How To Replace Electric Door Locks In Car?

Door Lock Replacement

The electric door locks inside of your car doors consist of a control switch, the locking door latch and/or an electric control solenoid. When the control switch is energized an electrical impulse forces the control solenoid to push or pull the locking mechanism depending on the command selected. (Lock and unlock). Anytime you have problems with an electric door lock check the fuses or thermo fuse the powers the system.

Step 1 - Identity Door Switches and Controls

Door Panel Components

The average vehicle door has basic controls for the different functions the door performs. Interior light and safety reflector helps illuminate the interior of the vehicle. When the door is open the light and the reflector alert people from a distance your door is open. The electric window switch controls the electrical power to the window motor. The motor turns a series of gears and/or cables to power the window up and down. The electric door switch controls electrical power to the lock solenoid actuator controlling the door to be locked or unlocked. 

A manual door lock switch allows you to manually control the door lock setting. Most manual door locks have an indicator letting you know if the door is locked or unlocked with a red panel when unlocked. The door handle controls to door latch which holds to door shut. Most door latches have two stages, the first stage the door will latch but not be fully closed and the next stage the door is fully closed.

Step 2 - Removing Door Access Panel

Remove Inner Door Handle Bezel

First remove all plastic access panels and screw hole covers.

Step 3 - Remove Control Switch Panel

Control Switch Panel

Pry gently to remove the switch panel, (do not break). Removing the switch panel is different in all cars. Some vehicles don't have a switch panel because it is built into the door panel.

Step 4 - Disconnect Electrical Connector

Remove Electrical Connector

After the switch panel is removed, release the connector safety and disconnect the electrical connector.

Step 5 - Removing Door Panel Mounting Bolts

Locate and Remove Door Panel Bolts

Locate and remove all door panel mounting bolts and/or screws. Some door panels use a plastic push style fasteners. After all door panel fasteners have been removed gently pull up and/or out on the panel and remove it. Remove all electrical connectors to fully separate the panel from the door.

Step 6 - Remove Plastic Insulator

Remove Plastic Liner

Most car doors have a weather and sound insulator. This will expose the inner workings of the door; in this photo you can see the door lock manual control rod.

Step 7 - Removing Connecting Rods

Disconnect Door Control Rods

There are three connecting rods that must be removed from the door lock assembly, the manual lock control rod, the door handle control rod and the exterior door lock assembly (outside the door).

Step 8 - Remove Door Latch/Lock Mount Bolts

Remove Door Latch Mounting Bolts

Remove the mounting bolt from the door latch/lock assembly.

Step 9 - Replace Door Latch/Lock Assembly

Remove Old Latch Assembly to Replace with New

After the door latch/lock mount bolts have been removed, release all electrical connectors and remove the control rods and insert onto new latch/lock assembly. Transfer control rods one at a time to avoid confusion. Most electrical connectors have a notch and only connect one way. After transfer of the control rods and electrical connectors reassemble door latch assembly. Note: before installing the door panel, test the latch and lock operation to insure proper installation.