How To Diagnose Door Lock Actuator

Unplug the door lock actuator electrical connector.

How to diagnose door lock actuator.

A door lock actuator is basically a reversible motor or a solenoid on some vehicles with gears that operate the door lock. Door lock systems operate the actuator by toggling positive negative voltage to the actuator. Pictured on the right is a typical door lock actuator they installed on automobiles 20 years ago. Door lock actuator problems use to be simple to diagnose and repair.

You should see the voltage polarity toggle with each switch activation. A quick test can be performed from the driver s seat by using the electric lock button. Car door lock actuators are designed to lock and unlock a door without the effort of pulling on a cable and rod. 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. When the actuator fails or starts to fail you ll likely notice one or more symptoms that make your daily commute less pleasant. In the old days they remained a separate component mounted to the door shell. A metal rod then made its way to the door latch to operate the lock mechanism.

Power door locks behave erratically. Power door locks do not function. 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.

Then use your test light or digital meter to check for power and ground at the connector when you operate the lock unlock switch. In some cars the door lock actuator is positioned below the latch. Another symptom of a potential problem with the power door lock actuators are door locks that behave erratically. 2004 honda odyssey ex passenger m.

The symptoms will get worse. The concept of a door lock actuator works great until it doesn t. How a door lock actuator works.