How long does a door lock actuator last?
Auto repair

How long does a door lock actuator last?

The door lock actuator locks and unlocks your vehicle's doors. The lock buttons are located on each of the doors, and the main switch is located on the driver's door. As soon as the button is pressed, it starts the drive, allowing the doors…

The door lock actuator locks and unlocks your vehicle's doors. The lock buttons are located on each of the doors, and the main switch is located on the driver's door. After pressing the button, the actuator is activated, allowing you to block the doors. This is a safety feature so people can't get into your car while it's parked and passengers can't get out while you're driving down the road.

The door lock drive is a small electric motor. It works with a number of gears. After turning on, the engine rotates cylindrical gears, which serve as a gearbox. The racks and pinions are the last set of gears and are connected to the drive shaft. This converts the rotational motion into a linear motion that moves the lock.

Some cars made today don't have a separate door lock assembly, so it's necessary to replace the whole assembly, not the actuator. It depends on the make and model of your car, so it's best to have it checked by a professional mechanic.

The door lock actuator can fail over time because it is used on a regular basis. The engine may fail, or various parts of the engine may fail. As soon as you notice that there is something wrong with the locks, have a professional mechanic replace the door lock actuator.

Since this part can fail over time, you should be aware of the symptoms that indicate that it is coming to an end. This way you can be ready for scheduled maintenance and hopefully not be left without door locks in your car.

Signs that the door lock actuator needs to be replaced include:

  • Some or none of the doors will lock in your car
  • Some or none of the doors will unlock on your vehicle
  • Locks will work sometimes, but not always
  • Car alarm going off for seemingly no reason
  • When the door is locked or unlocked, the drive makes a strange sound during this operation.

This repair should not be delayed because it is a safety issue. Be sure to consult a certified professional if you experience any of the above problems.

Add a comment