pellegrino

I just purchased a used '96 Honda Accord. The lock switch on the driver side door locks and unlocks all the doors except the driver side door. But the lock switch on the passenger side door locks and unlocks all four doors. The Honda dealership told me it could cost a couple hundred dollars per door to fix this, so I declined. I've just been using the key in the driver side door to lock/unlock all doors. Or I open the passenger side door and use the switch.

This morning when I went to my car, the doors were unlocked. I know I locked them last night. When I was driving, the doors randomly started to lock and unlock themselves. I went into one store and when I came out the doors were unlocked. Went into another, and the doors were still locked when I came out.

Is there a cheap way to fix this problem? Have the dealership just disable the automatic locks or something? Auto locks are nice, but I don't need them. I just had to have the automatic transmission rebuilt (at only 147,000 miles), and the rear brake pads replaced. I can't afford to put much more into this car at the moment, but would like the car to at least lock properly!

P_Adams

You need the Door Lock Actuator for the left side (Drivers) lock mechanism.

Not only isn't it responding like the three other cousins, but it's sending out spurious "Lock" commands all by itself.

P

pellegrino

Thanks! I Googled this part and it seems fairly inexpensive, about $60. But I know absolutely nothing about cars - this is my first one (I've always lived in big cities and relied on public transportation!). Do you have any idea what the total cost might be to have a mechanic replace this part?

bseriescrxsi

now curiously....when your trying to lock the doors are you using the driver side lock switch...because if the driver side door is open the lock on it will not lock...it is a safety feature because from what it sounds like that could be your issue to test this hold the inside of the door handle like you would to open the door to get out of the car and then hit the drivers side switch....if it works its just a built in safety feature

pellegrino

Thanks. I tried what you said, and yes, it won't lock when the door is open. But all four doors do seem to lock when I use the driver's side lock switch and the door is closed. So if it is a safety feature, then I guess it's working right.

But that doesn't explain the unlocking on its own, right? In any case, it hasn't unlocked on its own since I last posted. Though I'm sure it'll start doing it again at some point.

Thank you both for your suggestions!