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Is Your Company Responsible For The Repair Car Lock Budget? 12 Best Ways To Spend Your Money
How to Repair Car Lock Actuator

If your power door lock fails to respond when you press the lock button on your key fob, it may be a sign of a fried actuator. In this situation, lubricating it will usually fix the problem.

It is best to consult a professional auto locksmith.

Unlocking 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 member of AAA or another organization that provides roadside assistance, they will send a locksmith to assist you, but you might also be able to get back inside using DIY tools and methods. These methods will be most effective on vehicles with power door locks, which can be opened by pressing the lock button on the armrest or using the keychain.


To make this method work it is necessary to have a wire hanger, straightened out and turned into a hook at one end, or some other long, stiff tool that isn't prone to break under pressure. It must be sufficient in length to reach the door handle or lock button, and it should have a small hook on one end that can catch the latch inside the door. You will also need an instrument like pliers to secure the end of the hanger and an extended tweezers for manipulating the hanger.

The first step is to create an opening between the window frame and body. Put the rod or hook of the hanger into the gap you created and then try to slide it or press the door lock switch or flipper button with it. With a bit of luck the door will then open.

If your car is equipped with a digital lock, you'll have to figure out a way to open the door from inside without knowing the code. You can pull a lever on the inside of the door to unlock it, but first you need to find out how to access it. You can employ a Slim Jim or another long tool to reach the lever.

In some cases none of the methods above are effective and you'll require a professional locksmith for assistance. Ask them what they will charge 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 proper position in the internal cylinder. locks repair can help fix the issue but pushing too hard could cause additional damage, and it is best to contact a locksmith for such an issue.

A good way to prevent a stuck key is by keeping the lock lubricated with graphite spray or a silicone-based product. These products are better than oils-based products like WD-40 which tend to attract dirt and debris. Apply the product to the lock, insert and turn the key several times, then play around with the key into the hole to distribute the lubricant through the mechanism.

Powdered graphite is a different product you should have in your toolbox. It works like a dry fluid. It encourages smooth movement between metal surfaces without getting rid of grime or dirt, and it's also safe to use on locks with internal pin tumblers. Rub a few grains of the powder inside the lock. This will help lubricate the lock and get rid of any gunk that may have accumulated around the keyhole.

It is also essential to replace your key frequently to ensure that it is in good shape and also to keep it from becoming jammed in the future. This will help it last longer and perform more efficiently.

If the key is not moving freely or jams easily, it may be worn out and need to be replaced or recut. To prevent future sticking you can apply a file to the sharp points of the key teeth. But this is a task best left to an expert.

If the above tips don't work, you can try to get rid of the stuck key by taking the strike plate out of the door frame, and then filing down the lower lip of the plate to increase the size of the opening through which the key is inserted. If this doesn't work, you should call an experienced locksmith who has the tools needed to disassemble the locked car door. They'll have specialized tools that can enter the locking mechanism to release them and will be able to identify the reason the lock isn't functioning properly.

Unfreezing the Lock

With the Polar Vortex bringing cold temperatures and winter storms locks that are frozen are very common. The good news is that there are a few simple ways to free the lock, allowing you to unlock your car. The first step is to try and remove the large chunks of ice that are preventing the lock cylinder from receiving the key. It is crucial to take caution in this process to keep from damaging your car's door or the lock cylinder.

Another trick that is commonly used is to pour boiling water over the lock. 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 can also cause thermal shock that can cut off modern electronics in the lock cylinder as well as the door sensor. You can also cause damage to the car lock or door with sharp or metal objects.

It is better to heat the key using a lighter or a match before putting it into the lock. Heat the key with a lighter or hairdryer to melt the ice covering the lock cylinder. This will make it easier to turn the key to unlock the door. If you cannot get the key in completely into the lock it up again, and try. Using 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 great idea is to place your car in the sun and let the sunlight help to melt the lock. It may take some time but it's an easy and inexpensive solution to a locked that has frozen. A de-icer bottle in your car for times such as this is also an excellent idea since the chemicals can quickly dissolve any ice and prevent future freezing.

Replace the Actuator

The actuator is a small motor that moves the lock using a set of gears. It can be activated by turning a key inside the door, pressing a button from the remote device or using keyless entry or by activating it via the central control unit. It uses a tiny amount of power and will wear out over time. It is prone to wear out and make a buzzing noise or a machine gun sound that won't stop until the actuator is replaced.

Most people can replace the actuator with basic tools and patience. The steps will vary between vehicles, as manufacturers might put together parts in different ways. But the basic procedure remains the same. First remove the battery to avoid electrical issues from occurring during the repair. Remove the door panel with care from the vehicle. Depending on the vehicle you have, you may need to remove the window or the regulator to access the actuator.

Once you have removed the panel, you will be visible the actuator attached to the door latch. Usually the bolts holding it in place can be removed using the aid of a screwdriver. The actuator can be removed from its mount. After the new one is in place, reinstall the connector that goes to the wiring harness. Once it is connected to the wiring harness, connect any rods or cables that are attached to the actuator and latch and put the door panel back into position.

After the trim panel is in place, it is recommended to replace any clips that fell off during the removal. Check the screws to ensure that they are properly tightened. This will prevent any looseness or rattle. Reconnect any wires that were disconnected and test the new actuator to ensure it functions. If it does, put back in the door panel and the trim piece, then reconnect the battery and perform another test to ensure that the locks are functioning as they should be. If your doors aren't working as they should, it might be time to replace the actuator.