How To Tell If Door Lock Actuator Is Bad

It s the lock actuator that s bad.

How to tell if door lock actuator is bad.

For vehicles equipped with door lock cylinders the door can still be opened using the key. 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. A door lock actuator is basically a reversible motor or a solenoid on some vehicles with gears that operate the door lock. If you hear a repeated light clicking sound coming from under the dash it can be a bad blend door actuator.

The concept of a door lock actuator works great until it doesn t. However vehicles without door lock cylinders will not be able to lock or unlock the doors until power is restored. For vehicles with traditional style door lock cylinders and keys a bad power door lock relay will merely disable the power door lock feature. 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 door lock relay is the relay responsible for sending power to the door lock actuators so that they can lock and unlock the vehicle. Here are some of the most common symptoms that a blend door actuator has gone bad. Often adjusting the temperature settings ever so slightly can stop the noise temporarily. Unusual noises coming from inside the door are one of the first symptoms of a potential problem with a power door lock actuator.

The fact that it s moving and making noise proves that the lock switch wiring harnesses and actuator connector are good. That may lead you to think the door lock actuator linkage is binding. That s a dead ringer sign of a bad 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.

When the relay fails or has issues it can cause problems. Symptoms a blend door actuator is bad.