Today, power door locks are equipped in almost every car. Pressing the button on the inner panel or key fob of the door locks or unlocks the door with that directive. The electric actuator changes the position of the door lock on the latch so that the lock can be held in place, or the latch can be opened. If pressing the remote button or door lock switch does not unlock the electronic door lock, the remote control may be the cause. If there are still problems with replacing the battery, then one may need to change door lock actuator is more likely. However, door lock actuators can fail over time and require replacement. The dealer’s service department usually asks for nearly $1,000 for this repair, but you are likely to have all the tools at hand, so let’s do it.
As you know, life is becoming too busy to handle many tasks. We recommend you understand this problem and try Patriot Locksmith. Most door lock actuators are built into door latch assemblies, and each door with a power lock has one. Some lock actuators are separated from the latch and tend to be cheaper. This section describes what you need to know about the lock actuator and how to identify and change a faulty door lock actuator.
Materials and Tools to change a door lock actuator
The following materials and tools are required to change a car door lock actuator:
- New door lock actuator that matches the model and age of the vehicle.
- A screwdriver to remove and attach the screws.
- Trim panel removal tool for prying opens the clips and fasteners.
- Socket wrench or ratchet and socket for loosening and tightening the bolt.
- A flashlight or headlamp to illuminate the interior of the door and the actuator.
- Gloves and protective glasses. Protect hands and eyes from sharp blades, metal chips and dust.
- Plastic bags or containers: Store screws, clips, and fasteners removed from the door.
- Paper and pen, or camera for recording the position and orientation of the lock rod and cable.
Step-by using-Step Guide to Change Door Lock Actuator
Now that you have accrued the substances and gear and determined the protection precautions and warnings, you are geared up to update the door lock actuator to your car. Here are the step-by-step commands, divided into subheadings based totally on the exclusive steps concerned within the method:
Step 1: Removing the Door Panel
The first step is to take away the door panel that covers the inner of the door and the actuator. To do that, you need to:
i. Remove the master window transfer:
The hold-close window switch is the panel that controls the electricity home windows and locks at the driving force’s component door. To get rid of it, you should pry it off with a trim panel removal device or a flat-head screwdriver wrapped with tape. Then, unplug the electrical connector from the again of the transfer and set it aside.
ii. Remove the screws that preserve the door panel:
3 screws maintain the door panel to the door. One is in the again of the door address, one is in the back of the door pull, and one is at the lowest of the door. To eliminate them, you have to use a screwdriver and store them in a plastic bag or a field.
iii. Remove the door panel:
To put off the door panel, you have to pull it far from the door, starting from the bottom and operating your manner up. You might also need to use a trim panel elimination device, or a flat-head screwdriver wrapped with tape to pry off the clips and fasteners that steady the panel to the door. Be careful not to harm the plastic components or the wires at the back of the panel. Then, deliver the panel up and over the door lock knob and disconnect the electrical connector from the tweeter speaker. Set the panel aside in a steady place.
Step 2: Disconnecting the Lock Rods and Cables
The subsequent step is to disconnect the lock rods and cables that connect the actuator and the latch to the door deal with and the lock cylinder. To try this, you need to:
i. Peel off the vapor barrier.
The vapor barrier is the plastic sheet that covers the inner of the door and protects it from moisture and dirt. To peel it off, you need to use a trim panel elimination device, or a flat-head screwdriver wrapped with tape to pry off the adhesive tape that seals the edges of the barrier. Be careful not to rip or puncture the barrier. Then, peel it off gently and set it apart.
ii. Unplug the door lock actuator.
The door lock actuator is the black container that is connected to the door latch and has a white electric connector on it. To unplug it, you have to squeeze the tab at the connector and pull it out. Then, tuck the connector away from the door.
iii. Remove the lock cylinder.
The lock cylinder is the metal tube that is going thru the door and connects to the keyhole at the out of doors. To do away with it, you ought to use a socket wrench or a ratchet and socket to loosen and dispose of the nut that holds it to the door. Then, pull the cylinder out of the door and set it aside.
iv Remove the manage rod from the door deal with.
