vangela1997

My side door lock works manually but when I use the auto lock button, the actuator makes a noise like it’s locking but it doesn’t move the lock. Any advice? Thanks!

mountainmanjoe

are you talking about using the switch on the door, or the button on your fob?

OK and you're for sure hearing the actuator in the door you're asking about right ... the side door?
If so then the power lock mechanism is weak, or the lock is stiff/sticking. Take everything apart, clean it, lube it, and put it back together. Make sure the linkage rods aren't bent or binding.
Or there's an electrical problem somewhere. Bad contacts, damaged/chafed wires, worn out thermal breaker etc. First make sure your battery+alternator are healthy, and fuses/relays are good.
Try jumping 12V directly to the power lock and see if it works then.

vangela1997

The switch on the front door. I don’t have keyless entry (yet). The rods are a little bent from when I replaced the interior door handle with the lock toggle.

mountainmanjoe

ok does the same thing happen if use the switch on the other door?

Maybe all you need to do is straighten out the rods with a couple pairs of pliers.

vangela1997

yes the same thing happens with both switches. I will try to straighten out the rods. Thanks for your advice.

William Kisselstein

Rods being off even a little will prevent things from working right.

One of mine the rods in the sliding side door would flex a little and sometimes you had to push in on the doorskin behind the handle to get it to unlatch the door. I would imagine a bent actuator rod would similarly not move the latch far enough to engage the lock.