If the lock button on the driver-side door handle of your Hyundai isn’t working and the tailgate won’t open, it means there’s a problem with the key fob, lock mechanism, or latch assembly. To fix the problem, you should get the door handle replaced, which is covered by a warranty.
According to the NHTSA, the actuator and power function on some Hyundais may stop working after some time with extended use. and some users have complained that their power buttons become harder to operate in colder weather.
To troubleshoot this problem and isolate the cause, examine the mirror and light to see if they are still responsive to your proximity to the door and the key in your pocket. If they are, it means that the door lock mechanism’s technology is still functioning properly and that the problem is limited to the button. Only the door handle assembly needs to be replaced in this case.
Check your proximity to the door as well. While standing too close to the door, ensure you have the key fob in your pocket. If your Hyundai refuses to lock using the button, it may believe your key fob is inside the vehicle. If one of the doors is not properly closed, the button may not function.
Here are a few things to consider before deciding why your Hyundai door handle button isn’t working. But in most cases, the door handle button must be replaced. Luckily, it’s an easy warranty issue that you can get past.
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Reasons Your Hyundai Door Handle Button Won’t Work
The little button on your vehicle’s door handle was designed for convenience. Once you approach the car, you tap the button once, and the driver’s door unlocks.
Then, when you press it once more, the rest of the doors unlock. (All these can be reconfigured.)
Since the mechanics of the button lock system are controlled by the electronics of the actual key fob and the car, problems with the button not working can be linked to issues with the key fob or the car itself.
Here’s how:
Is the Key Fob’s Battery Dead?
A dead key fob battery is one of the most common reasons why your Hyundai door handle button won’t work to lock the vehicle.
The locks are configured to sense the proximity of your key fob as you approach or walk away from the vehicle to initiate the lock system.
So if the key fob’s battery runs out, the locks won’t work. So you can consider replacing the battery in the key fob before contacting the dealership, as this may solve the issue.
Sometimes, it could be a defect with the key fob itself, not the battery.
So you still have to contact your car dealer for this issue to see if the programming is still good or if it needs reconfiguration of its signals or a replacement.
Blown Fuse
Many components of your Hyundai EV are pretty much fuse-controlled. This is likely the first thing any professional will ask you about when you complain about component malfunctions.
Once the actuator fuse is blown, no electrical current will be sent for the signal to work. Inspect the fuses and check for any broken lines. If you find any, you’ll need to purchase a new fuse for the actuator.
Bad solenoid
When there is a problem with the latch for electrical locking and unlocking in your Hyundai in power-on mode, the button on the door handle may not work properly.
This is usually when one door doesn’t work, but others do. You will need to remove the door panel to have it replaced. If you are not comfortable with DIY, it is best to consult your car dealer.
Faulty actuator wire
Hold the door lock’s switch up or down and then open and close the door repeatedly to see if there are possible wire issues.
The door lock actuator comes with wires where the electric current would pass through to power the parts.
You can’t expect the locking system to work properly when there are broken wires. It may be easier to diagnose physical damage when you remove the door panel and have a check-over. If you detect any faulty actuator wires, then they need replacement.
Possible Fix for Hyundai Ioniq Door Handle Button Not Working
To fix the Hyundai Ioniq door handle button, access “User Settings” from the steering wheel menu controls and select the “Doors” menu. If you prefer a single press to unlock all doors, make sure “Two Press Unlock” is turned off; otherwise, turn it on for a double press unlock. By switching to a single-press unlock, you can reduce wear and tear on the buttons. With these simple steps, your door handle buttons will be working smoothly again in no time.
How Long Does the Dealership Fix a Faulty Hyundai Door Handle Button?
When you notice that the door handle button on your Hyundai is not working properly, your best bet is that that part of the door assembly needs replacement.
If you’re within your mileage and date warranty, take it to the dealer.
Unfortunately, the door handle button is not a part they usually have on hand. Since it’s not a stocked part, they have to order it. And it comes pre-painted.
So you can expect the entire process to take about two weeks.
The service manager at the dealership is expected to even tell you this over the phone when you reach out to file the complaint.
Now that you’ve seen it, it’s good to know they are being truthful.
Parting thoughts
When your Hyundai door handle button does not work, you can also look at the instrument panel between the gauges.
As basic as it sounds, this is where you can easily find out why it is not working. It could be that one of the doors is open or the sunroof is open.
The panel can also indicate that the key fob is not detected or is in the car, which can be why the button isn’t working.
If you get none of those warnings, then it is likely that the button is malfunctioning due to wear and needs replacement.
Fortunately, the replacement of your Hyundai door handle is under warranty and will need to be repainted.
So the real worry is that they match it to the current color since most dealers outsource bodywork to the body shop.
