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How to Repair Car Lock Actuator If your power door locks aren't responding when you press the locking button on your keyfob this could be a sign that your actuator has failed. In this case it is usually lubricating the actuator that will fix the problem. It is, however, recommended to consult with a professional car locksmith. Unlocking the Door Locked out of the car can be a traumatic experience, but there are several options to get back inside. If you are covered by roadside assistance with AAA or another company they will send a locksmith, however you may also be able to gain access to your car using DIY tools and methods. G28 Car Keys work best on vehicles that have doors that are powered by electricity. These are opened by pressing the lock button located on the armrest, or by a keychain. For this method it is necessary to have an electrical wire hanger that is straightened out and made into a hook at one end, or other long, stiff tool that will not bend under pressure. It should be long enough to reach the car door handle or the lock button, and must have a hook at one end to hold the latch inside the door. You will also require a tool such as pliers to hold the hanger's ends and an extended tweezers for manipulating the hanger. First, you will need to create a space between the window frame and the body. Insert the rod or hook of the hanger into the gap that you created and then try to slide it or press the door lock flipper button or switch using it. The door will open with a little luck. If your car comes with a digital lock then you will have to find a method to open the doors from the inside. You can pull a lever on the inside of the door to unlock it but first you have to find out how to get to it. A Slim Jim can be used for this purpose, or a similar long tool that can be put into the space between the door and the window. In certain situations, none of the options above are effective and you'll require an experienced locksmith. Ask them about the price they'll charge you before they arrive. Unblocking the Keyhole If the lock is jammed because the key was not fully engaged and the pin was not fully engaged, gently push the tumblers back into their proper position within the internal cylinder. This could solve the issue, but pushing too hard could cause further damage to the. In this situation, it is best to seek out 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 oil-based products, such as WD-40 which can attract dirt and other debris. Apply the product to the lock, then insert and turn the key several times, then move the key around in the hole to distribute the lubricant throughout the mechanism. Powdered graphite is yet another item you should keep in your toolbox. It acts as a dry fluid. It encourages smooth movement between metal surfaces, without attracting dirt or grime, and it's also safe to use on locks with internal pin tumblers. Rub a few grains of the powder inside the lock. This will lubricate the lock and get rid of any gunk which may have built up around the keyhole. It's also important to replace your key frequently to ensure it stays 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 doesn't turn freely or is easily jammed or jammed, the key may be worn and need replacement or a key cut. You can make use of a file to smooth out the sharp edges of the key teeth to prevent future sticking but this is a job best left to a professional. If the suggestions above don't work, you can try to get rid of the key that is stuck by removing the strike plate the door frame. You'll need to file down the lower lip to increase the size opening into which the key can be inserted. If this fails, contact a professional locksmith who has the tools needed to remove the lock from the door. They'll have the tools to detach the locking mechanisms, and be capable of determining what is causing the lock to not function properly. Unfreezing the Lock Frozen locks are common during the Polar Vortex, which brings cold temperatures and winter storms. There are a few easy methods you can use to free the lock and unlock your vehicle. First, try to chip away any large chunks of ice that block your lock's cylinder. It is essential to take care in this process to avoid damaging your car door or lock cylinder. Pouring boiling water over the lock is a popular trick. While this may work initially however, it can harm your lock over the long haul and likely freeze any moisture that remains in the lock cylinder. Pouring hot water on your lock can cause thermal shock that could short out modern electronics inside the lock cylinder and door sensor. Using sharp or metal objects to break at the lock or try to force the key into it can also damage your car door or lock and lead to an unusable lock. It is better to heat the key using matches or a lighter and then put it into the lock. The key can be heated using a hairdryer or lighter to melt the ice covering the lock cylinder. This will enable you to turn the key and open the door. If you are unable to get the key in all the way, simply heat 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. Another great idea is to park your car in the sun and let the light help to melt the lock. It may take some time, but this is an inexpensive and easy solution to a frozen lock. It is an excellent idea to have a can de-icer on hand for such emergencies. The chemicals break down the ice and prevent further freezing. Replace the Actuator The actuator is a tiny motor that moves the lock using a set of gears. It can be activated using a key in the door or remote control, keyless entry or a central control. It is a very low-power device that will get worn out over time. When it does wear out it can make a buzzing or machine gun sound that won't stop until the actuator is replaced. The majority of people can repair the actuator with a few tools and a bit of patience. The steps will vary between cars, as manufacturers may put together parts in different ways. However, the basic process remains the same. First remove the battery to prevent electrical issues from arising during the repair. After that, remove the door panel from the car. Depending on the vehicle you have, you may need to take off the window or the regulator to access the actuator. Once you have removed the panel you will be able to see the actuator that is attached to the door latch. The bolts that hold it in place can usually be removed with the help of a screwdriver. The actuator is then 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 to the wiring harness, connect any rods or cables that connect to the actuator and latch and then place the door panel back in position. After the trim panel is in place, it is recommended to replace any clips that fell off during removal. Verify that all of the screws are re-tightened to prevent looseness or rattle. Reconnect all wires that were disconnected and test the actuator to make sure it works. If it does, install the door panel as well as the trim piece, then connect the battery and perform another test to make sure the locks are functioning in the way they should. If your doors aren't working as they should be, it may be time to replace the actuator.