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How to Repair Car Lock Actuator If your power door lock isn't responding when you press the lock button on your key fob, it could be an indication of a fried actuator. In this case, you can usually fix it by lubricating the actuator. However, it is recommended to consult with an experienced car locksmith. Unlocking the door Being locked out of your car is a frustrating experience however there are several ways to get back inside. If you have roadside assistance through AAA or another company, they can send a locksmith, however you could also gain access to your car using DIY tools and techniques. These methods will work best with cars that have power door locks that can be opened by pressing the lock button on the armrest or using keys. This method requires a straightened-out wire hanger that has hooks on one end or another long, rigid tool which won't bend when under pressure. It must be long enough to reach either the car lock button or the door handle. The other end must have a hook to catch the latch. You will also need pliers and long tweezers in order to adjust the hanger. First, you'll need to create an opening between the window frame and body. Then, you can insert the rod or hook from the hanger into the gap you've created, and then try to slide or press the door lock flipper or button using it. With a little luck the door will then open. If your vehicle has an electronic lock, you'll have to find a way to unlock the door from inside without knowing the code. You can pull a lever located on the inside of the door to open it but first you have to know how to get to it. A Slim Jim can be used to accomplish this or a similar tool that can be put into the gap between the window and the door. In certain situations some cases, none of these methods will be effective, and you'll require an expert locksmith. Ask them about the price they'll charge before they show up. Unblocking the Keyhole If the lock is jammed due to the key was not fully engaged then gently push the pin tumblers back into the correct alignment inside the cylinder's internal. This can help fix the issue but pushing too hard can cause additional damage, and it is recommended to contact a locksmith for such an issue. An effective way to avoid a stuck key is by making sure the lock is lubricated using graphite spray or a silicone-based product. They are superior to oil-based products, such as WD-40, which can attract dirt and dust. Apply the product on the lock. Inject and turn the key several times. Then, jiggle the keys in the hole. Another useful item to have in your bag is powdered graphite, which functions similar to a dry lubricant. It helps to ensure smooth movement without getting rid of grime and dirt. It's safe to use on locks with internal pin tumblers. Rub some grains of powder inside the lock. This will help lubricate the lock and remove any gunk which may have been accumulating around the keyhole. In the end, it's essential to replace the key frequently to ensure it's in good condition and prevent it from getting jammed over time. This will allow it to last longer and perform more efficiently. If the key is not turning freely or is jamming easily, it may be worn out and needs to be replaced or recut. You can make use of an instrument to smooth the sharp points on the teeth of the key to prevent future sticking but this is an activity for professionals. If the above suggestions do not work, you may try to get rid of the key stuck by taking the strike plate out of 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 isn't working, seek out an expert locksmith who will have the tools required to remove the lock from the door. They'll have tools to remove the locking mechanisms, and be able determine 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 common. There are a few easy tricks that you can use to unfreeze the lock and then open your vehicle. The first step is try to remove any large chunks of ice that are blocking the lock cylinder from receiving the key. It is essential to take care in this process to keep from damaging your car's door or lock cylinder. Pouring boiling water on the lock is another common trick. This may work at first however it could harm the lock in the end and then refreeze any moisture 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 by using metal or sharp objects. An alternative is to heat the key with a lighter or match and then insert it into the lock. Heating the key with the help of a lighter or hair dryer will provide enough warmth to melt the ice that's encased the lock's cylinder. This will make it easier for you to turn the key in and out. If you cannot get the key in fully into the lock, warm it up again and try again. You can remove ice from your lock by spraying a grease on the lock, or using a commercial de-icer. A great idea is to leave your car parked in the sun and let the sun to melt the lock. This can take a while to accomplish, but it's an extremely simple and cost-effective solution for a frozen lock issue. It is advisable to keep a de-icer can in your car for times such as this is also an excellent idea since the chemicals can quickly break down any ice, and will prevent further freezing. Replace the Actuator The actuator is the small motor that rotates the lock via a set of gears. It can be activated by keys in the door or remote control, keyless entry or a central control. It is a low-power device which can get worn out over time. It is prone to be worn out and create an eerie sound or machine gun sound that won't stop until the actuator is changed. Replacing the actuator can be a simple task for most people using a basic tool and a bit of perseverance. The steps vary from car to vehicles, as manufacturers might assemble parts differently. But the basic process remains the same. First, disconnect the battery to prevent electrical issues from occurring during the repair. Then, carefully remove the door panel from the vehicle. Depending on the vehicle you have you may have to take off the window or the regulator to gain access to the actuator. Once you've removed the panel, you will be in a position to see the actuator mounted to the door latch. Usually the bolts holding it in place can be removed using the help of a screwdriver. The actuator can then be removed from its mount. After the new actuator is installed, make sure you connect the connector to the wiring harness. After that to the wiring harness, connect any rods or cables connected to the latch and actuator and put the door panel back into place. Replace any clips that may have fallen off during the removal. Check G28CarKeys to ensure they are tightened properly. This will avoid any looseness or rattle. Reconnect any wires that were cut off and test the new actuator to make sure it functions. If it does, reinstall the door panel and the trim piece, and then reconnect the battery, and conduct a test to ensure that the locks are functioning exactly as they should. If your doors aren't working as they should, it may be time to replace the actuator.