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How to Repair Car Lock Actuator If your power door locks do not respond when you press the lock button on the keyfob, it could be a sign that your actuator is fried. In this instance, lubricating it will usually fix the problem. It is recommended to speak with an expert auto locksmith. Unlocking the Door Locked out of the vehicle can be a stressful experience There are a variety of things you can do to get back inside. If you are covered by roadside assistance with AAA or another service they can send a locksmith to you, but you might also be able gain access to your vehicle with DIY tools and techniques. These methods work best with cars with power door locks. These can be opened by pressing the lock button on the armrest or a keychain. This method requires a straightened-out wire hanger with an end with a hook or a long, solid tool that will not bend under pressure. It will need to be sufficient in length to reach the car door handle or lock button, and it should have a small hook on one end to catch the latch inside the door. Also, you will require an instrument like pliers to hold the hanger's ends and a pair of tweezers for manipulating it. The first step is to create a space between the window frame and the body. Insert the rod or hook of the hanger into the gap you created and then try to slide or press the door lock flipper button or switch with it. With a little luck the door will then open. If your car comes with a digital lock then you'll need find a method to unlock the doors from inside. You can pull a lever located on the inside of the door to unlock it however, you must first to know how to access it. You can use the Slim Jim or another long tool to reach the lever. In some instances there are instances when none of the above methods will be effective, and you'll need to call locksmith assistance. Ask them how much they'll charge you before they arrive. Keyholes that aren't jamming 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 correct alignment in the internal cylinder. This could fix the issue but pushing too hard could cause further damage, so it is best to contact locksmiths for this problem. An effective way to avoid a stuck key is by keeping the lock lubricated by graphite spray or a silicone-based product. These products are superior to oil based products such as WD-40 which tend to attract dirt and other debris. Apply the product to the lock, then insert and turn the key several times, then play around with the key into the hole to distribute the lubricant throughout the mechanism. Powdered graphite is yet another item that you should keep in your toolbox. It functions as a dry oil lubricant. It promotes 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. Rub some grains of powder inside the lock. This will help to lubricate the lock and eliminate any gunk that may have built up around the keyhole. It is also essential to replace your key frequently to ensure it stays in good shape and also to prevent it from jamming in the future. This will also make it last longer and perform more efficiently. If the key is not moving freely or jams easily, it may be worn out and need to be replaced or recut. To prevent sticking, you can use a file on the sharp edges of the key teeth. However, this is a job best left to professionals. If the above tips do not work, you may attempt to remove the stuck key by taking the strike plate out of the door frame, and then filing down the lower edge of the plate to increase the size of the opening into which the key is inserted. If this fails then you should contact a locksmith who has the tools required to disassemble a locked car door and fix the problem. They will have special tools that can enter the locking mechanism to release them. They will also be able to identify the reason the lock isn't functioning properly. Unfreezing the Lock With the Polar Vortex bringing cold temperatures and winter storms, frozen lock situations are quite common. There are a few simple tricks that you can use to free the lock and then open your vehicle. First, try chipping away any large pieces of ice that are blocking your lock cylinder. To avoid damaging the lock cylinder or car door, it is crucial to take care when doing this. Pouring boiling water over the lock is a popular method. Although this may work for a short time however, it can harm your lock over the long haul and likely re-freeze any moisture which is still in the lock's cylinder. Pouring hot water can also cause thermal shock that can short out modern electronic components in the lock cylinder and door sensor. You can also harm the car lock or door by using sharp or metal objects. An alternative is to heat the key using matches or a lighter and then insert it into the lock. Heating the key with a lighter or a hair dryer will give enough heat to melt the ice that has been clinging to the lock cylinder and make it easier to turn the key in and out. If you're unable to insert the key in all the way into the lock, warm it again and try again. You can remove ice from your lock by spraying grease on the lock, or by using a commercial de-icer. It is a great idea to park your car in the sun and let the sun to melt the lock. It can take some time to do but it is a very simple and inexpensive solution to a locked that is frozen problem. It is an excellent idea to have an empty can of de-icer in your bag for such emergencies. The chemicals will break down the ice and prevent further freezing. Replace the Actuator The actuator is a small motor that moves the lock via a series of gears. It can be activated by the key inside the door, a remote control or keyless entry, or a central control. It uses a very small amount of power and will wear out over time. It could wear out and produce the sound of a buzzing or machine gun sound that will not stop until the actuator is replaced. Replacing the actuator can be an easy task for people using a basic tool and a little patience. The steps will vary between cars, as manufacturers may assemble parts differently. However, the basic procedure remains the same. First disconnect the battery to avoid electrical issues from arising during the repair. Remove the door panel in a safe manner from the vehicle. Depending on the car you might also have to remove the window and/or regulator in order to gain access to the actuator. Once you've removed the panel, you'll be visible the actuator mounted to the door latch. G28 Car Keys holding the actuator in place can be removed using the help of a screwdriver. The actuator can be removed from its mounting. After the new actuator is in place, carefully reconnect the connector to the wiring harness. Once that is reconnected to the wiring harness, connect any rods or cables connected to the actuator and latch and then place the door panel back in its place. Replace any clips that have fallen off during removal. Make sure that all screws are tightened again to avoid looseness or rattle. Reconnect any wires that were cut off and test the new actuator to see if it is working. Reinstall the door panel, trim piece and battery. Then, conduct another test. If your doors aren't working as they should, it could be time to replace the actuator.