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How to Repair Car Lock Actuator If your power door locks aren't responding when you press the locking button on your keyfob, it could be a sign that your actuator has failed. In this instance the lubrication process will typically solve the issue. However, it is best to speak with an experienced car locksmith. Unlocking the door If you've locked yourself out of your car, it can be a difficult experience. However there are a few things you can try to do to get inside. If you are a member of AAA or another service that offers roadside assistance, they'll provide a locksmith you, however, you may be able to get back in using some DIY tools and techniques. These techniques work best on cars with power door locks. They can be opened by pressing the lock button on the armrest, or by a keychain. To use this method it is necessary to have a wire hanger, straightened out and made into a hook at one end, or other long, rigid device that isn't prone to break under pressure. It must be sufficient in length to reach the car lock button or the door handle. The other end should include a hook that can catch the latch. You will also need tools like pliers to hold the hanger's end and a pair of tweezers for manipulating it. You will first need to create a gap between the top of the window frame of your car and the body. Then, slide the rod or hook from the hanger through the gap you've made and try to move or push the door lock flipper or button with it. The door should open with a bit of luck. If your car has an electronic lock, you will need to figure out a way to open the door from the inside without knowing the code. You can pull a lever on the inside of the door to open it however, you must first to know how to get to it. You can make use of a Slim Jim or another long tool to reach the lever. In some cases none of the methods above are effective and you'll have to call an experienced locksmith. If that's the case, make sure you ask them how much it will cost before they arrive. Unjamming the Keyhole If the lock is stuck due to the key was not inserted until it was fully engaged, try to gently push the pin tumblers back into their proper position in the internal cylinder. This may help solve the issue However, pushing too hard can cause further damage. In this situation, it is best to seek out an expert locksmith. A great way to avoid stuck keys is keeping the lock lubricated with graphite spray or a silicone-based product. These are better than products based on oil, like WD-40 which can attract dirt and other debris. Apply the product to the lock, insert and turn the key several times, then move the key around in the hole to distribute the lubricant throughout the mechanism. Powdered graphite is another item that you should keep in your toolbox. It functions as a dry fluid. It allows for smooth movement, without drawing dirt and grime. It is safe to use with locks with internal pin tumblers. Try applying a few grains of the powder into the lock to lubricate it and remove any gunk that may have accumulated in the keyhole. It is also essential to replace your key regularly to ensure it's in good condition and to prevent it from jamming over time. This will allow it to last longer and operate more efficiently. If the key is still not turning freely or is jamming easily, it could be worn out and requires 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 job that should be left to a professional. If the above suggestions don't work, you can try to free the key stuck by removing the strike plate from the door frame and then filing down the lower edge of the plate to increase the size of the opening in which the key can be inserted. If this fails it is recommended to contact an expert locksmith who has the tools needed to disassemble a locked car door and fix the problem. They will have special tools that are designed to get into the locking mechanism to release them. They will also be able to identify the reason the lock isn't working correctly. Unfreezing the Lock With the Polar Vortex bringing cold temperatures and winter storms, frozen lock situations are very common. The good news is that there are a few simple ways to free the lock to open your car. First, try to chip away any large chunks of ice that block your lock's cylinder. It is crucial to take care in this process to avoid damaging your car door or the lock cylinder. Another common trick is to pour boiling water over the lock. While this might work at first but it could damage your lock in the long run and likely re-freeze any moisture which remains inside the lock cylinder. Pouring hot water on your lock can cause thermal shock, which can cut off modern electronic components in the lock cylinder as well as the door sensor. Using sharp objects or metal to break at the lock or attempt to force the key into it can also cause damage to your car's door or lock and could potentially result in breaking the lock. A better option is to heat the key using a lighter or match and then insert it into the lock. Heating the key using an igniter or hair dryer will provide enough heat to melt the ice that has been clinging to the lock cylinder and make it easier for you to insert the key and unlock the door. If you are unable to get the key in all the way into the lock, heat it again and try again. Using a commercial de-icer on your key or spraying the lock with lubricant can be helpful to remove any ice from the lock. Another great idea is to park your car in the sun and let the light help melt the lock. It might take a while however, it is an inexpensive and simple solution to a lock that is frozen. A de-icer bottle in your car for emergencies such as this is also beneficial as the chemicals are able to dissolve any ice and stop future freezing. Replacing the Actuator The actuator is the small motor that rotates the lock through a series of gears. It can be activated by turning a key inside the door, pressing a button from an electronic device or using keyless entry or activating it from a central control unit. It requires a small amount of power to operate and can get worn out over time. When it is worn out it will produce a buzzing sound or machine gun sound that will not stop until the actuator is replaced. The majority of people can replace the actuator using a few tools and perseverance. The steps vary from car to vehicles, as manufacturers might put together parts in different ways. But the basic procedure remains the same. Disconnect the battery first to avoid electrical issues during the repair. Remove the door panel carefully from the vehicle. Depending on the car you may also need to remove the regulator and/or window to access the actuator. After you have removed the panel, you'll be in a position to see the actuator attached to the door latch. The bolts that hold it in place will usually be removed with the help of a screwdriver. The actuator is then pulled out of its mount. Once the new one is in place, reconnect the connector to the wiring harness. Reconnect the cables and rods to the actuator, latch and door panel. After the trim panel is back in place it is recommended to replace any clips that were removed during removal. Double check every screw to make sure they are securely tightened. damaged car lock will prevent any rattle or looseness. Reconnect any wires that were disconnected and test the new actuator to ensure it is working. If it does, reinstall the door panel and trim piece, and then reconnect the battery and run a second test to ensure that the locks are functioning exactly as they should. If your doors aren't working as they should, it could be time to replace the actuator.