How Door Lock Actuator Works

A door lock actuator is basically a reversible motor or a solenoid on some vehicles with gears that operate the door lock.

How door lock actuator works.

Clean and reconnect the actuator. In many cars the door lock actuator is built with the latch mechanism into one assembly in the photo. To the coil of the respective relay. Door lock actuators are an electronic component found on vehicles equipped with power door locks.

They are the electronically controlled actuators in every single door that are responsible for locking and unlocking the power door locks when the switches are pressed. This system is quite simple. Spray electrical cleaner onto the black electrical connector. But first let s see how the car keeps all its signals straight.

This manipulates a series of rods that slide back and forth opening and closing the locking mechanism at the door latch. Inside the power door lock actuator. To lock or unlock the vehicle polarity is changed on one motor leg via a positive pulse from a switch alarm keyless entry etc. How a door lock actuator works on manual locks the locking function operates by pushing or pulling on the door lock.

The motor reverses direction so that when you press the switch to unlock the doors the lock moves in one direction. Unplug the door lock actuator electrical connector. Door locks actuators reverse polarity positive switch trigger type d relay wiring diagram both motor legs rest at ground at the relays. In this edition of howstuffworks we ll learn just what s inside your door that ma kes it unlock we ll take apart the actuator that does the work and then we ll learn how the lock can be forced open.

A small electric motor turns a series of spur gears that serve as a gear reduction. For this reason the whole door lock assembly is often called door lock actuator. Part 5 of 6. It mimics your motions when you pull the knob up or push it down.

Reinstalling the door lock actuator step 1. The door lock actuator is an electric actuator that operates the door latch mechanism in cars with power door locks. On a vehicle with electric locks the process is a bit different. Reinstall the plastic cover and replace the assembly.

Attach the plastic door lock actuator back onto the. Then use your test light or digital meter to check for power and ground at the connector when you operate the lock unlock switch. Door lock systems operate the actuator by toggling positive negative voltage to the actuator.