The manipulate rod is the steel rod that connects the door manager to the latch. To eliminate it, you must use a trim panel removal device, or a flat-head screwdriver wrapped with tape to pry off the plastic clip that holds it to the door control. Then, slide the rod out of the hollow on the door take care of and set it apart.
Read also: What is a transponder keys and how can it be useful?
Step 3: Removing the Old Actuator
The next step to change the door lock actuator is to do away with the antique actuator from the door. To try this, you must:
i. Remove the window run channel:
The window run channel is the rubber strip that courses the window glass up and down. To do away with it, you need to apply a trim panel elimination device, or a flat-head screwdriver wrapped with tape to pry off the clips that maintain it to the door. Then, pull the channel out of the door and set it aside.
ii. Remove the screws that hold the actuator and the latch:
3 screws hold the actuator and the latch to the door. Two are at the side of the door and one is getting ready to the door. To cast off them, you ought to use a screwdriver and shop them in a plastic bag or a container.
iii. Disconnect the cable from the actuator:
The cable is the metal twine that connects the actuator to the latch. To disconnect it, you want to use a trim panel elimination tool, or a flat-head screwdriver wrapped with tape to pry off the plastic clip that holds it to the actuator. Then, slide the cable out of the slot at the actuator and set it aside.
Step 4: Installing the New Actuator
The subsequent step is to install the brand-new actuator in the door. To do this, you need to:
i. Slide the new actuator into the door:
To slide the contemporary actuator into the door, you have to reverse the technique of putting off the antique one. You must tilt the brand-new actuator slightly and manoeuvre it across the window glass and the door frame. Be cautious not to damage the actuator or the wires.
ii. Connect the cable to the new actuator:
To connect the cable to the brand-new actuator, you should contrary the system of disconnecting it from the antique one. You ought to slide the cable into the slot at the cutting-edge actuator and solid it with the plastic clip that you removed in advance.
iii. Install the screws that preserve the modern-day actuator:
To set up the screws that maintain the modern actuator and the latch, you must contrary the system of eliminating them from the vintage one. You want to apply a screwdriver and the screws that you stored in a plastic bag or a container. Make sure to make tighter them definitely but not too far.
iv. Install the window run channel:
To install the window run channel, you should contrary the manner of getting rid of it from the antique one. You have to align the channel with the door and push it into the location. You should use a trim panel elimination tool, or a flat-head screwdriver wrapped with tape to snap the clips that maintain it to the door.
Step 5: Reconnecting the Lock Rods and Cables
The next step is to reconnect the lock rods and cables that connect the brand-new actuator and the latch to the door manager and the lock cylinder. To do this, you have to:
i. Install the manage rod to the door deal with:
To install the control rod to the door cope with, you must reverse the approach of doing away with it from the old one. You must slide the rod into the hole at the door take care of and steady it with the plastic clip which you eliminated in advance.
ii. Install the lock cylinder:
To install the lock cylinder, you have to oppose the technique of disposing of it from the vintage one. You ought to insert the cylinder into the door and tighten the nut that holds it to the door. You ought to use a socket wrench or a ratchet and socket to do that.
iii. Plug the door lock actuator:
To plug the door lock actuator, you have to continue the machine by unplugging it from the vintage one. You should connect the white electric-powered connector to the return of the new actuator and make sure it clicks into the area. Then, tuck the connector far from the door.
Read also: How to Get Car Out of Anti Theft Mode with Key?
Step 6: Reassembling the Door
The closing step is to reassemble the door and take a look at the state-of-the-art actuator. For that cause:
i. Reinstall the vapors barrier:
To reinstall the vapors barrier, reverse the steps to get rid of it from the vintage vapors’ barrier. Align the barrier and door and keep them firmly. Use the adhesive tape that becomes peeled off in advance to seal the threshold of the barrier.
ii. Reattach the door panels:
To reinstall the door panels, do the reverse of getting rid of them from the antique door panels. Align the panel with the door and push it into place. Using a trim panel elimination device or a tape-wrapped minus screwdriver, fold the clip and fastener that hold the panel to the door. Then be part of the electric connector to the tweeter speaker and lower the panel above the door lock knob.
iii. Install the screws that solidify the door panel:
To set up the screws that regular the door panels, opposite the method for disposing of the screws from the antique door panels. Use a screwdriver and screws located in a plastic bag or field. Do not tighten too much, tighten tightly.
iv. Install the hold-close window transfer:
To install the Master Window switch, do the alternative of casting off the old one. An electric connector is inserted within the lower back of the switch and inserted in a predetermined role.
