Door Lock Repair Cost

Typical costs:

• Repairing a power door lock typically costs $50-$200 at an auto repair shop, body shop or stereo shop (technicians in stereo shops are typically experienced at working inside door panels), or $200-$600 at a car dealership, depending on whether the problem is a loose/ broken rod, a bad switch, a burnt-out motor in the actuator or a combination of problems; whether it takes one to two or more hours (at $50-$120 an hour); and the cost of replacement parts.
• In some vehicles the actuator parts can be replaced separately, but often the parts are sold only as an entire assembly. Aftermarket actuators (not produced by the original vehicle manufacturer) typically cost $10-$75 from auto parts stores like Napa Auto Parts[1] or online retailers like Amazon[2] . OEM (original equipment manufacturer) actuators from the dealership can cost $50-$350 or more for just the part, depending on the make and model (parts for luxury vehicles typically cost more than those for economy cars).

• Repairing a vehicle's power door lock requires opening up the door panel to access the lock system. The work typically is done inside the door structure, where it can be difficult to see; at times the process may require working by feel rather than by sight. Auto parts retailer 1aauto.com provides a video demonstration[3] . The process generally takes from half an hour to two hours per door, depending on the make and model of vehicle, and the skill of the person doing the repair.

• Do-it-yourself repairs for just the cost of parts ($10-$350 depending on the make and model of vehicle, and the source of the parts) is a relatively straightforward task, but it does require taking apart and working inside the vehicle's door panel. The Family Handyman Magazine provides do-it-yourself instructions[4] .

• Before taking the car to a repair shop, try to determine why the door lock isn't working. If none of the door locks are working correctly and there are fresh batteries in the key fob/remote, it might be a blown fuse; if only one power door lock is not working, the problem may be the actuator. A video by eHowAuto explains how to troubleshoot a power door lock problem[5] .
• Both the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence[6] and the International Automotive Technicians Network[7] provide a searchable directory of repair shops.
• Consumer Reports lists tips for finding a good mechanic[8] .

1.  www.napaonline.com/Catalog/Result.aspx?Ntt%3ddoor%2block%2bactuator%26Ntk%3dKeywor...
2.  www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_nr_n_1?rh=n%3A15730441%2Ck%3Adoor+lock+actuator&keywords=d...
3.  www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgOgRn8Ygcw
4.  www.familyhandyman.com/DIY-Projects/Car---Truck/Auto-Repair/replace-door-locks-on-...
5.  www.youtube.com/watch?v=wsqbE_ztTYw
6.  www.ase.com/Landing-Pages/Car-Owners/Find-a-Repair-Shop/Shop-Locator.aspx
7.  autorepair.iatn.net/
8.  www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/12/how-to-find-a-great-car-mechanic/index.htm

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