Door lock actuator how does it work

In theory, you might not think that your vehicle has to do all that much to lock or unlock your car. But as you can see, there are a series of steps that must be taken in order for your door lock actuator to lock or unlock your doors.

Depending on how much time you spend driving your car around, you might do it more than a dozen times each day. And that can really take a toll on your door lock actuators over time. There are some door lock actuators that will need to be replaced within just a few years. In certain cases, you might find that your car is still under warranty when you have to take it in for door lock actuator replacement.

But in other instances, your door lock actuators could stick around well beyond the ,mile mark. You might not ever have to worry about putting a new door lock actuator into place. View More. Thank You Thanks for subscribing.

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Refresh the Autoblog page you were viewing. What does a central locking door actuator contain? What is inside a central locking servo motor?

How does a central locking actuator work? What is a door lock actuator? Can I install remote central locking? What is a central locking system? What is remote central locking? Tip : This plastic is essential to forming a water barrier inside the door panel as some water always gets into the inside of the door during rainy days or a car wash. While you are at it, check that the two drain holes in the bottom of the door are clear and there is no buildup of debris there.

Tip : Keep in mind how the white plastic cover is mounted onto the lock and actuator assembly so that you will be able to properly reassemble it later. Part 4 of 6: Repairing the door lock actuator At this point, you will begin working on the door lock actuator. Warning : Be very careful not to injure yourself with the sharp razor blade. Carefully pry through the bottom portion next to the pin housing. Remove the worm gear and its bearing from the plastic housing.

Note : Take notes on how the bearing is installed into the housing. The bearing must go back in the same way. Warning : Do not connect the motor to the battery for longer than a few seconds as these motors are not designed for that. Part 5 of 6: Reinstalling the door lock actuator Step 1: Reinstall the plastic cover and replace the assembly. Place the lock and actuator assembly, with the cables attached, back into the door. Note : If your vehicle has electronic door locks, you will need to reinstall the door lock cluster panel back into the door panel.

After replacing the door panel, reinstall the cluster into the panel with screws. Make sure the cluster is connected to the wiring harness.

You may have to attach the connectors under the door panel before you fully reinstall the panel into the door. If the vehicle has custom speakers that are externally mounted on the door panel, these would need to be reinstalled back onto it after replacing the panel as well. Part 6 of 6: Reconnecting the battery and testing the door lock actuator Step 1: Replace the battery cable and remove the battery saver. Then unplug the nine-volt battery saver from the cigarette lighter.

Note : If you did not have a nine-volt battery saver, you will have to reset all of the settings in your vehicle, like your radio, electric seats, electric mirrors, and so on.

Note : If you are working on the rear doors of a four-door sedan, make sure that you turn off the child safety lock to test the repaired door lock actuator correctly. The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details. Excellent Auto Repair Ratings.

YourMechanic Auto Repair. Related Articles. Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Door Latch. Experienced Mechanic? Excellent Rating. Rating Summary. Raymond 37 years of experience. Request Raymond. Acura MDX V He was prompt, clean and efficient. This was my first experience with Your Mechanic. I would highly recommend them and Raymond. Polite and the service was super quick! Raymond definitely knew what he was doing. The convenience of coming to my home is a plus!

John 7 years of experience. Request John. Lexus GS V John came to my house on time, was very polite, and installed a new door lock actuator on the drivers side front door of my Lexus GS He was very patient and meticulous with his work. I watched him do most of the work while talking with him.

There were two wire connections and 5 electrical connections inside the door, and another hidden cable-ball joint for the outside door handle that he had to discover. He took his time and did an excellent job.

I will ask for him every time I need service again on either of my cars. Kanstantsin 19 years of experience.

Request Kanstantsin. Porsche Cayenne V Very happy with Kanstantsins work, and he was patient with the old man that watched him work on my car! Would have him work on any of my vehicles at any time! It's hard to find good people that want to work and do a great job!!