In the past, most cars haddoor locks that you had to operate manually. Obviously, that’s no longer the case since nearly all modern vehicles have power door locks operated by actuators.
A door lock actuator is basically a reversible motor (or a solenoid on some vehicles) with gears that operate the door lock. The motor reverses direction so that when you press the switch to unlock the doors, the lock moves in one direction. Then when you press the switch to lock the doors, the lock moves in the opposite direction.
Typically, on older vehicles, when you press the door lock switch, power flows through a relay to the door lock actuator. On most new vehicles, however, when you press the lock switch, a signal is sent to a control module (usually the body control module). The module then supplies the power to the actuator to unlock the door.
The concept of a door lock actuator works great—until it doesn’t. When the actuator fails (or starts to fail), you’ll likely notice one or more symptoms that make your daily commute less pleasant.
Symptoms of a Faulty Door Lock Actuator
One thing to remember is that there’s an actuator at each door. That means a faulty actuator will only affect a single lock.
If none of the locks work, the problem lies elsewhere.
With that in mind, the most common symptoms of a faulty door lock actuator include:
Power Door Lock Doesn’t Work
A single bad door lock actuator can prevent one of your car’s power door locks from working. You’ll still be able to operate the lock manually, but the power function will not work.
Power Door Lock Operates Erratically
In some instances, a bad actuator may cause the door lock to behave erratically—locking or unlocking when it should not.
Strange Noises When Operating the Power Lock
A door lock actuator that’s on its way out may make a clunking, clicking, or grinding noise during operation.
Sluggish Operation From the Door Lock
In some instances, a weak door lock actuator may still be able to operate the door lock, but operation may be sluggish and/or intermittent.
Door Lock Actuator Troubleshooting
In most cases, if only one power door lock isn’t working, the problem is either the door lock switch or the door lock actuator—though the issue could be a less-common circuit problem as well.
One way you can narrow down the list of possible causes is by checking whether there’s power to the actuator. If power is reaching the actuator, but the power lock doesn’t work, the actuator is probably faulty.
You can verify whether power is present by using a digital multimeter (DMM). Here’s how it’s done:
Note: The following are general guidelines for educational and entertainment purposes only. Consult your vehicle’s factory information for specific repair instructions and recommended safety procedures.
1. Put on your safety glasses.
2. Remove the door panel to access the door lock actuator.
3. Visually inspect the actuator to ensure it’s mounted properly and the linkage is not binding.
4. Remove the actuator connector.
5. Set your meter to the 20 volts DC scale.
6. Connect the negative meter lead to a good ground. Then connect the positive meter lead to one of the power feed terminals on the harness side of the actuator connector.
Note: If your vehicle has more than two wires going to the actuator, you will need to consult a wiring diagram in a repair manual to determine which are the feed wires.
Also, you can use jumper wires (or a Power Probe) to apply 12 volts directly to the actuator. However, because the actuator is often difficult to get to, it’s usually easier to check for power to the actuator.
Here is a video demonstrating the jumper wire method:
What to Do if You Have a Bad Door Lock Actuator
If you’re dealing with a bad door lock actuator, you can do one of two things: Live with the problem (and operate the lock manually) or move forward with replacing the actuator.
Replacing the actuator will cost you money, but it will also make your vehicle more convenient.
How to Get an Affordable and Reliable Door Lock Actuator
Door lock actuators play a critical role in operating the power door locks of your vehicle’s doors. If one of the actuators fails, its respective door will develop issues like odd noises, erratic operation, or failure. For an affordable yet high-quality replacement door lock actuator, order here at CarParts.com.
Why take the trouble of stepping out of your home or office when you can shop online at CarParts.com? Finding a replacement part is as easy as entering your vehicle’s year, make, and model in our website’s built-in vehicle selector. The checkout process is secure for your convenience and peace of mind, and you can always ask our helpful customer service team about our products.
So what are you waiting for? Browse our array of door lock actuators here at CarParts.com and shop now to get the best bang for your buck.
Products Mentioned in this Guide
Door Lock Actuator
Door Lock Switch
Door Lock
Shop this Project
Keep Reading: Related Posts
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
Slider door Locks release when stop and relock at 15-20mph
Hi Rusty,
What kind of vehicle do you have?
2015 Town and country
Passenger slide door makes erratic noises clunking & grinding etc..
we had it accessed twice, one said it was the door lock & the other dealership said it was the actuator
who is right with this judgement??
Chrysler Canada sent a recall on the mentioned door actuator, tho a Chrysler dealership said it was in fact the door lock which is not covered, Chrysler Canada was not helpful at all.. please help me understand this issue, we have young children which is not safe opening the rear slide door to the traffic side, you would think that Chrysler Canada would take safety more seriously & protect our children… please help!!!
Hi Kevin,
A lot of different problems with the door could lead to strange noises. Your best bet would be to ask the dealer to show you why they think the lock is at fault and not the actuator, which you say has a recall. When you present your inquiry to the dealer, you might also want to show them documentation that lists the other shop’s findings.
I have a 2020 impala premier,with 11K miles on it. Intermittently the front passenger door won’t lock or unlock with door switch or key fob remote.I can reach across an manually unlock by using inside handle. Also intermittently when I lock my doors with door switch or key remote all doors will lock except front passenger door. Chevy dealer tells me they can’t figure out the problem. I have left my car at the dealership all day on too occasions and still no fix. Do you have any suggestions
Hi Phillip,
If only the front passenger power door lock isn’t working, you’re likely dealing with a bad door lock actuator. The dealer might not have been able to duplicate the problem since it’s intermittent, and if they can’t duplicate, they usually can’t provide a proper diagnosis.
I forgot to say that when the passenger door doesn’t lock or unlock the two rear doors also won’t unlock. The only door that works every time is the drivers door
My 2017 Impala 31,000 miles just had the drivers side actuator fail. Dealer had to order a new one, ready to get it tomorrow, now the passenger side door lock isn’t working! I wish they had a regular key lock. $600 per door is very pricey.
I have a 2015 Toyota corolla. The passenger front door lock makes a fast “fluttering” noise and will not lock.
When the weather is warm it will sometimes lock properly… But when it’s cold it rarely locks… only the fluttering Lock – unlock – lock – unlock – lock – unlock movement. Kind of like it’s trying to lock but unable??
Could this be the actuator or something else? Thank you!
Hi Wendell,
If you can operate the lock manually, you’re likely dealing with a bad door lock actuator. However, to know for sure, it’s a good idea to remove the door panel and do some troubleshooting.
I have a 2012 bmw 328i my driver door will not open but the lock on the door when I hit the unlock but it slides up when I hit lock button it slides down what is my issue and how do I fix it
Hello Patrick,
Are you saying that you can’t open the door mechanically with the key, but that you can open it with the power lock button?
Neither but the power lock works like I can see the lock slide up and down but the door will not open
I have a 2007 HHR, my driver’s side door lock won’t lock manually. (by hand). if I push the passenger door switch it will lock all doors, but the trunk won’t lock. I need the main driver door switch to work ( power switch}. so it will lock all doors including the trunk. I don’t know why the main driver power door switch won’t work manually. (by hand). Is it a bad wiring? I need help, and someone to fix it for me, I will pay them.
Hi Melissa,
If the driver’s door lock won’t lock manually, you could be dealing with damaged linkage inside of the door or a faulty lock cylinder. We suggest looking for a reputable repair shop in your area to diagnose and repair the problem. You can find tips for finding a good mechanic in this article: https://www.carparts.com/blog/tips-to-find-a-great-mechanic/