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How to Repair Car Lock Actuator If your door lock's power does not respond when you press the lock button on your key fob, it may be a sign of a malfunctioning actuator. In this instance the lubrication process will typically fix the problem. It is best to consult an expert auto locksmith. Unlocking the Door If you've locked yourself out of your vehicle, it can be a frustrating experience. However there are a few options you can try to get inside. If you're a part of AAA or another organization that offers roadside assistance, they will send a locksmith to help you, but you might also be able to get back in using some DIY tools and techniques. These methods work best for vehicles that have power door locks. lock repair & services near me are opened by pressing the lock button located on the armrest, or a keychain. To use this method you'll need a wire hanger, which is straightened out and made into a hook at one end, or other long, rigid tool that isn't prone to bend under pressure. It must be long enough to reach either the car lock button or door handle. One end should have a hook to catch the latch. You will also need a tool such as pliers to secure the hanger's end and an extended tweezers to move the hanger. First, you'll have to make a space between the top of the car window frame and the body. Put the rod or hook of the hanger into the gap you created and then try to slide or press the door lock switch or flipper button with it. The door will open with a little luck. If your vehicle is equipped with a digital lock, then you'll need to discover a way to open the doors from inside. There is a lever within the door that can be pulled to release it, but you will need to find a way to reach it. You can use the Slim Jim or another long tool to reach the lever. In some instances some cases, none of these methods will be effective, and you'll have to call a locksmith for help. Ask them how much they'll charge you before they show up. Unblocking the Keyhole If the lock is jammed due to the key was not fully engaged and the pin was not fully engaged, gently push the tumblers back to the proper alignment inside the internal cylinder. This can help fix the issue; however, pushing too hard could cause further damage, so it's best to call locksmiths for this problem. Keep the lock lubricated with graphite spray, or a silicone-based product. These are better than oils-based products, like WD-40 which can attract dirt and other debris. Apply the product on the lock. Insert and turn the key a few times. Then jiggle the keys in the hole. Another helpful item to keep in your arsenal is powdered graphite that functions like a dry fluid. It encourages smooth movement between metal surfaces without getting rid of grime or dirt, and it's also safe to use on locks with internal pin tumblers. Try applying a few grains of the powder into the lock to help lubricate it and get rid of any gunk that might have been accumulating in the keyhole. It's also crucial to replace your key frequently to ensure it's in good shape and to prevent it from jamming in the future. This will help it last longer and operate more efficiently. If the key still isn't turning freely or is jammed easily or jammed, the key may be worn out and require replacement or a key cut. You can use an instrument to smooth the sharp edges of the key teeth to prevent future sticking but this is a job best left to professionals. If the above tips aren't working If you are unable to solve the problem, try to remove the key stuck on by removing the strike plate from the door frame. You will have to sand down the lower lip to make it larger opening in which the key can be placed. If this isn't working, seek out an expert locksmith who has the tools required to take apart the locked car door. They'll have tools designed to enter the locking mechanisms to disengage them, and they will be able to pinpoint the reason the lock isn't working properly. Unfreezing the Lock Locks that are frozen are commonplace during the Polar Vortex, which brings cold temperatures and winter storms. There are a few easy methods you can use to unfreeze the lock and unlock your vehicle. The first step is to try and remove the large chunks of ice that are preventing the lock cylinder from receiving the key. It is important to use care in this process to ensure that you don't damage your car door or the lock cylinder. Pouring boiling water over the lock is another common technique. While this might work at first however, it can harm your lock in the long term and will likely re-freeze any moisture that is still inside the lock cylinder. Pouring hot water can also cause thermal shock that could cause damage to modern electronics in the lock cylinder and door sensor. Using metal or sharp objects to break at the lock or try to force the key into it can also damage your car door or lock and could lead to breaking the lock. An alternative is to heat the key using a lighter or match and then insert it into the lock. Heating the key with an igniter or hair dryer will create enough heat to melt away 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 completely into the lock, warm it up again and try again. You can de-ice your lock by spraying a oil on the lock or by using a commercial de-icer. A great idea is to park your car in the sun, and let the sun thaw out the lock. This can take a while to accomplish, but it's an extremely simple and cost-effective solution to a frozen lock problem. It is an excellent idea to have a can de-icer on hand for times of need. The chemicals break the ice and stop further freezing. Replace the Actuator The actuator is a tiny motor that drives the lock using a set of gears. It can be activated by turning a key inside the door, pushing a button from the remote device, using keyless entry, or by activating it through the central control unit. It uses a very small amount of power to operate and is prone to wear 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 patience. The steps vary from car to cars, as manufacturers may put together parts in different ways. But the basic procedure remains the same. First remove the battery to prevent electrical problems from occurring during the repair. Remove the door panel with care from the vehicle. Depending on the vehicle you have you may have to take off the window or the regulator in order to access the actuator. When you remove the panel, you will see the actuator that is attached to the door latch. The bolts holding it in place can usually be removed with a screwdriver. The actuator can be removed from its mount. After the new one is in place, reinstall the connector that goes to the wiring harness. Once it is connected connect any rods or cables that connect to the latch and actuator and then place the door panel back in place. Once the trim panel is back in place you must replace any clips that were removed during removal. Check all screws to make sure they are securely tightened. This will stop any rattle or looseness. Reconnect any wires that were disconnected and test the new actuator to make sure it works. Install the door panel, trim piece, and battery. Then, conduct another test. If your doors aren't functioning as they should, it might be time to replace the actuator.