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 and spend big bucks on another OEM unit that will likely also fail quickly, pause a moment and consider a few things.
If you’re having trouble with the door locks on your GM vehicle, there’s a good chance there’s something wrong with your GM door lock actuator.
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 response when the keyfob or interior lock or unlock buttons are pressed.
But let’s walk before we run – you need to know what a door lock actuator is before you can fix it.
Wait, What Is a Door Lock Actuator?
Traditional keyed lock entry systems contain a series of pin tumblers held in place by springs. When a key with the proper tooth pattern is inserted into the lock, it engages and depresses the tumblers, compressing the springs.
This action opens what is called a “shear line,” which enables a component called the cam to rotate. This action allows the mechanism to lock or unlock.
Car doors, especially those with keyless entry systems, are much more complex. These cars can be opened via keypads, key fobs, or simply the lock/unlock buttons on the inside of the door.
This requires a small motor-driven electronic mechanism mounted within the door containing gears and sensors known as a door lock actuator.
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 rear and front door locks).
What Makes GM Door Lock Actuators Fail?
GM door lock actuators fail for a wide 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 the bucket far too soon, which is likely the reason you are reading this article.
The following are some warning signs that there may be something wrong with your GM door lock actuator:
● Slow or no response when pressing lock/unlock buttons on the keyfob or interior switches
● Lock/Unlock button moves only partially up and down and the actuator does not consistently fully lock or unlock.
● The door locks behave oddly or exhibit delayed or inconsistent responses.
● Locks will engage but not disengage and vice versa
It’s important to test a variety of keyless lock methods, such as the interior switches, keyfobs, and keypads, in order to determine whether or not it is the actuator that has failed or some other electrical component.
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 longer lasting motor.
Gruven Parts (GruvenParts.com) sells improved GM door lock actuator motors which are custom made to last longer and provide higher torque than the weak OEM 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 up and down as the lock/unlock buttons are pressed. The motors GruvenParts sells also come with a LIFETIME WARRANTY and are compatible with a wide range of select 2007-2022 GM vehicles, including but not limited to:
● Sierra
● Avalanche
● Suburban
● Tahoe
● Silverado
● Yukon
● Escalade
● Malibu
● Certain Cadillac sedans
● And others
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 their own actuators to completely resolve the issue without having to spend big bucks at the GM dealer.
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.
