How to Troubleshoot a Toyota Door Lock That Is Not Working

Toyota power door locks require a working door lock actuator and door lock switch to work properly. If the Toyota door lock system is not working, odds are the trouble lies in one of those two components. Each door contains a lock switch that corresponds to that doors lock, while the driver's door lock switch controls all the door locks. In order to repair the door lock system in your Toyota, you'll need to ascertain which of these components has failed.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Trim tool
• New lock switch
• Phillips screwdriver
• Socket set
• New lock actuator

1. • 1

     Pry the lock switch from the driver door panel using the trim tool. Unplug it from the wiring by hand.

   • 2

     Plug the new lock switch into the wiring from the driver's door and push a button to test the door locks. If the locks now work, put the new lock switch into the door panel; if not, remove the new lock switch from the wiring harness by hand and move on to step three.

   • 3

     Pry the door lock switch out of the door panel with the faulty lock using the trim tool. Pull the old switch off the wiring connector by hand.

   • 4

     Plug the new lock switch into the Toyota's wiring connector and test the switch. If the lock now works, put the new lock switch into the door panel; if not, remove the new lock switch from the wiring harness by hand and move on to step five.

   • 5

     Remove the door panel on the door with the non-operational lock by removing the door panel screws with the Phillips screwdriver and prying the panel off the door with the trim tool.

   • 6

     Follow the lock rod from the door latch to the lock actuator. Unplug the lock actuator from the lock wiring by hand. Unbolt the actuator from the Toyota's door with the socket set.

   • 7

     Remove the latch rod from the lock actuator by hand. Connect the latch rod to the new lock actuator. Bolt the new actuator to the door and then plug the wiring into the actuator by hand.

   • 8

     Reinstall the door panel and door lock switches in reverse order of their removal. If you didn't need the new door lock switch, return it and the packaging to the place of purchase for a refund.

Tips & Warnings

• Professional auto repair manuals often detail the use of "known good parts" in diagnostic procedures. With that in mind, don't be shy about buying a new part from the dealer or parts store to diagnose problems. Just remember to keep the part (in its original condition), the packaging and the receipt in order to get your refund if you don't need the part.