Are you ready to attend that urgent meeting, or are you pilling up groceries in your vehicle? Whether you are going to work or heading back home after a stressful day.
Realizing your power door lock is not working driver’s side and keeps you from entering your car or locking it when you get out of the vehicle should be of great concern.
If you are experiencing both power windows and door locks not working, you need to find the root cause and fix it immediately.
So, in this article, we’ll discuss at length the possible causes of this problem, troubleshooting, and how to fix it.
Understanding Driver’s Side Door Lock Mechanisms
Power door locks represent a complex interplay of mechanical and electrical components that work together to secure your vehicle.
Your driver’s side door relies on a dedicated actuator, which contains a motor and gears that move the locking mechanism.
When you press your key fob or door switch, the body control module sends power through the wiring to activate this actuator.
A key component in this system is the microswitch assembly that triggers the locking mechanism when the key is turned. Additionally, understanding the location of the keyless entry module can help in troubleshooting issues related to door locks.
Causes of power door lock not working on driver’s side
Here’s a quick way to narrow down what’s causing your door lock problems:
- If your door locks work with the switches on the doors but not with the fob, suspect the fob batteries.
- If just one of the door locks isn’t working but the others are, suspect the door lock actuator.
- If one of the doors is physically resisting being locked with the key or by hand, suspect a mechanical issue with the door latch assembly itself.
- Note that some door locks have relays operating the lock actuators and others simply have switches wired directly to the actuators. If just one switch doesn’t work, you might need a switch or some wiring repairs.
- If you’ve left your window down and it has rained on the switches a few times, expect the switches to be internally corroded. It happens.
Pro Tip: Don’t buy a lot of parts before doing some troubleshooting. Door locks actuators depend on wiring and good connections. You might need to have a professional check for wiring issues if you get in over your head.
Here’s a list of parts that you may need to look at to diagnose the issue with your door locks:
#1. Dead Key Fob Battery.
Fobs have an internal battery. Batteries die when they get old. Key fob batteries usually last between three and four years.
When the battery dies, the fob doesn’t send a signal. If the battery is weak, the fob may only work when you’re really near the vehicle.
Check the battery first if you can figure out how to open the fob and see which battery you need. Buy a battery, install it and see what happens.
#2. Malfunctioning Key Fob.
If the key fob still can’t lock or unlock the car door after replacing its battery, the issue could lie in the fob itself.
The first thing you should check is the buttons, which could get stuck if you press them with too much force. One fix you can try is opening the fob, removing the chipboard, and realigning the stuck button(s).
However, note that usually this doesn’t work. If your fob has been abused (or it has gone through the washing machine), you’ll need to order a new fob, which may need to be programmed at a shop.
Other issues could also prevent the fob from sending signals to the lock. You can ask a mechanic to diagnose the problem. If it turns out that the best way forward is to replace the key fob, expect to pay between $15 and $500, depending on the model.
Pro Tip: Usually, the older the car, the easier it is to find an inexpensive aftermarket fob online. Sometimes they come with instructions on how to program the fob.
#3. Door Lock Actuator Issues.
Each door lock has a door lock actuator, which may be faulty, but if that’s the case, you’ll just have one door lock that is inoperative. All the door lock actuators won’t die at the same time.
Besides a malfunctioning power door lock, other signs of a faulty actuator include erratic operation and strange noises from the bad actuator when you try to operate the locks.
A faulty door lock actuator usually requires replacement. On some vehicles, you can do it yourself. On others, it’s best to hire it done.
Whoever does it will need to remove the door panel, roll up the window, and reach inside the door to access the actuator, which may be attached to an integral bracket that is riveted or screwed to the inner door skin.
You can try to do it yourself or you can have a mechanic replace it. Be prepared to spend between $125 and $250 for the replacement piece and a bit more for the labor fee.
#4. Blown Fuse.
Like other electric car parts, the door lock has a fuse that provides overcurrent and short-circuiting protection to its circuit. To check the fuse you’ll need to consult your owner’s manual or look your vehicle’s fuse panel details up online.
When a component receives a surge of current beyond what it can handle, the fuse blows, disconnecting the circuit and protecting it from overcurrent. This prevents the door lock system from working.
That being said, sometimes fuses will blow just because they’re “tired.” But make sure when you replace the fuse, you use a good brand and not a cheap knockoff. Some of the really cheap fuses are really bad quality.
#5. Faulty Wiring.
Car door locks have wiring just like everything else, along with the connectors, terminals, etc. Wiring won’t usually be the issue, and you may have to hire somebody to check the wiring if you’re not good at automotive electrical.
Repairing or replacing the faulty wire is a task best left to a mechanic or a technician because pinpointing it is tricky. Handle the wrong wire, and you might make the problem worse or make other parts malfunction.
How to Diagnose and fix the power door not working problem?
If your driver door won’t unlock with the remote, but other doors open when you hit the remote unlock button, key into this discussion till the end because I’m going to show you how to troubleshoot and fix this issue.
The most common cause of the power door not working is a bad power door actuator. But before you jump to a conclusion, there are other things you have to check first.
Tools and Safety Steps You Need Before Starting
You only need basic hand tools that most people already own at home. Grab a Phillips and flat screwdriver, a T20 or T30 Torx driver, trim removal tools or plastic pry tools, needle-nose pliers, and a 10mm socket with ratchet.
Electrical tape, zip ties, and wire strippers help if you find broken wires. Keep a flashlight or headlamp ready because it gets dark inside the door panel.
