How To Diagnose Door Lock Actuator

Power door locks do not function.

How to diagnose door lock actuator.

If the unlock button fails to unlock the door you can rule out the remote and take a long look at the actuator. The symptoms will get worse. A door lock actuator is basically a reversible motor or a solenoid on some vehicles with gears that operate the door lock. Door lock actuator problems use to be simple to diagnose and repair.

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. On manual locks the locking function operates by pushing or pulling on the door lock. 2004 honda odyssey ex passenger m. Door lock systems operate the actuator by toggling positive negative voltage to the actuator.

How a door lock actuator works. Car door lock actuators are designed to lock and unlock a door without the effort of pulling on a cable and rod. In some cars the door lock actuator is positioned below the latch. The concept of a door lock actuator works great until it doesn t.

Power door locks behave erratically. In the old days they remained a separate component mounted to the door shell. If the actuators have any sort of internal or wiring issue it may cause them to rapidly lock and unlock unexpectedly or cause them to function intermittently. A rod connects the actuator to the latch and another rod connects the latch to the knob that sticks up out of the top of the door.

Helpful guide on diagnosing power door lock problems with the passenger multiplex control unit and the door lock actuators. Unplug the door lock actuator electrical connector. Pictured on the right is a typical door lock actuator they installed on automobiles 20 years ago. Another symptom of a potential problem with the power door lock actuators are door locks that behave erratically.

Then use your test light or digital meter to check for power and ground at the connector when you operate the lock unlock switch. Unusual noises coming from inside the door. You should see the voltage polarity toggle with each switch activation.