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Don't Believe These "Trends" About Repair Car Lock
How to Repair Car Lock Actuator

If your door locks that are powered do not respond when you press the lock button on your keyfob, this could indicate that your actuator is fried. In this situation, lubricating it will usually solve the issue.

It is recommended to speak with an experienced auto locksmith.

Unlocking the Door

If you've locked yourself out of your car, it could be a stressful experience. However, there are a few things you can try to do to get inside. If you have roadside assistance through AAA or another company they can send a locksmith to you, but you might also be able get back into your car using DIY tools and methods. These methods will work best with cars that have power door locks, which can be opened by pressing the lock button on the armrest or using a keychain.

To use this method it is necessary to have a wire hanger, straightened out and turned into a hook at one end, or other long, rigid device that will not break under pressure. It must be long enough to reach the button for your car lock or door handle. The other end should include a hook that can catch the latch. You will also need an instrument like pliers to grasp the end of the hanger and a pair of tweezers for manipulating it.

First, you'll need to create a gap between the top of the window frame for your car and the body. Place the rod or hook of the hanger into the gap that you created and then try to slide or push the door lock flipper button or switch with it. With a bit of luck, the door will open.

If your car comes with a digital lock then you'll need to discover a way to unlock the doors from the inside. There is a lever within the door that can be pulled to unlock it, but you'll have to figure out a way to reach it. A Slim Jim can be used for this purpose or a similar tool that can be inserted into the space between the door and the window.

In some instances, none of the above methods will work, and you'll require a professional locksmith for assistance. Ask them how much they'll charge you before they show up.

Unjamming the Keyhole

If the lock is stuck due to the key was inserted before it was fully engaged Try gently pushing the pin tumblers back into their proper position in the internal cylinder. This could fix the issue but pushing too hard could cause additional damage, and it is recommended to contact locksmiths for this issue.


A good way to prevent stuck keys is keeping the lock lubricated by graphite spray or a silicone-based item. They are superior to oils-based products, like WD-40 which tend to attract more dirt and debris. Apply the product to the lock, insert and turn the key several times, and then jiggle the key into the hole to distribute the lubricant across the mechanism.

Powdered graphite is another item you should keep in your toolbox. It works like a dry fluid. It promotes smooth movement between metal surfaces without being a magnet for grime or dirt and is safe to use on locks with internal pin tumblers. Try applying a few grains of the powder into the lock to lubricate it and get rid of any gunk that has built up in the keyhole.

Lastly, it's important to replace the key frequently to keep it in good shape and to prevent it from becoming stuck over time. This will also help it last longer and work more efficiently.

If the key is still not turning freely or is jamming easily, it may be worn out and need to be replaced or recut. You can make use of an instrument to smooth the sharp points on the key teeth to avoid sticking in the future however this is an activity for an experienced.

If the above suggestions 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 edge of the plate to increase the size of the opening into where the key is placed. If this fails then you should contact locksmiths who have the tools required to disassemble a locked car door and fix the issue. They will have special tools that are designed to get into the locking mechanisms to detach them, and they will be able to determine why the lock isn't working correctly.

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 to open your car. First, try chipping away any large chunks of ice that block your lock's cylinder. To avoid damaging the cylinder of the lock or the car door, it is crucial to be careful during this process.

Pouring boiling water on the lock is a popular trick. While this might work at first however, it can harm your lock over the long term and will likely re-freeze any moisture that remains in the lock's cylinder. Pouring hot water into the lock cylinder or door sensor can also trigger the door sensor to experience a thermal shock. Using sharp objects or metal to break at the lock or attempt to force the key in can cause damage to your car's door or lock, and could possibly cause an unusable lock.

It is better to heat the key with matches or a lighter and then put it into the lock. The key can be heated using lighter or a hairdryer to melt the ice covering the lock cylinder. This will allow you to turn the key to unlock the door. If you're unable to insert the key in all the way into the lock it up again, and try. You can de-ice your lock by spraying grease on the lock, or using a commercial deicer.

Another option is to park your car in the sun and let the sunlight help melt the lock. This can take a while to do but it is an extremely simple and cost-effective solution to a locked that is frozen issue. It is recommended to keep an empty can of de-icer in your bag for such emergencies. The chemicals will break the ice and stop further freezing.

Replacing the Actuator

The actuator is a small motor that drives the lock using a set of gears. It can be activated by turning a key inside the door, pressing the button on the remote device, using keyless entry, or activating it from the central control unit. It requires a small amount of power and can get worn out over time. It is prone to wear out and produce a buzzing noise or a machine gun sound that will not stop until the actuator is replaced.

Most people can replace the actuator using a few tools and patience. The steps might differ between different cars as the manufacturers put the components together differently however the procedure is the same. The battery must be disconnected first to avoid electrical issues during the repair. Then, carefully remove vehicle security from the vehicle. Depending on the vehicle you have you may have to remove the window or the regulator to access 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 using the help of a screwdriver. The actuator is then pulled out of 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 actuator, latch and door panel.

Replace any clips that may have been removed during the removal. Make sure that all screws are tightened again to avoid looseness or rattle. Reconnect all wires disconnected and test the actuator to ensure it is working. If it does, put back in the door panel as well as the trim piece, then reconnect the battery and perform another test to make sure the locks are operating as they should be. If your doors aren't functioning in the way they should it could be time to replace the actuator.