How To Diagnose Door Lock Actuator

In some cars the door lock actuator is positioned below the latch.

How to diagnose door lock actuator.

When the actuator fails or starts to fail you ll likely notice one or more symptoms that make your daily commute less pleasant. Door lock actuator problems use to be simple to diagnose and repair. Power door locks behave erratically. You should see the voltage polarity toggle with each switch activation.

A rod connects the actuator to the latch and another rod connects the latch to the knob that sticks up out of the top of the door. In the old days they remained a separate component mounted to the door shell. 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. The symptoms will get worse.

Helpful guide on diagnosing power door lock problems with the passenger multiplex control unit and the door lock actuators. Pictured on the right is a typical door lock actuator they installed on automobiles 20 years ago. The concept of a door lock actuator works great until it doesn t. How a door lock actuator works.

A quick test can be performed from the driver s seat by using the electric lock button. A door lock actuator is basically a reversible motor or a solenoid on some vehicles with gears that operate the door lock. Unusual noises coming from inside the door. Power door locks do not function.

Door lock systems operate the actuator by toggling positive negative voltage to the actuator. Car door lock actuators are designed to lock and unlock a door without the effort of pulling on a cable and rod. On manual locks the locking function operates by pushing or pulling on the door lock. If the unlock button fails to unlock the door you can rule out the remote and take a long look at the actuator.

Unplug the door lock actuator electrical connector. Another symptom of a potential problem with the power door lock actuators are door locks that behave erratically. Then use your test light or digital meter to check for power and ground at the connector when you operate the lock unlock switch.