Park the car on flat ground and turn off the engine completely. Disconnect the negative battery cable first to avoid any electrical shorts or airbag deployment while working. Wear safety glasses because plastic clips can fly when you pop them loose.
Work in good light and take photos with your phone at every step so you remember where everything goes back.
Lay a towel on the ground to hold screws and clips so nothing gets lost. Children and pets should stay away from the work area while you have the door apart.
Test the window operation before removing the panel because sometimes the switch pack comes loose during repair. These simple safety steps prevent bigger problems and make the whole job smooth and stress-free for anyone.
- Basic screwdrivers and Torx bits
- Trim removal tools protect paint
- Disconnect battery for safety
- Take photos of every step
#1. Confirm whether the door is working manually.
Try unlocking the doors manually from the inside. If the door works manually, try unlocking and locking it from the central unlocking button. Try locking and unlocking the doors with the remote from the outside.
If the central unlocking button and the remote don’t work on the driver’s side but work on other doors, it means the driver’s door is worn out. Because it’s the most used, it wears out faster.
#2. Remove the door carpet.
The next thing you want to do is to remove the door carpet using auto trim removal tools. Locate and remove the clips and screws on the door carpet.
Once all the screws are loosened, gently pop off and remove the power button knobs, be careful not to break the knobs.
Gently pop up and remove the lock on the power handle with trim removal tools or with a Flathead screwdriver and set it aside. Once all the screws and clips are out of place, gently pull off the door carpet.
#3. Inspect the internal system components.
Once you have taken the rubber carpet out of the way, carefully peel off the plastic sheeting covering the door panel. You have to do it gently so you’ll use it back.
Tip: The sheeting is responsible for shedding water away from getting to the actuator, as water can get into the door panel during a car wash or rainy season. While removing the sheeting cover, check the two drain holes at the downside of the door panel and ensure there is no debris.
Inspect the system components that connect to the power handle. It should be tightly fitted with clips. Before you take off the actuator, plug back the power button knobs and turn on the ignition.
As other keys are working, hit the power button and listen closely to the driver’s door for a clicking sound.
Manually lock and unlock the driver’s door and also listen for a clicking sound. If you hear a click sound, it’s a good sign the actuator is receiving power but cannot work. That also means that you have a powering ground.
#4. Remove the old actuator.
To Remove the old actuator, you need to remove the bolts holding the power handle. Remove the cables from the power handle and ensure you keep track of where each cable goes so you will reinstate them correctly.
Locate the actuator and disconnect the power lock linkages. These linkages can be a little hard to come off, and the plastic hook can break easily. So you have to gently pry it off to avoid causing extra damage.
Get some common mechanic tools close by. Remove the window strap bolts using a ratchet handle and a sizeable socket. Then remove the bolt holding the actuator. Disconnect your window wiring connector before disconnecting the actuator connector.
If you’re having a little bit of a struggle in removing the actuator, you don’t have to worry; it’s normal. Disconnect the black wire on the actuator and pull out the actuator along with the cables.
#5. Install the new actuator.
Hang in the new actuator and tighten the screws in the lock door actuator. Then, reinstate the 10mm bolt holding up the actuator. Fix the linkage carefully, set up the cables, and connect them the way you removed them.
Please make sure you pop them in correctly and run the cables in their guide. Properly reinstate the clear plastic sheeting that covers the door panel and seal it.
Fix back the door panel and install all the clips by snapping them into place. Then, reinstate the lock cluster back. Reinstate the cluster with screws and make sure the screw is connected to the wiring harness.
Reinstall everything you removed early. Test the work, and if everything works fine, give yourself a pat on the back.
Cost Estimates and Professional Help
Understanding the cost of power door lock repairs can help you make informed decisions about whether to attempt DIY fixes or seek professional help.
You’ll typically face costs ranging from $50 to $300 for repairs, while complete lock replacement runs $200-$300.
If you need a professional, expect locksmith rates between $75-$220, plus diagnostic fees of $175-$225, though actual costs depend on your vehicle’s make and model.
FAQs.
Q: How Does The Door Lock Work?
Your door lock’s mechanism is actually nothing but straightforward to make sense of. Everything starts when you hit the window button inside the car or the one on your key fob to lock the door.
By doing so, you are helping it inform the vehicle whether to disengage or engage the locks with a specific signal.
The signal will then make its way to the destination, which is the door lock actuator to switch on the lock motor and initiate the lock.
Q: What Controls The Power Door Locks?
Your car’s power door locks operate with the management of an actuator mounted inside the door to activate and deactivate the door locks.
This actuator mainly functions remotely via a key fob or smartphone app, as well as with switches or buttons installed on the door, console, or elsewhere.
Q: Does The Power Door Lock Have A Fuse?
Yes, not only does the power door lock have a fuse, but this car part is also among the three main components of the system that easily break down.
Without it protecting against overcurrent, the power door lock malfunctioning sooner or later is just a matter of time.
Q: How Long Do Car Remote Batteries Last?
A vehicle remote battery should typically last three to four years. In addition, there are many signs that inform you of when the battery is poor.
Signal loss is the initial symptom. Most modern key fobs can detect your car within 50 feet away.
Final Thought
If, at the end of the repair, your power door lock is not working driver’s side, then you have to diagnose the system components further.
Or there could be a possible electronic failure. You can always reach out to your dealership, get detailed advice, or better still, take your car to a local garage for proper power door lock actuator troubleshooting and replacement.