How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Door Lock Actuator?
A door lock actuator is a mechanism that locks or unlocks the doors of a car which just a press of a button. This whole mechanism is known as the door lock actuator. The actuator is available inside all the doors with some cables, gears, and rods. The part of the door lock actuator which fails the most is its electric motor. It is one of the car's most important components because if it fails, locking or unlocking the car becomes a big problem. But it should be replaced or repaired by a professional mechanic to make it function properly. Only a few door locks can be fixed, but mostly, they get replaced. Because sometimes, the complete assembly of the actuator needs to be replaced.
This blog will discuss the common factors on which the replacement and repair cost of the door look actuator rely on, some symptoms and signs of faulty door lock, and end the article with a few frequently asked questions. So, continue reading till the end to know all about it.
Cost of Door Lock Actuator Replacement or Repair
You should get your door lock actuator fixed at the start because it can create enormous problems for you with time. Its replacement or repair cost ranges on average from 200$ to 600$. It also depends on different car models, types, and problems. The complete door interior panel should be removed for repairing or replacing it, so it is better to get it repaired or replaced by a professional mechanic.
Factors Of Which the Cost Depends Upon
• Model Or Type of Car
The door lock actuator replacement or repair cost depends on the model or type of car. The cost is different for sedans, hatchbacks, convertibles, SUVs, station wagons, and sports cars. The cost is different for different car models because the parts’ rates differ for different cars.
• Problem
The cost of repair or replacement depends on the problem. If the problem is severe and extensive, the repair cost will be higher; if the problem is small, the repair cost will be less. If you want to replace the actuator, its cost depends on the model and type of the car. The parts or components of a door lock actuator usually cost between 190$ and 235$.
• Labor Cost
The labor cost of the actuator replacement or repair depends on the type of work. Usually, the labor cost of the door lock actuator ranges from 90$ to 130$. The replacing and repairing costs will be different in each case as both repairing and replacement require different techniques and processes to go through.
For more info, please refer to How to replace the door lock actuator, What is a door lock actuator, and Several ways to troubleshoot your door lock actuator
Signs of Faulty Door Lock
• Inconsistent & Unreliable Locking
The door lock actuator is an electrical part of the car; therefore, when it starts to malfunction, its performance will typically be quite erratic. One of the main signs of a faulty or lousy door lock actuator will be inconsistent and unreliable locking. Sometimes the car will get locked, and sometimes it won’t. If there is a problem with the car’s electrical wiring, you will see the car getting locked or unlocked without pressing or touching any button. Not only might there be a problem with the actuator, but there could also be a frayed electrical harness in the door’s hinge. Inconsistent and unreliable locking can become a massive problem for you. So, getting the door lock actuator replaced or repaired is better. Mostly the current spike stops signaling the door lock actuator, which causes the whole malfunction and causes the door lock to unlock when you lock the car automatically.
• Unusual Sounds
The actuator comprises different gears, motors, cables, and rods. Another sign of the door lock actuator going bad is unusual sounds. You will hear unusual sounds when you lock or unlock your car door. These noises come from inside the doors of the car. If the noise grows louder, the actuator will probably fail before the issue worsens. In the start, the noisy sounds are not much loud as your transmission breaking down, just grinding and whirring noises, but if it is not repaired on time, they become very loud and noisy, which you have not heard before.
• Unlocking & Locking Gets Slower
When you press the lock or unlock button on the remote, it should immediately lock or unlock the car. You can lock or unlock your car with just a single button push. But if your actuator is going bad or failing, you will see a slower response in unlocking or locking the car. It will take a long time to lock or unlock the car. Suppose the actuator is not repaired on time. In that case, it can become completely unresponsive. actuator starts to struggle to lock or unlock the door, which mainly depends on the condition of the door lock actuator.
• Non-Working Locks
The most evident symptom of an actuator issue is that the lock of the car malfunctions or completely stops working. If your car's electrical systems continue to function and you can still unlock the door with the keys, the issue is likely with the actuator and not something else. But before repairing or replacing the door lock actuator of your car, if you cannot lock or unlock the door, always check the battery in your key remote. Sometimes the low level of the battery causes the whole problem. Sometimes the issue is merely a straightforward one with that being issue. Utilizing your car key to open the door is often not a big deal, but it's important to remember that new cars now come with keyless entry.
For detailed info, please refer to How to repair a door lock and How to replace door lock actuator motor
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Do Door Lock Actuators Break Down?
Since the driver's side door is used more frequently than the others, that's usually where a door lock actuator will malfunction in a car. Due to the numerous moving elements, like gears, motors, or retractable cables, this failure in your car is typically caused by simple wear and tear over an extended period. Electrical problems can also be the reason for door lock actuators breaking down.
Can You Repair your Door Lock Actuator?
Yes, you can repair the door lock actuator of your car on your own. You can handle this task on your own when fixing the door actuator. You may complete this task quickly, and for a lot, less money than a mechanic might charge you by following one of the many helpful online tips. Complete guides are available online, providing a step-by-step procedure to repair the actuator. You can follow the video description or guidelines to fix it. The central part of solving any problem is diagnosing the main problem. If you find out the main fault in your door lock actuator, you can easily repair it with the help of any mechanic.
Can I Drive a Car with Faulty Door Lock Actuator?
Yes, you can drive your car with a faulty door lock actuator. You will have no problem while driving. A faulty door lock actuator does not affect the drive or safety of the car. You will only have trouble locking or unlocking the doors with a remote. But you can use the manual system to lock or unlock the doors.
How Much Time does it Require to Repair a Door Lock Actuator?
The period of repairing a door lock actuator mostly depends on the car or model of the car, repair type, and problem. Usually, the average time required to repair a door lock actuator can be one hour and thirty minutes. But the time can increase or decrease depending on the problem and its repair. Usually, it has an assembly built-in, so most mechanics or car owners prefer to get the whole door lock actuator replaced because opening and repairing an assembly is a complicated task.
Conclusion
The door lock actuator is an essential component in a car to lock or unlock your car. Nowadays, almost all vehicles come with this component installed. So having a faulty one can create locking or unlocking problems for the car owner. If you have a habit of locking or unlocking the car with a button or having power locks, then having a faulty door lock actuator will be a headache. It is inconvenient for the car owner to lock the car by key. You can repair it yourself and fix it by a mechanic too. The actuator assembly and location can differ significantly, and the task might be more confusing for different cars. The most excellent choice you'll have for getting this done and getting your doors back in working condition as soon as possible is probably going to a mechanic. If you plan to perform this job yourself, research it in advance, so you know what's going on. The repair cost can range from 100$ to 300$. So, getting your door lock actuator repaired before time is recommended.
