Lexus Door Lock Problems – Door lock problems should be expected in any car brand even Lexus, despite it being Toyota’s luxury vehicle brand.
Door locks rely on man-made mechanisms which are bound to malfunction when exposed to certain conditions or when the parts get old and worn out.
So, if your Lexus door locks have begun malfunctioning, know that this is very normal. And the good news is that door lock problems with Lexus can be fixed, once the cause has been identified.
Lexus door lock problems can manifest themselves in different ways. One or some of the doors may stop locking themselves electronically whether you use the door switches or key fob.
Or, when you unlock the doors with the fob, only the driver may unlock and the rest remain locked.
There are many causes of Lexus door lock problems with the most common ones being; a faulty actuator, a dead fob battery, a blown fuse, or your door lock sequence could need resetting.
In this article, we are going to look at the different causes of Lexus door lock problems and share with you tips on how to fix these issues.
Door Lock Actuator – The Number One Culprit
A faulty door lock actuator is the leading cause of most issues with Lexus doors. Actuators are the ones responsible for operating power door locks which are found in all modern Lexus models.
These actuators are positioned strategically in all doors and control the locking and unlocking of doors when you press the switches.
The locking and unlocking occur when you press the switch on the fob, the actuators signal the lock mechanism to go in one direction or the other depending on whether you are locking or unlocking the car.
This is a very smart mechanism that not only makes it convenient to lock or unlock your vehicle but also improves security.
What happens When a Door Lock Actuator Starts to Fail?
It’s very easy to diagnose if your actuator is failing. All you have to do is unlock the door using the remote device and confirm whether the door will be unlocked.
If it’s still locked, then your actuator is failing. There are also other signs of a failing actuator which include;
- The actuator may start producing a weird sound when the doors are being locked or unlocked.
- At times, an actuator can operate sluggishly. That is, it may work and sometimes it may not work.
- If your power doors no longer work and you have to lock the car manually, then one of your actuators could be failing.
- Also when the power door begins operating unpredictably, that could indicate a dead actuator.
- The anti-theft alarm might start going off randomly. This is mostly caused when water from rain or car wash penetrates the actuator.
- Finally, if you can see the door open warning lights on the dashboard, and all doors are closed, one of your actuators is faulty and isn’t sending the right signal.
If you have noticed any of the above warning signs, your door lock actuator could be failing and that’s why you are having issues with locking or unlocking.
To accurately diagnose whether an actuator is the cause of your door lock problems, you should have your vehicle assessed by a mechanic.
The reason why we are advising you to consult an expert mechanic is that a certain scan tool is what mechanics use to diagnose problems with actuators.
The tool will help you figure out the door that has triggered most of the alarms or the hood or trunk.
Once a certain door has been identified, the mechanic will have to inspect the actuator and if it’s faulty, it should be replaced right away.
What Causes an Actuator to Fail?
Lexus cars are more prone to having issues with actuators compared to other car brands. However, lock actuators also tend to fail from time to time.
Similar to other car parts, the wiring done on the actuator can wear out because of regular use. Or water can leak into it and cause the alarm to go off.
The bottom line is, there isn’t much one can do to prevent their actuator from failing. What matters most is how soon you diagnose and fix the problem.
The driver’s door is also more vulnerable to actuator problems because it is the one that is mostly used. The actuator can also stop functioning due to physical damage.
Where is the Actuator Located?
Different models position the actuator differently. However, in Lexus cars, you can find the actuator mounted on the side of the door lashes.
If you suspect that the actuator is failing you can open the door and evaluate whether it’s because of physical or chemical problems.
How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Door Lock Actuator?
Aftermarket actuators for Lexus can go for $50 to $120. However, it’s not easy to get actuators specifically for your Lexus model.
In such instances, you will have to work with OEM parts that cost $120 to $300. To ensure you get the best prices, visit your dealership for assistance, and don’t forget to carry more money for labor.
Depending on the state you bought your vehicle in, failing actuators are a common car problem. You may therefore replace a couple of them during the period that you will be driving that particular vehicle.
Or, you may be lucky enough to pass the 100,000-mile check without having to replace it at all. You can save up on labor costs but replacing a lock actuator by yourself is not easy. It needs know-how and skill.
What are Other Causes of Lexus Lock Door Problems?
If your actuators are in perfect condition then other reasons why you may be having issues with locking doors include;
- Your power door lock switch could be dead
The lock switch on your Lexus isn’t different from that you use for your lights. Its purpose is to send signals to your actuator.
When the switch is used frequently, it may begin malfunctioning. This isn’t a very big problem as you can buy another switch and replace it.
- You may have a blown fuse in your lock system
The fuse sending current to your actuator can blow if it receives more power than it can handle. If you have a blown fuse, the power door lock system won’t work at all. Similar to the switch, you will have to replace it right away.
- You have a dead key fob
Another common reason behind Lexus door lock problems is a dead battery in the key fob. Most people rarely know this, but the battery in your key fob needs to be replaced every once in a while.
Most of us ignore this and use the battery till we drain all the juice inside it. If you have a dead key battery, then it will be impossible for you to open the car using the key fob.
To rule out that it’s a dead battery, check out if the lock system is working when you use the switches in the car.
There is only one solution to fixing a dead key fob – you have to replace the battery. You can find batteries in an auto shop near you or order one online.
Can Resetting Door Lock Sequence Fix these Problems?
If your Lexus door locks are misbehaving, you can reset the door lock sequence and see if the lock system will begin working properly.
This is a mandatory step when you replace the battery of your Lexus key fob. There are two ways on how you can go about reprogramming your door lock sequence.
Either take it to the dealer and pay them to do it for you. Or, use the steps below and do it yourself.
- Begin by locking all the doors of your car. Unlock them and then only open the driver’s door. Do not close it.
- Put your key into the ignition and remove it without turning the car on.
- Here is where it gets tricky. Using the car’s electric lock switch, lock and unlock your doors 5 times.
- Then close the door on the driver’s side and repeat from steps 1 to 3.
- Put the key into the ignition and turn your car on and switch it off. Take out your key and you are done.
For the reset to have worked, the locks should cycle on their own. That is they should lock and unlock each door. If this didn’t happen, press and hold both the lock and unlock buttons for at least 2 seconds.
Once you are done, press and hold the lock button for a second. The locks are expected to cycle at this point. If they don’t, repeat the above process carefully and you will be able to reprogram your Lexus door locks.
Lexus door lock problems can be hard to diagnose. However, with the above tips, you can find why your locks are misbehaving and determine the best cause of action to take.
The lock systems for Lexus cars can be a bit overwhelming to newbies, so if you don’t know what to touch or look at. You should take your car to the dealer or a mechanic for a professional door lock diagnosis.