Door Locks

What Types of Car Door Locks and Parts Can You Buy?

You can buy every major part of automotive door locks here, including electric actuators, key cylinders and the small clips that hold the linkage together. Most lock problems trace back to one of these parts, so it helps to know what each one does:

• Door lock actuators that lock and unlock power doors and trunks
• Door lock sets and cylinders that let one key work across multiple locks
• Door lock rods and relay rod sets that connect the handle, cylinder and latch
• Door lock rod clips that hold each rod in place
• Door lock pawls, gaskets and switch bezels for specific trucks and Jeeps
• Power door lock kits and door solenoids for manual-to-power conversions

Many hard parts come from Crown Automotive, including door lock rod clips and a switch bezel for the 2011-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK. Door lock pawls for 1973-87 Chevy/GMC trucks are also available.

Prices run from under $10 for rod clips to over $200 for some actuators, and some items ship same day. If the latch itself is broken, shop our door latches instead.

How Do You Choose the Right Door Lock Actuator?

Start by finding out whether your vehicle uses an integrated or non-integrated door lock actuator, because the two usually aren't interchangeable. An integrated actuator combines the motor and latch in one assembly, so you replace them together. Examples include integrated actuators for 2009-2014 Chevrolet/GMC and 1993-1998 Toyota T100 models from Dorman Products.

A non-integrated actuator is a separate motor that moves the latch through a rod. It's usually a smaller part, and you can often replace it without removing the latch. Dorman Products offers non-integrated trunk actuators for 1998-2010 Volkswagen and 2002-2012 Jeep applications.

Before you order a power door lock actuator, match the door position (front or rear, driver or passenger) and the connector style on your harness. If you aren't sure the actuator is the problem, check the fuse and door lock switch first, since power locks need voltage. Browse our ignition and electrical tech articles for help with wiring diagnosis.

Which Door Lock Set Matches Your Classic Car's Keys?

The right door lock set matches the key style your car came with, so start by looking at the key head. JEGS offers lock sets for select 1961-1994 GM models with original octagon, oval-style and square-style keys. Some sets cover the ignition, doors, trunk and glovebox, so one key works everywhere.

Ford and Mercury owners can choose an ignition and door lock set for select 1961-1977 models. A door lock cylinder is the keyed part you see on the outside of the door. Replacing cylinders as a set keeps you from carrying multiple keys, and the correct key style helps your build look period-correct.

If your trunk needs work too, shop our trunk locks. On 1955-1978 GM models, seal new cylinders with fresh door and trunk lock gaskets to keep water out. For more project guidance, check our restoration tech articles.

Can You Convert Manual Locks to a Power Door Lock Kit?

Yes. A keyless entry power door lock kit from Electric Life converts manual door locks to power, adding keyless entry to a classic or base-trim vehicle. Electric Life also sells door solenoids, a common choice for custom builds that need powered door hardware.

Plan the install before you order. You'll mount an actuator inside each door, route wiring through the door jambs, and connect the system to switched power and ground. Check that each door has room for the actuator and its linkage, especially on older cars with tight door cavities.

A conversion works best with healthy mechanical parts, since worn rods or brittle clips can keep a new actuator from moving the lock cleanly. If you'd rather keep your manual setup, you can still refresh it with new rods, clips and a matching door lock set. Either way, test every door and the key cylinders before you reinstall the door panels.

How Do You Confirm Door Lock Fitment Before You Buy?

Use the Year/Make/Model vehicle selector on this page. Select "Add a vehicle," enter your details, and the page shows parts listed to fit your car or truck. It's the fastest way to narrow your car door lock replacement options.

Next, confirm the side and position. Actuators, rods and cylinders are often specific to the driver or passenger side and to front or rear doors. Match the listing to the door you're fixing.

Then look at the parts around the lock. Rods and clips vary by application, and a new lock won't work well on a bent rod or broken clip.

Compare your old part to the listing photos, and note connector shapes, rod lengths and mounting points before you remove anything. For help getting door panels off without damage, see our body and hardware tech articles.

Ready to finish the job? Shop all body handles, latches and locks for matching hardware.