2011 Scion tC Body Actuators and Motors

What Are Body Actuators and Motors?

Body actuators and motors are the electromechanical workhorses that power the convenience and security features built into modern vehicles. From the quiet click of a power door lock responding to your key fob to the smooth deployment of motorized running boards, these components translate electrical signals into precise physical movement. Without them, many of the features drivers rely on every day — keyless entry, remote start, power sunshades, and automatic side steps — simply would not function.

As vehicles have grown more sophisticated, the number and complexity of body actuators and motors have increased significantly. Today's cars and trucks may contain dozens of these components, each engineered to cycle reliably thousands of times over the life of the vehicle. When one fails, the effect is immediately noticeable: a door that won't lock remotely, a running board that won't retract, or a sunshade that sits frozen in place.

What's in This Category?

This category spans a wide range of products designed to automate and control body-level vehicle functions. The most popular subcategory is Keyless Entry and Alarm System Remote Control Transmitters — the key fobs and transmitters that wirelessly communicate with your vehicle's lock and alarm systems. Also included are Continuous Duty Solenoids, which serve as high-current electrical switches for applications that require sustained power flow, such as winches, battery isolators, and auxiliary systems. Running Board Motors power the automatic retractable side steps found on many modern trucks and SUVs, while Sunshade Motors drive the motorized sunroof blinds and interior sun-blocking panels found in premium vehicles. Rounding out the lineup are Remote Vehicle Starter Kits, which allow drivers to start their engine from a distance for convenience and climate comfort.

Top Brands in Body Actuators and Motors

ACDelco is the official OEM parts brand of General Motors, and their body actuators and motors are designed, engineered, and tested to the same rigorous standards as the parts installed at the factory. For GM vehicle owners in particular, ACDelco is the gold-standard choice for direct-fit replacements with full factory backing.

Dorman has been delivering aftermarket solutions for over 100 years and is a leader in door lock actuator technology. Their integrated door lock actuators are tested up to 20,000 cycles and are designed to meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards — a benchmark many competitors fall short of. Dorman's broad catalog covers a wide range of vehicle makes and models beyond just domestic brands.

Cole Hersee — now a Littelfuse brand — is a trusted name in continuous duty solenoids, offering heavy-duty 12V and 24V units rated for sustained current loads up to 200 amps. Their insulated steel-housing solenoids are widely used in automotive, marine, and commercial vehicle applications where reliable long-term switching is essential.

Mopar Performance brings factory-grade components for Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram vehicles, making them a natural fit for owners who want OEM-validated body electronics without visiting a dealership.

Rock Slide Engineering specializes in heavy-duty, off-road-focused running board systems with motorized functionality, catering to Jeep and truck enthusiasts who demand durability on and off the pavement.

What to Consider When Shopping

• Vehicle fit: Body actuators are highly vehicle-specific. Always verify compatibility by year, make, and model before purchasing.
• OEM vs. aftermarket: OEM-spec parts from brands like ACDelco or Mopar ensure factory-level fit; aftermarket brands like Dorman often engineer improvements over the original design.
• Duty cycle: For solenoids, understand whether your application requires intermittent or continuous duty — the wrong type can overheat and fail prematurely.
• Testing standards: Look for components that have undergone cycle testing and, for door lock actuators in particular, simulated crash testing to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.