Is My GM Door Lock Actuator Bad? [And What Can I Do About It?]

1. Is My GM Door Lock Actuator Bad? [And What Can I Do About It?]

2. So your car door lock is on the fritz. It could be due to any number of problems. But, before you run off to the shop andspendbigbucksonanotherOEMunitthatwilllikely alsofailquickly,pauseamomentandconsiderafewthings. If you’re having trouble with the door locks on your GM vehicle, there’s a good chance there’s somethingwrongwith yourGMdoorlockactuator. These are actually notoriously faulty components,especially on GM vehicles built after 2007 including their trucks, sedans, and SUVs. More often than not, it’s simply a failed electric motor within the unit that causes slow or no responsewhenthekeyfob orinteriorlockorunlockbuttonsarepressed. Butlet’s walkbeforewerun–youneedto knowwhatadoorlockactuatoris beforeyou canfixit. Wait, What Is a Door Lock Actuator? Traditional keyed lock entry systems contain a series of pin tumblers held in place by springs.Whena keywith the proper tooth pattern is inserted into the lock, it engages and depressesthe tumblers,compressingthesprings.

3. This action opens what is called a “shear line,” which enables a component called the cam to rotate. This action allowsthemechanismto lockor unlock. Car doors, especially those with keyless entry systems, are much more complex. These cars can be opened via keypads,keyfobs,orsimplythelock/unlockbuttonsonthe insideofthedoor. This requires a small motor-driven electronic mechanism mounted within the door containing gears and sensors knownasadoorlockactuator. A door lock actuator is a small electrical device that contains a motor, gears, switches (to monitor the open/closed status of a power door lock), and cables that actually engage or disengage the lock. Each door with power-lock functionality contains an actuator (including driver’s side front and rear doors and passenger side rearandfrontdoorlocks). What Makes GM Door Lock Actuators Fail? GM door lockactuators fail for awide variety of reasons. However,more often than not, the small, weak electric motor within the unit wears out causing slow or no response from the keyfob or interior switches. Other less common causes are the microswitches which sense if the door is open or closed can fail. Lock actuators are electrical devices that will eventually fail over time. However, If a vehicle is well maintained, an actuator should last about 100,000 miles or 8-10 years. Factory GM door lock actuators are famous for kicking thebucketfartoosoon,whichis likely thereasonyouarereadingthis article.

4. The followingaresomewarningsignsthattheremaybe somethingwrongwithyourGMdoorlockactuator: ●Slowornoresponsewhenpressinglock/unlockbuttonsonthekeyfob orinteriorswitches ●Lock/Unlockbuttonmovesonlypartiallyupanddownandtheactuatordoesnotconsistentlyfully lockorunlock. ●The doorlocks behaveoddlyorexhibit delayedor inconsistentresponses. ●Lockswillengagebutnotdisengageandvice versa It’s important to test a variety of keyless lock methods, such as the interior switches, keyfobs, and keypads, in orderto determinewhetherornotitis theactuatorthathasfailedor someotherelectricalcomponent. Can I Fix It? You usually can easily fix a failed GM door lock actuator by replacing its electrical motor within the unit. You need compatible parts,tools, and the right instructions to remove the old actuator, dismantle it, remove the weak, OEM motor and replace it with a new, higher torque longerlastingmotor.

5. GruvenParts (GruvenParts.com) sells improved GM door lockactuator motors whichare custom made to last longer and provide higher torque than the weakOEM motors within the unit. The GruvenParts motors drive the lock unit much faster, creating that satisfying audible sharp click as the lock button literally jumps upand downas the lock/unlock buttons are pressed. The motors GruvenParts sells also comewith a LIFETIME WARRANTY and are compatible with a wide range of select 2007-2022 GM vehicles, including butnotlimitedto: ●Sierra ●Avalanche ●Suburban ●Tahoe ●Silverado ●Yukon ●Escalade ●Malibu ●CertainCadillacsedans ●Andothers

6. Gruven Parts offers multiple options for fixing your failed GM door lock actuator. You can buy the motor only (which contains a preinstalled brass pinion gear) and install it yourself, buy a repaired actuator, or send in your actuator for repair. Most DIY home mechanics simply buy the replacement high torque motor and install it into theirownactuatorstocompletelyresolvetheissuewithouthavingtospendbigbucksattheGMdealer. Where Can I Learn More? If you’re interested in learning about the options that lie at your disposal before you take your car to a shop, visit GruvenParts.com. Their website contains more information on door lock actuators and installation, along with DIY instructions. You can also reach out to them directly online with your questions and they’ll help you explore options.