Car Door Lock Actuator Circuit

The concept of a door lock actuator works great until it doesn t.

Car door lock actuator circuit.

A door lock actuator is basically a reversible motor or a solenoid on some vehicles with gears that operate the door lock. On a vehicle with electric locks the process is a bit different. In some cars the door lock actuator is positioned below the latch. A rod con nects the actuator to the latch and another rod connects the latch to the knob that sticks up out of the top of the door.

On manual locks the locking function operates by pushing or pulling on the door lock. This manipulates a series of rods that slide back and forth opening and closing the locking mechanism at the door latch. If there are no external door lock switches you will most likely have a vacuum type system or an aftermarket door lock system with relays or have an added actuator that needs relays. Next with your multi meter probe each of the wires in this harness and write down the readings during lock unlock and at rest positions of the switch.

When the actuator moves the latch up it connects the outside door handle to the opening mechanism. A rod connects the actuator to the latch and another rod connects the latch to the knob that sticks up out of the top of the door. How a door lock actuator works.