My 98 GS400 recently developed a problem with the right front door lock mechanism. If I tried to lock or unlock the door with the key, the lock would not move. I took it to a dealer, and they said it's likely the door actuator is broken. They are asking $530 to replace it, including labor, which seems a bit excessive to me. Anyone has this problem before, and can you tell me how you fix it? Thanks.

 

I had a problem with the driver's front door solonoid. Based on reading the forum, it seems to be common. Mine was replaced under warrenty.

 

My driver side door is wack too. When I hit the unlock button it stats locked. I have 2 unlock with the key. The dealer also qouted me some high price.

 

Me too. My passenger side (I'm in the UK so that would be your drivers side) front door would only lock/unlock about 3 times in 10. Luckily I spotted before I left my car somewhere nasty with the door fully unlocked. Had it replaced under warranty so I don't know how much it would have cost otherwise. From past experience, door lock actuators don't normally cost more than $100 and mine only took about 1-1½ hours to fit tops so I can't think where they are getting the $500+ figure you stated. Does that include the door?

 

mine died last month. fixed it myself. the part was around $270. you have to take apart the interior panel, then the door handle, the window rail. should take you no more than an hour if you know what you're doing.

 

I have the same problem , but only when the temperature drops.

 

Man, I was having the problem with my keys not functioning right and took it to the dealership. They took a look at it and told me that it was the actuator. My front passenger lock doesn't lock fully so that's why on one of my keys, it doesn't roll down my window when I hold the unlock button. Well, first off, I'm going to take apart that door and examine the problem. It hasn't gone out yet, but Lexus said that it might in the future. I'm going to try to adjust it or see if I can locate a used junk part. As I can remember, I've had locking problems with my car before too. Once it didn't even want to lock any of the doors, and now, one of the door isn't locked fully. And too bad, my warrenty is out to get it replaced. Also, I was quoted around $500 to replace it...man, talk about labor charges! Ugh...I rather do it myself and learn!

John

 

yah... last year... mine died out on the rear passenger side. replaced under warranty.... i hope the others dont die out soon......

 

lucky so far.. '99 and no problems w/ actuators

 

I can't believe that price for an actuator. INSANE.
A door actuator is a simple motor with pull up/pull down gearing. You can go to your local car audio shop and have a new one installed for less than $75 parts and labor. It may not be a "lexus" actuator, but it looks like the track record of them isn't so well anyway, time to try other things.

The part itself is $20 or less for all the DIY guy's that wanna take a whack at it. Even the more upperline viper actuators are only $19. It's a simple design and you shouldn't have to pay more than $100 from the most expensive shop to have an aftermarket unit installed.