Door Lock Relay Cost Estimate
Concerned about potential overpayment for your door lock relay replacement? Utilize Mymechanic to obtain a fair cost estimate for the service.
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How much does it cost to replace a door lock relay?
The total replacement cost for a door lock relay varies depending on your vehicle and location, covering both parts and labor charges.
How long does it take to replace a door lock relay?
Typically, a mechanic will spend approximately 0.5 hours replacing a door lock relay. However, the duration may vary based on the specific vehicle. Prior to the replacement, the technician will examine the electrical system to verify the relay's malfunction.
How did we estimate these prices?
My Mechanic experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all states in Malaysia, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified MyMechanic in Malaysia, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repairs
What parts do I need for my door lock relay replacement and how much do those parts cost?
You can refer to your owner’s manual or vehicle repair guide for confirmation on the required parts. However, here's a list of items you might need:
- Door lock relay: Most of the time, a new relay is the only part you’ll need to complete a door lock relay replacement. It is an electromagnetic switch that triggers the door locks when you lock or unlock the car.
- Wiring harness:If the wiring harness attached to the relay is damaged, your mechanic may need to replace it. A new wiring harness may be required.
- Electrical connectors: If the connectors that attach the relay to the wiring harness or the door lock system are damaged or corroded, your mechanic may need to replace them. The cost for these parts can vary.
When it comes to automotive replacement parts, you typically have two options: original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or aftermarket. OEM parts are designed specifically for your vehicle and usually come with a warranty. Aftermarket parts, on the other hand, are cheaper and may fit a variety of car makes and models. For your door lock relay replacement, an OEM part may be the best decision. The difference in price between an OEM and an aftermarket relay should be minimal, and an OEM part will offer reliability in the form of a manufacturer’s warranty.
If you choose to purchase an OEM relay, you’ll need to contact your local dealership or authorized parts retailer. For aftermarket parts, a local auto parts store will be your best bet.
Replacement for the door lock relay in my area
If you haven't found a reliable mechanic yet, it can be challenging to locate the perfect one. Fortunately, Mymechanic enables you to compare hourly rates and replacement costs from numerous auto repair shops in Malaysia.
Mymechanic uses real hourly rates from local shops to provide fair estimates for the services you require. It assists you in planning your repair budget and understanding any diagnostic fees you may incur—and you'll also have access to customer reviews to help you select the best shop.
How did we vet these shops?
My Mechanic experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the Malaysia. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually.
How will a mechanic replace my door lock relay?
If you bring your car to a mechanic for a door lock relay replacement, here's the typical procedure they'll undertake:
- Preparation:Your mechanic will disconnect the car battery and may install a battery-saver device to prevent the loss of data like radio station presets.
- Locate and remove the door lock relay:Depending on your car, this step may be as simple as opening the engine bay or cabin fuse box and replacing the relay. If your relay is behind the stereo or airbag, the technician will have to spend a little more time removing dash panels and various parts to access and replace the relay.
- Reassembly:Your mechanic will replace the fuse box lid and any dash panels or interior components that they removed to access the relay and reconnect the car battery.
What happens if I don’t replace my door lock relay?
If you have a faulty door lock relay and choose not to replace it, you may encounter the following issues:
- Inoperable door locks:You may find it challenging to lock or unlock your car's doors using the key fob, buttons, or even your key.
- Security issues:If your door locks are inoperable, your vehicle's security against theft and vandalism will be compromised.
- Inconvenience: Inoperable door locks can hinder your ability to enter or exit your car, posing a safety risk in emergency situations.
What is a door lock relay?
A door lock relay serves as an electromagnetic switch responsible for managing your car’s power door locks. Upon pressing the lock button, the vehicle’s central locking system sends a signal to the relay. Upon receiving this signal, the relay activates its electromagnet, thereby mechanically operating the door lock to either the locked or unlocked position.
When should I replace the door lock relay on my car?
The two most common indications of a faulty door lock relay are:
- The door locks function intermittently:One of the initial indications of a faulty door lock relay is locks that operate intermittently. If your door locks function inconsistently, requiring multiple attempts to lock or unlock the doors, you may require a relay replacement.
- The door locks stop working altogether:Power door locks that cease functioning entirely are frequently indicative of relay failure. When the relay malfunctions, it interrupts power to the entire lock system. If your car features door lock cylinders, you can still gain access to the vehicle using your key. However, if your car is equipped with keyless entry, you may find yourself unable to enter the vehicle.
Remember:These problems might not solely stem from door lock relay failure. Other electrical issues can manifest similar symptoms, making it wise to seek assistance from a professional mechanic in Malaysia for an accurate diagnosis.
How often should I replace my door lock relay?
Car door lock relays do not have a predefined replacement schedule. They are engineered to endure for numerous years, potentially even lasting the lifespan of your vehicle.
However, with time, relays can degrade and require replacement. It becomes evident that yours needs replacement when your power door locks start functioning intermittently or cease working entirely.
Can I replace my door lock relay myself?
Usually, extensive automotive experience isn't necessary to replace a door lock relay, and many DIY enthusiasts can perform the task easily and swiftly.
However, depending on your vehicle, it might be advisable to entrust a door lock relay replacement to a professional mechanic in Malaysia. This is because door lock relays are usually situated in one of four locations: the engine bay fuse box, the driver-side cabin fuse box, behind the stereo, or behind the passenger-side airbag.
If your door lock relay is situated behind the stereo or airbag, replacing it becomes notably more intricate. If you lack experience as a home mechanic, it's advisable to have a professional handle the replacement.
FAQs
Door lock relays and power door lock actuators are similar but distinct vehicle components. The relay serves as a switch that manages the overall operation of the door lock system. It receives a signal from the central locking system control module when you press the lock or unlock button.
The door lock actuator, on the other hand, is the mechanical component responsible for opening or closing the door lock. It’s typically a small electric motor or solenoid attached to the lock linkage or latch assembly. The actuator receives a signal from the relay and then triggers the lock.
It is not necessary to replace the door lock actuator when replacing the relay, but if the actuator is faulty or malfunctioning, you may need to replace it separately.
Typically, it takes less than 30 minutes to replace an automotive relay. The exception to that rule is when the relay is located behind the stereo or airbag—in this case, it may take up to an hour to disassemble and reassemble the dashboard components.
