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How to Repair Car Lock Actuator If your power door lock isn't responding when you press the lock button on your key fob, it may be an indication of a damaged actuator. In such a case you can usually fix it by lubricating the actuator. It is recommended to speak with a professional auto locksmith. Unlocking the door If you've locked yourself out of your vehicle, it can be a difficult experience. However, there are a few options you can do to get inside. If you are covered by roadside assistance with AAA or another service, they can send a locksmith, but you may also be able to return to your vehicle using DIY tools and methods. These methods will be most effective on vehicles with doors that have power locks. They can be opened by pressing the lock button on the armrest, or using the keychain. To make this method work, you will need an electrical wire hanger that is straightened out and turned into a hook on one end, or some other long, rigid tool that will not break under pressure. It will need to be sufficient in length to reach the car door handle or lock button, and should have a small hook on one end to catch the latch inside the door. It will also require pliers and long tweezers in order to adjust the hanger. First, you'll need to create a space between the window frame and the body. Then, you can insert the rod or hook from the hanger through the gap you've made and then try to move or push the door lock flipper or button using it. With a little luck the door will then open. If your vehicle is equipped with a digital lock, then you'll need find a method to open the doors from inside. You can pull a lever on the inside of the door to unlock it, but first you need to figure out how to access it. You can make use of the Slim Jim or another long tool to reach the lever. In certain situations, none of the methods above will work and you will have to call a professional locksmith for assistance. If that's the case, be sure to ask them what they will charge before they arrive. Unjamming the Keyhole If the lock is jammed because the key was not fully engaged, gently push the pin tumblers back to the proper alignment within the cylinder's internal. This could solve the issue However, pushing too hard could cause further damage. In this instance, it is best to call a locksmith. Keep the lock lubricated using graphite spray, or a silicone based product. They are superior to products based on oil, like WD-40, which can attract dirt and debris. Apply the product on the lock. Insert and turn the key a few times. Then jiggle the keys into the hole. Powdered graphite is a different product you should have in your toolbox. It works like a dry fluid. It helps to ensure smooth movement without drawing dirt and grime. It is safe to use with locks that have internal pin tumblers. Try rubbing a few grains of the powder into the lock to lubricate it and get rid of any gunk that might have been accumulating in the keyhole. Lastly, it's important to replace the key on a regular basis to ensure it's in good working order and stop it from becoming jammed over time. This will help it last longer and perform more efficiently. If the key is still not turning freely or jams easily, it is likely to be worn out and requires to be replaced or replaced. To prevent sticking, you can use a file to smooth the sharp edges of the key teeth. However, this is a job that should be left to a professional. If the above suggestions aren't working then you can attempt to remove the key that is stuck by removing strike plate from the door frame. You will have to sand down the lower lip to increase the size opening in which the key can be inserted. If this doesn't work, it's best to call locksmiths who have the tools needed to take apart a locked car door and solve the problem. They will have tools to detach the locking mechanisms and will be in a position to determine the reason why the lock doesn't work correctly. Unfreezing the Lock With the Polar Vortex bringing cold temperatures and winter storms locks that are frozen are quite common. The good news is that there are simple ways to free the lock so you can unlock your car. The first step is to chip away any large pieces of ice that are blocking your lock cylinder. It is crucial to take caution when doing this to avoid damaging your car door or lock cylinder. Pouring boiling water on the lock is a common technique. It may work initially but it could damage the lock over time and refreeze any moisture left in the lock cylinder. Pouring hot water can also cause thermal shock that can cause damage to modern electronics in the lock cylinder and door sensor. It is also possible to harm the car lock or door by using metal or sharp objects. It is better to heat the key using a lighter or a match and then put it into the lock. Heating the key with a lighter or a hair dryer will create enough heat to melt away the ice that is coating the lock's cylinder. This will make it easier to turn the key in and out. If how to fix a broken car door lock to get the key to go in completely, just warm it up again and try again. You can remove ice from your lock by spraying a grease on the lock, or using a commercial de-icer. Another idea is to park your car in the sun and let the sunlight help to melt the lock. It might take a while however, it is an easy and inexpensive solution to a lock that is frozen. It is a good idea to keep an empty can of de-icer in your bag for times of need. The chemicals will break down the ice and prevent further freezing. Replacing the Actuator The actuator is a tiny motor that drives the lock via a series of gears. It can be activated by turning a key inside the door, pushing an appropriate button from an electronic device or using keyless entry or by activating it via a central control unit. It is a very low-power device that will be worn out over time. If it wears out, it can create a buzzing or machine gun noise that will continue to reverberate until the actuator is replaced. Most people can replace the actuator using a few tools and a bit of patience. The steps vary from car to vehicles, as manufacturers might make parts in different ways. But the basic procedure is the same. First remove the battery to avoid electrical issues from occurring during the repair. Then carefully remove the door panel from the vehicle. Depending on the vehicle you have you may have to remove the window or the regulator in order to access the actuator. Once you've removed the panel, you'll be in a position to see the actuator that is attached to the door latch. Usually, the bolts that hold it in place can be removed with a screwdriver. The actuator can be removed from its mount. Once the new actuator is installed, make sure you connect the connector to the wiring harness. After that, reconnect any cables or rods that connect to the latch and actuator and put the door panel back into its place. Once the trim panel is back in place you must replace any clips that fell off during the removal. Check all screws to ensure that they are properly tightened. This will prevent any rattle or looseness. Reconnect any wires that were disconnected and test the new actuator to see if it works. If it does, reinstall the door panel and the trim piece, and then reconnect the battery and run a second test to make sure the locks are working in the way they should. If your doors don't work as they should, it may be time to replace the actuator.