Actuator malfunction or malfunction signs
If the actuator is faulty or damaged, the above technique may additionally moreover fail. Common signs of strength lock actuator failure or failure are as follows.
1). Power doorways that don’t lock do now not open
If the door lock actuator fails, the lock characteristic will no longer work. Sometimes the door is locked or no longer opens. For vintage motors, you could get the right of access to the automobile with a conventional key. But for present-day pricey models, it can be necessary to disable the door lock.
2). The electricity door intermittently operates
Another common symptom of defective actuators is that the power door works irregularly. This method that on a terrific day, the door will function normally, but on different days, the door will not skip, or lock will no longer be locked.
3). Noise from the inner of the door
Abnormal noise from the inner of the door is a commonplace symptom while the door lock actuator is faulty. Door lock actuators are operated by use of cars and gears and will be inclined to be quiet at some stage in use. If unexpectedly the sound has end up louder, then the actuator may be broken or horrible. The motor and gadget can be worn out.
Safety Precautions and Warnings
Before you begin to change a vehicle door lock actuator, observe the protection precautions and warnings:
1). Remove the battery:
To prevent electric-powered shock and quick circuits, dispose of the negative terminal of the battery and wind it with a material or tape. This can also prevent the door lock from being utilizing a twist of fate activated for the duration of the artwork.
2). Wear gloves and eye protection:
To keep away from cuts, scratches, and injuries, put on gloves and eye protectors at the same time as coping with door panels, actuators, and latches. These factors may additionally have sharp corners, metal chips, dust, and so on. That could harm the pores and pores and skin and eyes.
3). Work in a brilliant region:
Work in a notable area, preferably at some degree in the day, to peer your artwork truly. You also can use a flashlight or headlamp to illuminate the indoors of the door or the actuator.
4). Pay hobby to deal with plastic additives:
It has to be finished gently and punctiliously whilst eliminating and installing so that plastic elements together with door panels, vapors limitations, actuator covers, clips and fasteners are not damaged or broken. If you use a trim panel removal device or a minus screwdriver wound with tape, you may open it without adverse or breaking it.
5). Manage screws, clips and fasteners:
Store and label screws, clips, and fasteners which have been eliminated from the door in plastic baggage or containers to prevent them from being misplaced or blended. You can also use paper and pen or a virtual digital camera to mark and record their positions and order.
Remember the placement and orientation of the lock rod and the cable. To keep away from confusion and errors, you want to not forget the location and orientation of the lock rod and cable that connects the actuator and latch to the door control and the lock cylinder. You can use paper and pen or a virtual digital camera to mark and file their coloring, shapes, and pointers. But if anytime if you face any car lock out situation then you should call a professional locksmith who could manage to help you. Along with this you must have a car lock out kit with essential tools to help in any emergency.
Video guidance:
Here is a video guidance for you to understand how to change and repair a door lock actuator:
Conclusion
You have just learned how to change the door lock actuator by yourself, a simple and rewarding project that can save you money, time, and hassle. By replacing the faulty actuator, you can improve the security and convenience of your car and avoid the frustration of having a stuck or malfunctioning door lock. Changing the door lock actuator is not a difficult task, and you can find many helpful videos and guides online to assist you. But performing these tasks without any experience may cause any problem which could increase your expense for further repair. So, we don’t want you to face any loss. That’s why we are here with a recommended professional locksmith the Patriot Locksmith. We can assist you with best solutions and at affordable fees and available 24/7 all over the Kansas City.