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How to Repair Car Lock Actuator If your door locks that are powered don't respond when you press the locking button on your keyfob this could indicate that your actuator is damaged. In this instance it is usually possible to fix it by lubricating your device. It is recommended to speak with a professional auto locksmith. Unlocking the Door Being locked out of your vehicle can be a stressful experience however there are several things you can do to get back inside. If you're a part of AAA or another organization with roadside assistance, they'll send a locksmith to assist you, but you might also be able to get back inside using DIY tools and methods. These methods work best for vehicles that have 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 a hook on one end or a long, solid tool which won't bend when under pressure. It must be long enough to reach the door handle or the lock button, and must have a small hook on one end that can catch the latch inside the door. It will also require pliers and long tweezers to manipulate the hanger. The first step is to create an opening between the window frame and body. Then, you can insert the rod or hook from the hanger into the opening you have created and then try to slide or press the door lock flipper or button using it. The door will open with a little luck. If your car comes with a digital lock, then you'll need discover a way to open the doors from inside. You can pull a lever on the inside of the door to open it but first you have to find out how to access it. A Slim Jim can be used for this purpose or a similar tool that can be inserted into the gap between the door and the window. In some instances, none of the methods above will work and you will have to call an expert locksmith for help. Ask them about the price they will charge prior to their arrival. Unblocking the Keyhole If the lock is jammed because the key was not fully engaged then gently push the pin tumblers back into the correct position within the cylinder's internal. This may help solve the issue however, pushing too hard could cause more damage. In this instance it is recommended to contact an expert locksmith. Keep the lock lubricated by using graphite spray or a silicone-based product. These are better than products based on oil, like WD-40, which tend to attract more dirt and other debris. Apply the product to the lock, then insert and turn the key several times, and then play around with the key into the hole to distribute the lubricant throughout the mechanism. Powdered graphite is a different product you should have 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 that have internal pin tumblers. Rub some grains of powder inside the lock. This will help lubricate the lock and get rid of any gunk that might have built up around the keyhole. It's also important to replace your key on a regular basis to ensure it's in good condition and to prevent it from jamming over time. This will allow it to last longer and work more efficiently. If the key is not moving freely or jams easily, it is likely to be worn out and requires to be replaced or cut. To avoid sticking in the future, you can use a file on the sharp points of the key teeth. But, this is a job best left to an expert. If the above suggestions aren't working, you can try to get rid of the key stuck by removing the strike plate from the door frame and then filing down the lower lip of the plate to increase the size of the opening through which the key is inserted. If this fails, it's best to call an expert locksmith who has the tools needed to disassemble a car door and solve the issue. They'll have tools that can enter the locking mechanism to release them. They will also be able to pinpoint 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 simple tricks to unfreezing the lock so you can unlock your car. The first thing to do is to try and take away any large chunks of ice that block 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 on the lock is a common trick. Although this may work for a short time, it can damage your lock over the long haul and likely re-freeze any moisture that remains inside the lock cylinder. Pouring hot water into the lock cylinder or door sensor can cause an electrical shock. Using sharp or metal objects to break the lock or try to force the key into it can cause damage to your car's door or lock and could potentially result in an unusable lock. A better alternative is to heat the key with matches or a lighter and then insert it into the lock. Heat the key with lighter or a hairdryer to melt the ice that is covering the lock cylinder. This will make it easier to turn the key to unlock the door. If you're unable to get the key to go in fully, you can heat it up again and try again. Using a commercial deicer on your key or spraying the lock with oil can help remove any ice that has formed on the lock. A great idea is to leave your car parked in the sun and let the sun help thaw out the lock. It might take a while however, it is an inexpensive and simple solution to a locked that has frozen. It is advisable to keep a de-icer can in your car for an emergency like this is beneficial as the chemicals will quickly melt any ice and stop future freezing. Replacing the Actuator The actuator is the small motor that rotates the lock through a set of gears. It can be activated by turning a key inside the door, or pressing a button from a remote device or using keyless entry or activating it from the central control unit. It is a low-power device that can wear out over time. When it does wear out it can create a buzzing or machine gun sound that won't stop until the actuator is replaced. Most people can replace the actuator with basic tools and patience. The steps might differ between different cars as the manufacturers assemble the parts differently however the fundamental process is the same. First disconnect the battery to avoid electrical issues from arising during the repair. Then, carefully remove the door panel from the vehicle. Depending on the model of your car you may have to remove either the window or the regulator to access the actuator. After you have removed the panel, you'll be visible the actuator mounted to the door latch. The bolts that hold it in place will usually be removed using a screwdriver. The actuator can be removed from its mount. Once the new actuator is in place, be sure to connect the connector to the wiring harness. Once it is connected, reconnect any rods or cables that connect to the actuator and latch and then put the door panel back in position. Replace any clips that may have fallen off during removal. Double check that all of the screws are tightened again to avoid looseness or rattle. Reconnect all wires that have been disconnected and test the actuator to make sure it functions. If it does, install the door panel and the trim piece, then connect the battery, and conduct a test to ensure that the locks are working as they should be. If car central lock repair near me aren't working as they should, it might be time to replace your actuator.