Door Lock Actuator Failure
Door Lock Actuator Failure
Section titled “Door Lock Actuator Failure”The E46 door lock actuators fail with age, preventing doors from locking or unlocking with the central locking system.
Symptoms
Section titled “Symptoms”- One or more doors don’t lock/unlock with key fob
- Clicking sound but door doesn’t lock
- Door locks intermittently
- Ghost locking/unlocking
Diagnosis
Section titled “Diagnosis”- Listen for actuator clicking when locking/unlocking
- If no click, actuator motor has failed
- If clicking but not locking, linkage may be disconnected
Affected Doors
Section titled “Affected Doors”Most commonly affects front doors (more use cycles), but can happen on any door including trunk.
Replacement
Section titled “Replacement”- Remove door panel
- Remove vapor barrier
- Disconnect actuator electrical connector
- Remove actuator mounting screws/rivets
- Disconnect linkage rod
- Install new actuator in reverse order
- Test operation before reassembling door panel