Door Lock Replacement

The electric door locks inside of your car doors consist of a control switch, the locking door latch and/or an electric control solenoid. When the control switch is energized an electrical impulse forces the control solenoid to push or pull the locking mechanism depending on the command selected. (Lock and unlock). Anytime you have problems with an electric door lock check the fuses or thermo fuse the powers the system.

Step 1 - Identity Door Switches and Controls

Door Panel Components

The average vehicle door has basic controls for the different functions the door performs. Interior light and safety reflector helps illuminate the interior of the vehicle. When the door is open the light and the reflector alert people from a distance your door is open. The electric window switch controls the electrical power to the window motor. The motor turns a series of gears and/or cables to power the window up and down. The electric door switch controls electrical power to the lock solenoid actuator controlling the door to be locked or unlocked. 

A manual door lock switch allows you to manually control the door lock setting. Most manual door locks have an indicator letting you know if the door is locked or unlocked with a red panel when unlocked. The door handle controls to door latch which holds to door shut. Most door latches have two stages, the first stage the door will latch but not be fully closed and the next stage the door is fully closed.

Step 2 - Removing Door Access Panel

Remove Inner Door Handle Bezel

First remove all plastic access panels and screw hole covers.

Step 3 - Remove Control Switch Panel

Control Switch Panel

Step 4 - Disconnect Electrical Connector

Pry gently to remove the switch panel, (do not break). Removing the switch panel is different in all cars. Some vehicles don't have a switch panel because it is built into the door panel.

Remove Electrical Connector

After the switch panel is removed, release the connector safety and disconnect the electrical connector.

Step 5 - Removing Door Panel Mounting Bolts

Locate and Remove Door Panel Bolts

Locate and remove all door panel mounting bolts and/or screws. Some door panels use a plastic push style fasteners. After all door panel fasteners have been removed gently pull up and/or out on the panel and remove it. Remove all electrical connectors to fully separate the panel from the door.

Step 6 - Remove Plastic Insulator:


Step 6 - Remove Plastic Insulator

Remove Plastic Liner

Most car doors have a weather and sound insulator. This will expose the inner workings of the door; in this photo you can see the door lock manual control rod.

Step 7 - Removing Connecting Rods

Disconnect Door Control Rods

There are three connecting rods that must be removed from the door lock assembly, the manual lock control rod, the door handle control rod and the exterior door lock assembly (outside the door).

Step 8 - Remove Door Latch/Lock Mount Bolts

Remove Door Latch Mounting Bolts

Remove the mounting bolt from the door latch/lock assembly.

Step 9 - Replace Door Latch/Lock Assembly

Remove Old Latch Assembly to Replace with New

After the door latch/lock mount bolts have been removed, release all electrical connectors and remove the control rods and insert onto new latch/lock assembly. Transfer control rods one at a time to avoid confusion. Most electrical connectors have a notch and only connect one way. After transfer of the control rods and electrical connectors reassemble door latch assembly. Note: before installing the door panel, test the latch and lock operation to insure proper installation.

Cars and Society

The discovery of automobiles has been one of the most significant of the various innovations of the previous centuries and it cannot be denied that today automobiles and vehicles have a significant role to play in society. In the primitive ages, the only means of commuting form one place to another, across long distances where ensured by the domestic animals lie horses and following the discovery of the wheel, carts also became a popular means of transportation. As time advanced, automobiles came into being and today they have emerged as one of the basic necessities for most of those individuals who can afford to possess a car. Automobiles have had various positive and adverse effects upon society and some of these are discussed below.

• The automobiles or vehicles are one of the major causes of causing noise pollution and air pollution. The emission of toxic gases like carbon monoxide by the automobiles affect not only the environment but also the vital body organs of the humans and air pollution is capable of causing harm to the lungs and resulting in cancers. This is why nowadays, the use of alternative fuel vehicles are being encouraged as they can significantly reduce the harmful effects of pollution in the environment.
• The extension of roadways has resulted in the reduction of forest areas affecting ecological balance.
• It is also to be pointed out here that with the development of better quality automobiles and better mileage, cars are often a preferred option to travel over long distances than railways.
• Contrary to the use of domestic animals, cars and vehicles have emerged as a more favorable option as they can work efficiently and do not need to be rested after a while, thus utilizing lesser time to travel over long distances.
• The manufacturing of vehicles have greatly facilitated the growth of a plethora of industries which produce the various metals that are sued to make the body parts of a vehicle like steel. Gasoline has emerged as an important fuel resource which is used in the internal combustion engines.
• The increase in the number of automobiles has ensured the development of increased roads and highways.
• Cars are a marker of social identity. One of its most important effects in the social circle is its effect on the social status of a person. An individual is often judged by the car he drives. For those who possess luxurious vehicles and expensive models like sports cars, they are definitely considered to be an affluent lot.

Own A Renault Car And Want To Join An Owners Club?

Do you drive a Renault Laguna, Clio, Megane, Twingo, Espace, Performance Renault or any other Renault model, standard or modified? If so, then the Performance Renaults Club is the independent Renault site and owners club for you.

The club has been setup to create a social organisation and an online community for owners and enthusiasts to share and chat about anything Renault or Renault Sport related. It has also been setup to provide owners with all the information other owners have gathered while looking for performance, tuning and styling parts for their cars on the net.

This site aims to bring fans together from all over the world, to provide links to companies that supply bodystyling kits and parts, as well as suppliers of OEM parts, links to other personal websites, links to tuning sites, Renault Sports sites and to other generic sites all from one central location. It is currently the most visited Renault Enthusiast site on the net.

The site also provides a central place where owners can show off their cars, standard or modified, as well as Forums covering lots of different areas concerning Renault's, where you can interact, discuss and meet your fellow enthusiasts as well as at local area meets too or even national car shows. Also you can talk in real time via chat, private messaging or email. You're sure to find the help and advice you are looking for and make new friends along the way. If you run another club or site that you would like to add to us then get in touch.