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Chevrolet Silverado: Why Don't Power Door Locks Work?

Power door locks play an important role, but they could fail as the years go by. Here is what you can do to diagnose the problem in your Silverado 1500.

By Jerry Perez - June 3, 2015

This article applies to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (1999-present).

Power door locks are quite simple. You push a button and they lock; you push another button and they unlock. But even though they're a simple concept, there are still a few things that could go wrong. So, if your power door locks aren't working, it could be due to bad wiring, a bad switch, or even the actuator. We've compiled a guide that will help you diagnose the source. While all of these diagnosing steps are fairly simple, you may opt to visit a repair shop if you question your findings.

Step 1 – Check your wiring

It could be frayed or worn-out, and it could have a false contact.

Old and worn-out wiring could always be the cause for when electrical parts stop working. Follow these steps to make sure your wiring is in good shape.

  • Pop the window and door lock switch panel off the door handle.
  • Unplug the door lock connectors and inspect to make sure nothing stands out.
  • Follow lead wire to the door lock actuator.
  • If any wiring is damaged, replace them.
Figure 1. Remove switch panel and inspect wiring.

If the result of this does not yield any results, continue to Step 2.

Step 2 – Inspect lock switch

It could be old and have stopped working.

Sometimes, something as simple as the actual door lock switch can fail and not operate. One of the easiest ways to diagnose the switch is by trying to use other door locks in the car. If the driver door lock switch doesn't work, try the passenger door lock switch or any other door. If they work, then you've narrowed down your problem. If they do not, then you may have a bigger issue.

Figure 2. Door lock switch.

Pro Tip

Sometimes the contacts of the switches can get dirty; use a q-tip or canned air to clean them.

If the issue isn't the door lock switch, try the next step.

Step 3 – Replace the actuator

It could be jammed or worn-out.

The actuator is by far the biggest and most "complicated" component in the power door lock assembly. The actuator operates a hydraulic system which, when you push the button, triggers the cable that physically moves the door lock to pull back, which locks and unlocks your door. Without an actuator, the door lock wouldn't move up or down. The only way to diagnose an actuator is by making sure it is receiving electrical power. If it is, and it doesn't work, then it must be replaced. Actuators range from $100 to $135 for the actuator only.

Figure 3. This is a door actuator for a Silverado.

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