There are several different ways to unlock the doors of a late model vehicle and power door locks being the greatest choice. Almost all new vehicles come with a power door lock assembly on them.

On power door locks there is usually a key fob (Remote), for you to use, sometimes there is a keypad on the vehicle, and there is a switch on the interior of your car for each door. These cars also have a computer to monitor your door locks and other things. This computer is what keeps your interior light burning for a few minutes after you exit the vehicle and usually sounds the alarm if you leave your keys in the ignition or your headlights on. This computer rarely goes bad and just sits there monitoring signals.

The remote you carry has a battery in it so if it doesn't unlock your door then you need to check the battery. It could be dead or just not making connection. If this seems alright then the problem is probably going to be the door lock actuator.

Each door has a door lock actuator that is actually a small electric motor than turns a set of spur gears that act as gear reduction and the last gear turns a rack and pinion gear set. The actuator is connected to the latch by a rod and another rod connects the latch to the knob or button on the door.

If you check and have voltage to the actuator and the door doesn't unlock then you need to replace the actuator. If there is no voltage to the actuator you need to check your fuse panel. Odds are you have a blown fuse. If this is not the case it may be time to seek some professional help. Door locks are straight forward and simple mechanisms and are fairly easy to replace.

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