How to Replace a Car Door Lock and Key

The Car door lock and key enable us to lock our car before leaving it unattended while feeling safe that it will be undisturbed when we return. These locks use the car’s ignition key or a remote fob to unlock and enter the vehicle. Incorporated into the door handle and connected by a series of metal control rods these locks are attached to the inner door handle and to the door latch which holds the door shut.

Table of Contents

What Goes Wrong With The Car Door Lock?

A door lock is subjected to cold rain and wind as part of its everyday operation.
Dirt and water sneak into the lock causing the tumblers to corrode while the constant
use of the lock wears on its internal parts. When this part fails the door can be
jammed shut and unable to open or it will hinder the operation of the inner handle.
The key tumbler like any other lock will wear due to the key being inserted causing
the tumbler to stop working.

What Does it Cost to Replace a Car Door Lock?

The parts for a door lock and key will cost between $20.00 and $50.00(US) depending
on the manufacturer if you don’t mind having a different key to work the lock. Each key
is cut for an individual key the new lock will have a different key than the original
unless you take the lock to a locksmith to have it matched to the new tumbler which
will run about $30.00 (US). If you were to take your car in to have the job done
at a repair garage or the dealership it will run between $170.00 and $280.00 (US)
aside.

Symptoms of a Door Lock Going Bad

There is a distinctive sign a door lock is going bad. When you put the ignition
key in the lock it will not turn the lock unless you giggle the key which causes
the tumblers to move slightly upward allowing the lock to work. This is a sign that
one day you will not be able to wiggle the key because the wear will have overtaken
the lock disabling its ability to open and close.

Let’s Get Started

1. Remove the Door Panel

If the car has electric windows turn the ignition key to the on position and raise the window completely. Then turn the ignition off and remove the door panel. This will allow you to gain access to the rear of the door lock for removal.

How to Replace a Car Door Lock and Key

2. Raise the Window Up

Once the door panel has been removed with the window wiring still connected turn
the ignition key back to the on position. Work the switch so the window is in the
most upright position then turn the key off. It is a good idea to move the passenger’s
side window down to prevent accidental lock-out during the job. If the car has manual
windows you can just work the window crank up or down.

How to Replace a Car Door Lock and Key

3. Remove the Inner Liner

There will be a plastic liner is used to keep water from entering the inner
workings of the door. Grasp the plastic door liner and gently remove it. The glue
used is meant to be reused after the repair is complete.

4. Remove the Door Handle Control Rod

While using the access of the inner door locate the main handle control rod and
un-clip it. This clip was broken rendering the handle non-operational which will
be also fixed in this repair.

5. Remove Lock Control Rod

Locate the lock control rod and by using a long pick or screwdriver un-clip the
rod and remove it from the lock arm by pushing the clip downward away from the control
rod.

6. Unbolt Outer Handle

Using a 10mm socket or wrench remove the inner door handle lock mounting bolts
by turning them counterclockwise.

Some manufacturers offer a door handle mounting bolt access hole which can aid
in the removal of the door handle mounting bolts.

7. Remove Outer Door Handle

Once the mounting bolts have been removed gently grasp the handle and lock assembly
and lift up to remove it. This can take some jostling so be careful not to scratch
the paint. Masking tape can be used stuck below and around the handle to help avoid
paint damage.

8. Remove the Door Lock

Use a small screwdriver or pick to remove the retainer clip that holds the lock
inside the handle housing.

Once the clip has been removed the lock cylinder will become loose and ready
to be removed.

Push the lock tumbler out from the outer door handle and use a shop towel to
clean the handle cylinder to get ready for the new lock to be installed.

9. Install a New Door Lock

A new key will be included with the new lock assembly that will be different
than your old door key. If you want the same key the lock will need to be taken
to a locksmith with the old key and rekeyed.