Driver Side Won't Lock at All, Dealership wants $750
 

A couple of years ago my driver side lock stopped working. It doesn't respond to the exterior button, the fob, the interior switch, or the auto-lock past 15mph. If I put my ear up to the actuator and try to lock it I can hear a faint electric motor straining sound. A dealership, without looking at it, said I'd need a new actuator and the parts & labor would be $750. The mechanic I normally use said labor would be $240 if they provided the $500 part, or $313 if I provided the part.

Should I just go with the mechanic and order this driver side door actuator from ebay? Is there anything else I'd need to order?

Hell, you can probably do it yourself. For $300 bucks I'd definitely throw an afternoon at it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvUCEjVkF_0

Funny, I'd been thinking I'd eventually do it myself, but I watched that whole video start to finish yesterday and it made me realize it's something I'd gladly pay a few hundred for someone else to do. I'm afraid I wouldn't get everything back in just right and would have to deal constant rattle/minor issues.

Just make sure your mechanic can work on interiors - it's not the same as working on drivetrains. You might want to get a body shop to do the work.

Edit: As far as what parts may be needed, there are exploded drawings with part numbers in the FSM or Courtesy Parts (and others) have them online. If there are any parts between the actuator and the locking mechanisms, they may be broken or jammed.

Edit Two: The FSM will also have the procedures for removing door panels, actuators, etc - you might want to give a copy of the appropriate section(s) to whoever does the work.

I'm getting an audio system installed in a few weeks, and the audio shop said they'd actually do it for free, but I was worried about them doing it since I wouldn't expect them to warranty their free labor if something went wrong. The mechanic I'm going to was Z-only for many years so I'm hoping they can do it well.

I'd be inclined to go with the stereo installer. The best engine mechanic might not have the touch required for R&Ring door panels. The stereo installer should be adept with panels and have a good knowledge of electrical parts. Installing the actuator will be more like replacing a stereo than replacing a cam. But these are generalities - your mechanic may be an interior guru.

Thanks, I'll do that. It's worth a shot since it's free anyway. It would probably be cheaper to fix minor door issues than pay $300 for the actuator install.

I agree with you after watching the diy video.