Hey everyone. New owner of a 2016 Sonic LT (1.8) and having a couple problems that I think are related. The driver's side door won't lock via the fob or the switches inside, only manually. Figure it's a bad actuator for the lock. But also, the radio will stay on after I turn off the car and open the door. I assume the driver side door switch is also bad, so it isn't registering that I opened the door to turn off the radio. Could these be related? I just moved and don't have any tool yet, or else I'd just open it up and take a look, maybe a wire is disconnected. Any thoughts?
Door Issue
- Thread starter JSin
- Start date
TurtleOverlord
Active member
Yes, its the same plug that controls the lock actuator and door open switch. A few people's driver door actuators have been failing so it seems likely.
Could also be a wiring problem... or maybe just unplugged!
TurtleOverlord
Active member
Only tools needed to take the door panel off are a 8mm socket
Holy ****. So I find a small socket set from a neighbor, take apart the door (almost ripped it apart because the second fastener is hidden so well under the door latch), and pull off the plastic vapor barrier and the connector is just dangling there. Thought it might be my lucky day, tried to plug it in and it was blocked when the connecter had the clip pulled all the way out. Removed the clip to make sure they didn't replace the door actuator with a off brand part that doesn't work. Tested it and it worked. Figured I would try to get it in since I know it works, actually removed the window guide to give it some space and it slipped right in. I might not have been pressing hard enough since I was worried it might not be the right part. Put everything back together, it all works perfect! That's some great luck. Thanks for the motivation for me just to take a look.
TurtleOverlord
Active member
Now if the car starts locking itself when you open/close the door, youll know why they unplugged it.
I unplugged my actuator too, until I got a new one in to replace it.
TurtleOverlord
Active member
Yup, When the door open switch, switches.
TurtleOverlord
Active member
It started just once in a while, but progressed to daily.
Argh, it happened today, locked when I opened the door. Guess it was unplugged for a reason. Not so lucky. I guess that means a door lock actuator replacement?
TurtleOverlord
Active member
Yup, just takes a few torx drivers if I recall. The outer door handle needs to come off to unhook one of the linkages.