How To Repair / Power Door Lock-1 / Power Door Lock-2 / Power Door Lock-3

Changing Electric Power Door Locks

(always wear protective safety goggles and gloves before work begins)

The electric door locks inside of your car doors consist of a control switch, the locking door latch and/or a 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).

Identity Door Switches and Controls

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 form a distance your door is open. The electric window switch control 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 a indictor 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, the next stage the door is fully closed.

Step1 of 8. Removing door access panels

First remove all plastic access panels and screw hole covers.

Step2 of 8. Remove 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.

Car Door Electrical Parts

Purchase Power Door Locks - The electric door lock is operated by the control switches in the drives side or passage side compartment.

Purchase Power Window Motor - Power window motors can move the window up and down. Electric window motors are a normal service item.

Common Problems

1. Electric door lock fails to operate.

2. Door latch wears and will not close completely.

3. Connector rods become disconnected and cause failure of one or more door latch/lock functions.

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