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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 an indication of a damaged actuator. In this instance the lubrication process will typically fix the problem. It is best to consult a professional auto locksmith. Unlocking the door If you've locked yourself out of your car, it can be a frustrating experience. However, there are a few things you can do to get inside. If you are a member of AAA, or another service that offers roadside assistance, they will send a locksmith to help you, but you may also be able back inside using DIY tools and techniques. These techniques work best on cars with power door locks. These are opened by pressing the lock button that is located on the armrest, or a keychain. For this method you'll need an electrical wire hanger that is straightened out and turned into a hook on one end, or other long, stiff tool that won't bend under pressure. It must be long enough to reach the car door handle or the lock button, and must have a hook at one end to catch the latch inside the door. You will also need pliers and long tweezers to move the hanger. The first step is to create a space between the window frame and body. Then, insert the rod or hook from the hanger into the opening you have created and try to move or push the door lock flipper or button with it. With a bit of luck the door will then open. If your car comes with a digital lock then you'll need to find a method to open the doors from the inside. There is a lever in the door that can be pulled to open it, but you will have to figure out a way to reach it. A Slim Jim can be used to accomplish this, or a similar long tool that can be put into the space between the door and the window. In some instances, none of the methods above will work and you will have to call a professional locksmith for assistance. If this is the case, make sure you ask them how much it will cost before they show up. Keyhole is not jamming Keyhole If the lock is stuck because the key was not inserted until it was fully engaged and locked, try gently pushing the pin tumblers back into their proper alignment within the internal cylinder. This may help solve the issue, but pushing too hard could cause further damage. In this case, it is best to call a locksmith. A great way to avoid a stuck key is by keeping the lock lubricated with graphite spray or a silicone-based product. These are better than products based on oil, like WD-40 which can attract dirt and other debris. Apply the product on the lock. Turn the key several times. Then, jiggle the keys into the hole. Powdered graphite is yet another item that you should keep in your toolbox. It functions as a dry lubricant. It encourages smooth movement between metal surfaces without being a magnet for grime or dirt and is safe to use on 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 may have accumulated in the keyhole. It's also important to replace your key frequently to ensure it's in good shape and also to prevent it from jamming in the future. This will help it last longer and perform more efficiently. If the key is not moving freely or jams easily, it could be worn out and needs to be replaced or replaced. To prevent sticking, you can apply a file to the sharp edges of the key teeth. However, this is a job best left to professionals. If the above suggestions don't work If you are unable to solve the problem, try to remove the key stuck on by removing the strike plate door frame. You will have to sand down the lower lip to increase the size opening into which the key can be placed. If this doesn't work, you should call an expert locksmith who has the tools required to remove the lock from the door. They'll have the tools to disengage the locking mechanisms and will be in a position to determine the reason what is causing the lock to not function properly. Unfreezing the Lock With the Polar Vortex bringing cold temperatures and winter storms, frozen lock situations are quite common. The good news is that there are easy tricks to defrost the lock, allowing you to open your car. The first thing to do is to take away the large chunks of ice that are blocking the lock cylinder from receiving the key. It is important to use caution in this process to avoid damaging your car door or lock cylinder. Pouring boiling water over the lock is a common method. This might work for a while, but it can damage the lock over time and refreeze any moisture left in the lock cylinder. Pouring hot water into the lock or door sensor could cause the door sensor to experience a thermal shock. You could also cause damage to the car lock or door with sharp or metal objects. It is recommended to heat the key with an igniter or match, and then insert it in the lock. g28carkeys.co.uk can be heated using lighter or a hairdryer to melt the ice covering the lock cylinder. This will allow you to turn the key and open the door. If you're unable to insert the key fully into the lock it up again, and try. Using a commercial de-icer on your key or spraying the lock with a grease can help remove any ice that has formed on the lock. Another great idea is to park your car in the sun and let the sun help thaw the lock. It might take a while but it's an inexpensive and simple solution to a locked that has frozen. It is a good idea to keep an open container of de-icer available for times of need. The chemicals will break down the ice and prevent further freezing. Replace the Actuator The actuator is a small motor that moves the lock using a set of gears. It can be activated by turning a key inside the door, or pressing the button on the remote device or using keyless entry or by activating it via the central control unit. It is a low-power device which can be worn out over time. If it wears out, it can create a buzzing or machine gun sound that will not stop until the actuator is replaced. Most people can replace the actuator with basic tools and perseverance. The steps might differ among different vehicles since manufacturers build the parts in different ways however the process is the same. First disconnect the battery to prevent electrical issues from arising during the repair. Remove the door panel in a safe manner from the car. Depending on the car you might also have to remove the window and/or regulator in order to access the actuator. Once you've removed the panel you will 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 using a screwdriver. The actuator can then be pulled out of 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 cables or rods connected to the actuator and latch and then place the door panel back into position. Replace any clips that may have been removed during the removal. Double check that all of the screws are tightened again to avoid rattle or looseness. Reconnect all wires that were disconnected and test the actuator to make sure it functions. If it does, reinstall the door panel and trim piece, then connect the battery and perform another test to ensure the locks are operating in the way they should. If your doors aren't functioning as they should, it might be time to replace your actuator.