MasterG

I'm puzzled by a door lock problem. The passenger front door lock doesn't want to unlock when it's cold outside. It can be manually opened from the inside . It can be opened with a key from the outside. My Lexus dealer said the actuator needs to be replaced. Can this be right ? I thought once the actuator was going bad it shouldn't work in either direction. It works perfect to lock the doors , the cold doesn't effect it at all. My main concern is the almost $500 price tag on this repair.

LexLS

Yeah, I've heard before that door lock actuators do sometimes goes bad. $500 seems completely outrageous for the repair. I think you should get the part number and see if your local Toyota dealer's parts department can get it for you, chances are it will be much cheaper for the part from them. These are complex cars so the cold can affect them sometimes. Ohhh yeah, what model/year do you have?
Earl!

steviej

iTrader: (1)

actuators do go bad. It is the electric solenoid that moves the lock mechanisms. It may be in the cold, the solenoid doens't have the juice to move the lock. However, the key in the lock cylinder and your finger on the lock button inside the car have enought to make the acutal linkage move the lock mechanism.

$500 is totally outrageous, but the parts guy has us by the neverminds......has us over a barrel.
I agree with Earl, check with Toyota, may be the same part as on the Camry or Avalon. It would be totally funny if it were the same and half the price. That would be something to throw at your local consumer reporter.

steviej

MasterG

1999 GS 400

DevilDog

MasterG
There was a Special Service Campaign for defective door lock actuators (1998 GS). But it only applies to cars under the 4yr/50k warranty. My advice would be to call lexus and give them your vin to see if it qualifies for the SSC. If it does, ask them to do it even though your out of warranty. Couldn't hurt to ask!

DD