changing power door lock switch.

[n4d3r]

I just bought a Honda accord 98 V6 and so far i`m extremely happy with it. Since the car is 12 years old, it didn`t come as a surprise to see a few electronics not working.

I noticed that the Master (drivers side) door lock switch does not work. The passenger side works and i can also unlock and lock the doors with the remote or the key, but not the driver`s lock switch.

What could be causing this, is it just a bad switch? is there a DIY guide on how to fix this?

My other issue is that my heated seats do not work either. The drivers side is compeletly dead, however the passenger side only has the back warming up.
Any ideas?

Thank you

Nader

 

[jdm00accord]

blown fuse?

 

[lithiumus]

If it's just the drivers switch that is not working, it could be as simple as the drivers door relay. If the remote can unlock the drivers side at least you know that the lock actuator is in fact working.

A fuse usually cuts power so the locks wouldn't work at all so if the locks are working with the remote so it can't be the fuse.

You can pull the switch off and test to see if it's working, they are only $12 at the dealer to replace. I can't remember if the switch links to a relay or just directly to the door actuator. Test the switch first. Does the switch not work either way? i.e. lock or unlock?

 

[n4d3r]

Thanks for the replies. The switch doesn't work either way which ads to more confusion. not sure how to test the switch really. should i connect it to the other door panel and see if it works? is there a DYI for taking the door panels out?

Thank you.

Nader

 

[lithiumus]

Bingo! That's exactly what you should do. Swap the 2 switches around since the passenger is a known good switch, see if it will work on the drivers side. If it does not, you know it's not the switch and not the actuator, might be the wiring or connection between the switch and actuator.

No need to take off the door panels to swap the door handle switch. Just remove the interior door handles.

If it turns out to NOT be the switches, post an update and I'll check my service manual find out where the wires go and if there is another component you may need to check.

 

[n4d3r]

thanks alot man. How do i remove the door handle? is it the little screw behind it with a cover? or i need to open up more screws? I tried to take it out without the screw and it was kinda hard so i didn't wan to break it.

Thanks again

Nader

 

[TDotCord]

It's likely the power door lock actuator. I replaced this on my 98 about 6 months ago. There's a DIY on how to remove a door panel, or get a Haynes manual. There's really no DIY for the actuator. I just started unhooking stuff to get to the actuator.

I did have to remove the passenger side door panel to look at how to reassemble some items, but it was pretty easy.

Couple of things to keep in mind, there are three mini phillips screws on the old actuator you need to remove to transfer to the new actuator. There is red locktite on here, I stripped the screws and needed to drill it out. You might want to get a fresh set of screws first.

There's a metal guide with a weatherstripping channel, you need to re-install it properly. Make sure you slide the window properly back into the channel. I was careless installed the guide just over top my driver's window. It scratched the crap out of my tint the first time I powered down the drivers window.

 

[Namboyz]

im having an intermintant problem with my passenger side. i think i spelled that word wrong lol.

but yeah mine sometimes works and sometimes doesnt.

i was told its just the actuator which is cheap to fix. if the master relay was broken the passenger woulnt work either.

but let us know how yours turns out so i can be guided in the right direction too=)

 

[lithiumus]

thanks alot man. How do i remove the door handle? is it the little screw behind it with a cover? or i need to open up more screws? I tried to take it out without the screw and it was kinda hard so i didn't wan to break it.

Thanks again

Nader

Crap, I can't remember 100% but I think it's just the one screw under the cover. You have to slide the handle, then remove it. It doesn't come out straight. Once it get it out a little, there is a plastic clip that is holding the metal rod in place, Turn it to release the metal hook.

If the door unlocks 100% of the time with the remote control and 0% of the time via the switches, it's probably the switches or wiring.

If the door unlocks <100% either with the remote or switches, it's the actuator. I replaced my drivers side actuator. It's a relatively cheap part esp. used. I replace the entire assembly but I could have purchased just the actuator. It's a bit of a pain and it's better to have the service manual handy to step you through it.

 

[n4d3r]

Crap, I can't remember 100% but I think it's just the one screw under the cover. You have to slide the handle, then remove it. It doesn't come out straight. Once it get it out a little, there is a plastic clip that is holding the metal rod in place, Turn it to release the metal hook.

If the door unlocks 100% of the time with the remote control and 0% of the time via the switches, it's probably the switches or wiring.

If the door unlocks <100% either with the remote or switches, it's the actuator. I replaced my drivers side actuator. It's a relatively cheap part esp. used. I replace the entire assembly but I could have purchased just the actuator. It's a bit of a pain and it's better to have the service manual handy to step you through it.

Thanks man. I got it fixed. The problem was the switch. I went to the junkyard and took a working switch for a dollar installed it and BARABIM BARABOOM. its working again.

thanks again

Nader