A few weeks/months ago the front door lock actuator went “bad” in my ‘14 Camry. It wouldn’t consistently lock the driver side door, and I say consistently because for some reason, on some days locking the car works just fine. Took it to Toyota and they want something like $1200 for the repair.

I looked up this repair on YouTube and think i could see it through, but as a layman I’m not sure of course.

I’m hoping somebody has an ace up their sleeve and knows a simple trick to fix it lol. If not I’ll end up taking it in, just wanted to get some trained opinions. Thank you

  • BriceConquers@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    It would take you a few hours being your first time and all. That’s a hard call. It’s also your nice door panel. You don’t wanna make a mistake and ruin it.

    This one is like 50/50

  • Equana@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    Stop using the dealer for repairs for a 7 year old car.

    If you can find a YouTube video that shows step by step how to change the lock actuator, go ahead and give it a try. The tricky part of this type repair is to remove the door panel without breaking something. There is nearly always a “secret” screw hidden in a non-obvious spot that can cause you to break something.

  • Beemerba@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    Door panel is a pita, but the rest of it is pretty simple. Sounds more like a plug than the actuator. Dig around the kick panel near the door. There will be several connectors going into the boot to the door. Ensure all are properly seated and gently tug on each wire in each connector (sometimes the pins are not properly seated in the connections).

    If nothing there, THEN tackle that door panel. Look up a few videos of the removal prior to attempting.

  • Crabstick65@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    Seems a lot, is the part really expensive? a repair like this would typically take an hour to hour and a half.

  • sandyhole@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    If you’re fairly certain it’s an actuator, and you’re brave, then go ahead and try. Worse case scenario is you get so far and then you have to take it in anyway.

    I’ve done actuators before, they’re tricky. It’s not hard it’s that there’s not a lot of space to work with and you may need to remove other parts in there to get to the actuator.

    The other aspect is the wiring. That’s a repair that’s not for the faint of heart. Tedious and time consuming even if it’s straightforward. I did a drivers door wiring harness and it took around six hours and it wasn’t perfect. An older vehicle an one of the back windows won’t work now, but the drivers windows/locks work and she was cool with it.

    There’s ways to check the wiring that aren’t invasive but require a little know how to determine if it’s a wiring issue or an actuator issue.

    How much does it bother you ?? Does the car have a lot of life left ?? Those are factors I’d consider.

    Mobile mechanics are an option too and can save a few bucks.