What To Do When Your Car’s Power Locks Stop Working

Having power locks on your car is a great piece of technology, but when you least expect it, these Power Locks can go out. When your locks quit working it is generally due to the fact that the actuator in the motor wears out. There are several reasons why the actuator will stop working. You will want to get your locks fixed as soon as possible so that you are able to lock your car and unlock it. Below are some of the most common reasons why the actuator wears out.

Common Reasons for Lock Failure

There are several reasons why your Power Locks may go out. Here are some of the reasons why.

• Electrical current. If the motor does not receive an electrical current or is unable to react to the current, the actuator will malfunction and no longer work.
• Mechanical linkage. If the mechanical linkage of the actuator wears out over time it can make the lock fail.
• Latch assembly failure. If the latch assembly halts the motor from moving the lock, this will result in Power Lock failure.
• Overuse. There is a cable that moves up and down each time you lock and unlock your doors. They can wear out over time because they are used significantly. Typically, mechanics see that the actuator is usually just worn out on the driver’s side door instead of all the doors. This is typically because the door that gets used the most is the driver’s door.
• Defective switch. If all the door locks fail to work it is likely a sign of a defective switch. This defective switch will trigger all the door locks and if it malfunctions none of the door locks will work. A blown fuse may also cause issues with your actuator, leaving your lock not working.

If one of the above items is wrong with your vehicle’s lock, you will need a complete replacement. In most cases, just one door will be the culprit.

The Cost to Repair a Lock

The cost to repair a lock will depend on the type of vehicle you have and whether the replacements are readily available. In some cases, your vehicle may qualify for an aftermarket part that will generally run under $100. However, if the damage is more extensive and there are more power door locks that must be replaced, you could be looking at anywhere from $200-$700. This will all depend on how long it will take to repair the locks and the cost of the replacement parts. In order to ensure that you are getting the best price possible, you may want to shop around to find a mechanic that will offer you an affordable price. Keep in mind the newer your car is, the more expensive the power door lock may be. Pricing will also increase if you have to have all of the locks replaced. Take your time and find the right mechanic for your car.

If you find that your locking mechanisms are no longer working, you want to visit a mechanic as soon as possible so that your door locks are back in functioning order. The first thing they will check it is the driver-side as it tends to wear out over time because of overuse. Typically, door locks are an easy fix and you will be able to use your power door locks in a timely manner.