In this car the power door lock actuator is positioned below the latch.
Car door lock actuator circuit.
On a vehicle with electric locks the process is a bit different.
How a door lock actuator works.
A door lock actuator is basically a reversible motor or a solenoid on some vehicles with gears that operate the door lock.
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.
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.
This manipulates a series of rods that slide back and forth opening and closing the locking mechanism at the door latch.
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.
Car door lock actuators are designed to lock and unlock a door without the effort of pulling on a cable and rod.
The concept of a door lock actuator works great until it doesn t.
When the actuator fails or starts to fail you ll likely notice one or more symptoms that make your daily commute less pleasant.