Unlock the Secret (Malfunctioning Door Lock Actuator)Posted November 1, 2020 7:45 AMWhat a convenience power door locks are on a vehicle. The latest don't even require you to push the button on the key fob; all you have to do is have it with you. But sometimes there's a component of power door locks that can fail, especially when they are used several times each day. Those are called the door lock actuators. The actuator is an electric part that works with others (like motors and gears) to lock and unlock doors. You can hear them work, sometimes with the little whirr of the gear or the quiet clunk of the lock finishing its cycle. And it's good to pay attention to that sound because if it starts to sound different, it could be a signal that your lock is on the brink of failing. Another sign of a failing power door lock actuator is they start working intermittently or quickly and erratically. The driver's door is often the first to start acting up since it's the one that usually gets the most use. When you start to notice these signs, consider a visit to your service facility to get your vehicle checked out. If you wait too long, you may find yourself getting locked out of your vehicle. Many vehicles do have mechanical keys available as a failsafe so you are at least able to get inside. Some of them are hidden inside the key fob and you should know how to access them. Check with your owner's manual or ask your service advisor. It's extremely inconvenient to have to unlock your vehicle with the mechanical key, then get inside and unlock the other doors. It's even more inconvenient if you have passengers in the rear seats. And that doesn't even count having to go through the same thing to lock the doors when you arrive at your destination. There are many things that can cause power door locks to malfunction, but if it turns out to be a power lock actuator, the most common remedy is to replace it. Some are easier for technicians to reach than others, depending on your vehicle's design. But once your locks are working again, you might think you've found the "key" to happiness! Hans Imports | ||
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We have established longterm and stable partnerships with various clients thanks to our excellence in solving their automotive needs!
I have a '99 Eurovan Westfalia in need of assorted repairs - muffler system, shocks, etc. and was finding it difficult to find anyone, even dealers, to do the work. Even though Hans was out of state, after outlining the basics, I brought the van to Omar. His estimate was detailed and thorough, and he went ahead with the work, and communicated through the process keeping me informed. I picked it up yesterday and have driven it on back roads and interstates, and it is more solid and sure-footed than anytime since I acquired it. We have a plan going forward to make a number of other repairs that his extensive assessment of the vehicle suggest. If you need a Eurovan or vanagon guy (check out the Brazilian on his lot!), Omar, Dave, and Hans Imports will do right by you.
I've trusted Hans Imports on Post Road in North Kingstown with my vehicles for multiple repairs & services and I can't recommend them highly enough. Dave and Omar are proof that old-school, honest, exceptional customer service still exists. Over the years they've taken care of everything from a broken turbo strap on my 2013 VW Eos and my 90,000-mile service to diagnosing and replacing a failed fuel pump. There was even another repair recently that I can't remember....that's how consistently they've been my first call whenever something comes up. Every time, the work has been done right, the communication has been excellent, and I've never felt like I was being sold repairs I didn't need. That's tough to find these days. As a full-time wedding photographer, my vehicle isn't just transportation, it's my livelihood. Summer is my busiest season, and being without a reliable vehicle simply isn't an option. Knowing I can count on Dave and Omar to get me back on the road quickly and correctly gives me tremendous peace of mind. They REALLY pulled me out of a major jam last week and I'm eternally grateful. I don't think any other shop in Rhode Island would have done what they did for me! If you're looking for knowledgeable mechanics who genuinely care about their customers and stand behind their work, Hans Imports is the place to go. Honest, dependable, and incredibly skilled. The kind of service that's becoming harder and harder to find. Bonus: there's always a lot of fun, laughter, and a cute dog that likes to be pet at the shop!









