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.

How to tell if door lock actuator is bad.

Symptoms a blend door actuator is bad. 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. Most power door locks. That may lead you to think the door lock actuator linkage is binding.

However vehicles without door lock cylinders will not be able to lock or unlock the doors until power is restored. Unusual noises coming from inside the door. It s the lock actuator that s bad. Here are some of the most common symptoms that a blend door actuator has gone bad.

A door lock actuator is basically a reversible motor or a solenoid on some vehicles with gears that operate the door lock. Unusual noises coming from inside the door. If you hear a repeated light clicking sound coming from under the dash it can be a bad blend door actuator. That s a dead ringer sign of a bad door lock actuator.

For vehicles with traditional style door lock cylinders and keys a bad power door lock relay will merely disable the power door lock feature. Unusual noises coming from inside the door are one of the first symptoms of a potential problem with a power door lock actuator. When the relay fails or has issues it can cause problems. 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 fact that it s moving and making noise proves that the lock switch wiring harnesses and actuator connector are good. Often adjusting the temperature settings ever so slightly can stop the noise temporarily.