technology, central door locking, rearview mirror …
The solenoid lock denotes a latch for electrical locking and unlocking. It is available in unlocking in the power-on mode type, and locking and keeping in the power-on mode type, which can be used selectively for situations. The power-on unlocking type enables unlocking only while the solenoid is powered on.
Lock actuators use gears and pistons to raise and lower a rod connected to your door lock. The lock motor gets its power from your car battery, so it won`t work if your battery`s dead. When you press a button on your key fob or key in a code on your door, a signal is sent to the actuator to open or close the lock.
Technician B says there are two main types of door lock actuators: an AC motor actuator and a magnetic plunger type.
It is the job of the AC actuator to control the opening and closing of the airflow in response to the thermostat, thus controlling air movement and allowing cool air to blow down the ducts and into the house. The AC actuator is located above or below the coil. It can be set to either single speed or variable speed.
Technician B says there are two main types of door lock actuators: an AC motor actuator and a magnetic plunger type.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
all doors lock only by inserting key in passenger side door and locking
ANSWER : Your central locking system may have been designed with a control module in the circuit. This is a small computer that is responsible for controlling the different functions of a particular system. It is possible that the module for your central locking system may have shorted out internally preventing particular functions from working properly. I would recommend having a certified technician test your central locking module to determine if all of its functions are working properly.
Driver side door lock button not working, and passenger side sliding door makes a buzzing noise
ANSWER : Hi there. These door issues are common on this vehicle. Most of the time the main issue is the master door lock switch on the driver door. It sounds like you already replaced that. As for the sliding door problem, most of the time, this is a failure within the door module or it can be a connection issue.
I typically take the door apart and check the connections on the module and inside of the door just to make sure that there is nothing apparent in there. If the connections and the wiring are fine, then I use a scan tool to check the module to see what the inputs and outputs are doing. If you need to have this looked at, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to your home or office to diagnose your door problem and recommend a repair.
Having problems with door locks on 08 Cadillac CTS. Driver side door especially and will not lock or unlock with key. Others loc
ANSWER : This is often related to a malfunctioning door lock actuator, a blown fuse or a faulty power door lock switch. When you use the door lock switch in the car it sends a signal to a relay which then activates an actuator inside the door. The actuator is the final step in the process in that it is a small motor with a set of gears that actually locks and unlocks the latch mechanism inside the door allowing the door to open. When this motor is bad, the latch mechanism will fail to operate and cause the door not to unlock as it is designed to. In the case of a bad door lock relay, the power, normally needed to send the signal from the switch when you activate it to the actuator motor is not there. This means the relay is not allowing the circuit to be completed and the actuator motor is not activated. Any of the above may cause your power door lock switches not to work properly and should be diagnosed by a qualified mechanic. I would suggest having a professional from YourMechanic come to your location to take a look at the door locks in your vehicle.
Driver and Passenger doors won’t lock, but I hear them click and see the locks twitch.
ANSWER : If the same problem is happening even when you use the inside door lock switch then the most likely cause of the locks not moving is going to be weak actuators. You should replace the drivers lock actuator first since it is used the most and you will see it fixes the problem. Then you can replace the other doors as needed.
Door unlocked alarm, no power window or door lock on driver door only, interior light comes on with L turn signa
ANSWER : Hi there. In general, wiring harnesses are sold by the manufacturer as a whole harness; not individual wires. It is much easier, cost-efficient and safer to replace the entire harness if it’s determined that it is faulty and the source of your alarm / door issue. It would be best to have one of our mobile mechanics come to your location and complete an electrical problems inspection though, as it’s possible that this issue is related to an error code trapped in the ECU. If this is the case, simply clearing the code will resolve the problem. If the issue is determined to be the wiring harness or an exposed wire, they can recommend and most likely complete the repairs as well.
Drivers side power door lock actuator won’t unlock
ANSWER : Hello.
If you are unable to unlock the door I would recommend taking the vehicle to a professional locksmith, as they will have the tools and knowledge to unlock your vehicle without causing any damage. If the part you ordered does not match the one in the door then perhaps you have the wrong part.
In this instance, I would consult a professional for help with both issue, a technician/locksmith and a parts person. If you’d like, one of our mobile technicians can come to your home to diagnose the issue with your door lock firsthand for an accurate repair. Best of luck.
Doors wont lock or unlock with fob or switch?
ANSWER : Hello. Further testing should be done to help solve your problem. Being that the door unlock reprogramming procedure has already been done and the fuses have been checked there’s not much left it could be. When you hit the unlock button you should hear a little noise in each of the doors. If you hear the noise that means that the motor inside of the door actuator is working therefore it is likely the actuator itself as the problem. Though if you do not hear any noise that means it is likely the motor inside of the actuator. The actuator motors are very common failure on Lexus. The Lexus Community is almost an uproar because the a L in Lexus should also stand for luxury but there have been widespread simple problems reported such as this. A technician such as those we have here at yourmechanic will be able to diagnose your door lock issue for you firsthand. But if you consider following the test I suggested that should help you narrow down to a solution as well.
It may also be a beneficial to take a door panel off and probe a multi meter to the door actuator connectors to ensure they are receiving the proper power and ground when the buttons are pressed. If they are that only leaves two things that can be at fault. The door actuator or the motor inside of the door actuator.
Door lock problems
ANSWER : Hi there. There is a resistor for the door locks that keep a voltage on the driver door lock cylinder to activate the secondary door locks electronically. If the resistor is leaking (losing power) it tends to cause the door locks to not work. You can try unlocking the driver door, then open the driver door and use the key to unlock the other doors. This will supply power directly to the driver door lock cylinder and bypass the resistor. If the other doors unlock, then the resistor needs replaced. If the doors do not unlock with the key and the driver door open, then the door lock cylinder on the driver door will need replaced. If you need further assistance with your doors not unlocking when turning the key twice, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.