Power Door Lock Actuator: Description and Operation

POWER LOCK MOTOR
Models equipped with the optional power lock system have a power operated door locking mechanism located within each of the doors. The lock mechanisms are actuated by a reversible electric power lock motor that is integral to the door latch unit within each front door, dual side door, or dual rear door. The power lock motor used in sliding side doors or single rear doors is remotely mounted and operates the latch lock mechanism through a short connecting link. A single short pigtail wire with a molded plastic connector insulator connects the power lock motor to the vehicle electrical system through a take out and connector of each door wire harness.

The power lock motors cannot be adjusted or repaired and, if faulty or damaged, the motor unit must be replaced. The power lock motors for the front doors can be disassembled from the front door latches for service replacement, the power lock motors for dual side and dual rear doors are serviced as a unit with their door latches, and the power lock motors for sliding side or single rear doors are available for individual service replacement.

The power lock motors are controlled by the battery and ground feeds from either the power lock and Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) module on models without the optional Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS), or from the Central Timer Module (CTM) on models equipped with the optional VTSS. A positive and negative battery connection to the two motor terminals will cause the power lock motor plunger to move in one direction. Reversing the current through these same two connections will cause the power lock motor plunger to move in the opposite direction. The power lock motors and their hard wired circuits can be diagnosed using conventional diagnostic tools and methods.