WTF Door locks sticking! ('05 Armada)

[TeKKiE]

Okay guys, I normally figure s*** out on my own, but this is bugging me!

ESPECIALLY since I have an aftermarket alarm system installed.

When I lock the doors arming the system, the rear doors do not lock, as if the solenoids are REALLY weak. When I disarm the system, they will not unlock, if manually locked. It just doesn't seem to have the power to unlock?

Anyone else having/had this issue? What did you do to resolve it? I had removed the door panel from the driver side rear door, and sprayed a bit of WD on the lock mechanism itself, but not on the lock motor or door latch assemblies.

I'm going to try it tonight, but want to know what others have done to fix it.

Thanks!

[dx3]

By solenoids do you mean the door lock actuators?

Did you see if it will work without the door panels installed? Sometimes they kinda bind up...

Jonny

[TeKKiE]

By solenoids do you mean the door lock actuators?

Did you see if it will work without the door panels installed? Sometimes they kinda bind up...

Jonny

Yep, that's what I meant I'll try that today. If the actuators are working fine, you're saying that the locks on the door panels themselves are what's binding?

I noticed this morning it was cold out, and they operated just fine. I'm wondering if the heat has something to do with making the locks stick...

[dx3]

Yep, that's what I meant I'll try that today. If the actuators are working fine, you're saying that the locks on the door panels themselves are what's binding?

I noticed this morning it was cold out, and they operated just fine. I'm wondering if the heat has something to do with making the locks stick...

Yes, pretty much. I have seen this as a culprit several times. Heat expands certain things, and it may just be miniscule enough to make it bind. So yes, try it with the door panels removed and see if it opens/closes easier.

Over time actuators do wear down, but certainly shouldn't that fast. Keep me posted and I am sure we can work out the problem. Good luck,Jonny

[TeKKiE]

Update:

I finally got around to pulling the door panel off for the rear driver's side door, and locked/unlocked the door to check the lock "cable". It moves REALLY slow, but it does move.

How do I get to the actuator itself?

[dx3]

OK, so you have a weak actuator then. Again, I have never taken the door panel off on a QX. Do you have a picture I could look at?

Jonny

[TeKKiE]

I could get a picture later for you. The actuator looks as if it's tucked up and away behind the sheet metal. Seems like it's right next to the door handle on the rear door, or maybe even part of the door handle assembly? There's a little slot inside the door latch that you could turn with a flathead screwdriver, that moves the lock mechanism back and forth to lock/unlock the door...