Q: Power lock will lock passenger door but won't unlock them

asked by on November 13, 2016

Using switch or remote can lock passenger side doors but it won't unlock them what might be the problem

My car has 11700 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Service Battery/cables $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote
Power door locks are not working Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hi there. There could be an issue with the power lock fob for your vehicle and may need replaced. If when you push on the unlock button and you don’t hear anything, then the button on the power lock fob stopped working. If you hear a grinding sound in the doors for a brief moment, then the actuators in the door are not working and need replaced. Most vehicles will default to unlock the driver door or all doors in the event the ignition is on and there is a power loss. Have someone in the vehicle and turn the key to the ON position. Remove the battery ground (-) cable and see if the door locks unlock. If they unlock, then the remote fob is not working. If the doors do not unlock and you hear a buzzing sound as the power is dropped, then the actuator has failed. If you need further assistance with your vehicle, then seek out a professional, such as one from YourMechanic, to help you with your door locks not unlocking problem.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Wobble in front end
There are a few things that may be worn in the steering system. The most common would be the Pitman and Idler arms. These components ensure that both front wheels turn as the steering wheel is turned. If these components...
My car wouldn't start until I sprayed some starter spray
Hello. Typically when one has the results you have with starter spray, you are facing a fuel issue. Did the vehicle continue to run after it started, or did the vehicle start for a moment and then stall? When you...
Front wheel bearing needs replacing
Anytime a bearing is bad and you continue to drive on that bearing you are taking a chance of damaging additional components like hub assemblies, brake rotors, ABS sensors and axles. I would recommend having a mobile mechanic like one...
Aircon makes car battery flat
Hi there. From the description you have provided, the alternator may not be keeping up with additional load of the air conditioning system. This could be the result of, a loose/worn drive belt (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/serpentine-drive-belt-replacement) or a faulty voltage regulator which...
System Gross Leak Evaporative Emission p0455
The code P0455 will not be fixed by having an oil change and tune up. The evaporative leak may just have been caused by a loose or leaking gas cap. The system will need to be tested by leak testing...
When your power steering line that runs to the rack is stuck and will not turn with a wrench at all how do you remove ? 2004 Kia R
I would recommend first removing the power steering pump. Then pull the power steering pump away from the engine as far as the connected power steering line will allow. Then I would use a torch on the flare nut of...
Auto trans - overdrive not working 1993 Dodge Dakota
Hello - there are a number of possible causes for this behavior, which I will list in approximate order of hassle and expense to check out: after making sure transmission fluid is at the proper level and condition (slightly pink,...

Related articles

The Best Used Cars to Buy for Dog Owners
Dog Dog owners are a special breed of drivers. When they shop for a used car they have a list of requirements that can be quite different from other drivers, which tends to make the process a bit of a...
The Best Used Cars to Buy That Can Be Towed Behind an RV
Summer Summer is a great time for a road trip, but often travelers like bringing all the conveniences of home along, in the form of an RV. Then they tow their car behind it – sometimes this practice is called...
The Most and Least Expensive Cars to Insure
Car insurance quotes depend on the car make and model. The Honda Odyssey is the least expensive and the Dodge Viper is the most expensive to insure.