Chevy Door Lock Actuator Problems

Hi carl i m trying to help a friend diagnose door lock problems with his 2008 chevy malibu.

Chevy door lock actuator problems.

Each door has its own actuator. The actuator operates a hydraulic system which when you push the button triggers the cable that physically moves the door lock to pull back which locks and unlocks your door. The driver s door latch has the extra circuit to lock unlock from the key operation as well. Each lock has a separate lock motor circuit from the latched door ajar circuit.

The actuator is by far the biggest and most complicated component in the power door lock assembly. Door lock actuators are made in two styles. Usually a bad or failing power door lock actuator will produce a few symptoms that can notify the driver of an issue that should be serviced. The interesting aspect of his problem is that when he first gets into the car he can actuate open close all four door locks.

The door lock relay is the relay responsible for sending power to the door lock actuators so that they can lock and unlock the vehicle. The rear power door lock actuators have failed. If he tries doing it again only three of the door locks actuate. Without an actuator the door lock wouldn t move up or down.

The problem is intermittent but with a 90 occurrence of failure. If he tries it yet again only two actuate. The 2009 chevrolet impala has 25 problems reported for door locks stop working. Replacing the lock motors and abandoning the stock lock motor wiring doesn t change how it detects the door being open ajar.

If the door lock actuator doesn t work with any method then the problem can be the door lock actuator itself the wiring or the control module. Solenoid and dc motor. One or both will fail for weeks at a time but may occasionally surprise you and work once or twice. When the relay fails or has issues it can cause problems with the operation of the door locks.

Average repair cost is 200 at 62 500 miles. The rear passenger door lock failed first then a few thousand miles later the driver side actuator failed. Symptoms of a failing door lock actuator. Unusual noises coming from inside the door are one of the first symptoms of a potential problem with a power door lock actuator.