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.
How a door lock actuator works.
The two most common types of locks in a home are simple key locks in a doorknob and deadbolt locks.
If the electric motor or the mechanism inside the door lock actuator wears out the door lock may lock or unlock slowly or work sometimes but not all the time.
It mimics your motions when you pull the knob up or push it down.
Key locks contain a small cylinder that runs down the middle of the doorknob and into the door.
On manual locks the locking function operates by pushing or pulling on the door lock.
This actuator can move the metal hook shown in this photo to the left or right.
If the door lock actuator doesn t work with any method then the problem can be the door lock actuator itself the wiring or the control module.
When mounted in the car it is vertical so the hook can move up or down.
On a vehicle with electric locks the process is a bit different.
Most power door locks.
Mounted inside the door it.
Usually a bad or failing power door lock actuator will produce a few symptoms that can notify the driver of an issue that should be serviced.
This low cost method works great and can be done on many cars.
Inside the cylinder are all the parts that work together with the key to lock or unlock the door.
This manipulates a series of rods that slide back and forth opening and closing the locking mechanism at the door latch.
If the electric motor or the mechanism inside the door lock actuator wears out the door lock may lock or unlock slowly or work sometimes but not all the time.
Symptoms of a failing door lock actuator door lock actuators are made in two styles.
Diy bri shows you how to repair a door lock actuator without a complete replacement.
How a door lock actuator works.
Unusual noises coming from inside the door are one of the first symptoms of a potential problem with a power door lock actuator.
In some cars a door lock actuator becomes noisy and produces a squeaking or buzzing noise when power door locks are locked or unlocked.
In some cars a failed door lock actuator may.
In some cars a door lock actuator becomes noisy and produces a squeaking or buzzing noise when the power door locks are locked or unlocked.
How power door locks work.
