How to Replace Basic Door Locks in Cars
The basic door locks for cars are all much alike. However, when purchasing a door lock for replacement on your car, make sure you get the right one for your make and model. You may want to buy more than one door lock so you will have a common key for all doors.
Things You'll Need
- Phillips screwdriver
- Flathead screwdriver
- Pliers
- Roll the window all the way up on the door you will be working on.
- Locate the screws around the arm rest that secures it to the door.
- Remove the screws with a Phillips screwdriver.
- Find any screws that may hold the interior door panel to the door itself and remove these.
- Starting at the lower rear corner of the door, place your flathead screwdriver between the door panel and the door. Slowly slide the screwdriver up the panel until you hit a trim fastener.
- Pry the fastener out carefully. Continue doing this all the way around the door panel. If you do not make contact with a door fastener, that means the door panel is secured with inverted hooks. To remove a panel with inverted hooks, lift straight up on the door and the hooks will disengage and the panel will come off easily.
- Gently move the door panel away from the door until all the electrical connections are disconnected.
- Carefully peel back the moisture shield until you can see the rear portion of the door.
- Locate the door lock cylinder next to the outside door handle.
- Look for the plastic door lock rod retainer that secures the rod to the lock cylinder. Detach this by pushing the piece that is attached to the rod on its side.
- Lift the rod up and out of the lever.
- Find the U-shaped spring clip that sits on the back of the door lock cylinder.
- Use pliers and grab the collar on the top of the clip, then twist and lift at the same time to remove the spring clip.
- Work from the outside of the door and pull the lock out of the door.
- Take the new lock cylinder and insert it through the outside of the door.
- Use your fingers and push the U-shaped clip on the back of the cylinder down from the top.
- Push down with pliers to make sure the clip is fully depressed.
- Place the lock rod in the hole of the lock cylinder lever.
- Snap the retainer clip on the rod.
- Replace the moisture barrier back to its original state.
- Put the interior door panel back in place and tighten with screws.