Post by thespianator on Mar 16, 2017 23:07:42 GMT -5
I've been driving a very faithful 2004 Toyota Highlander since new. Lately there's been some weird stuff going on with the drivers side automatic door lock, the window and the main locking switch.
Actually I've had an ongoing issue with the driver door lock - the key fob rarely works to operate the drivers lock (but occasionally does). (All three other door locks function fine at all times) Usually the lock button moves partially but not enough to close and lock the door. Recently the window intermittently doesn't open/close fully without holding the switch down. Sometimes it's a little chattery.
Sometimes when I get in I hear the doors try to lock (but they never fully lock), and I haven't even pressed any buttons at all, either on the fob or the door. Sounds like it's possessed, doesn't it? Hopefully it's just a dirty relay somewhere. But where that relay is or if there even is one is a mystery to me.
Regarding the driver lock, I've done some research and there is a small electrical plunger motor that is available on eBay (depending on length of plunger) for around $10-12. If bought from Toyota one can only get the entire assembly for around $250 plus the labor to take the door apart and install is about another $250-300. Naturally I'd be doing this myself, if I can be sure that's what's wrong. Taking the door apart from the inside is a chore, to be sure. There are, fortunately, a few videos online about how to do this.
I've read that if the plunger is bad then one would hear it strain. I don't hear a thing, even when the door lock button only moves partially. Now with these other recent symptoms I'm wondering if there is a relay somewhere that's dirty or corroded.
Has anyone had similar issues with this? I've both changed the coin battery in the key fob and also tried the second key fob (car came with two) with a new battery. No success.
Actually I've had an ongoing issue with the driver door lock - the key fob rarely works to operate the drivers lock (but occasionally does). (All three other door locks function fine at all times) Usually the lock button moves partially but not enough to close and lock the door. Recently the window intermittently doesn't open/close fully without holding the switch down. Sometimes it's a little chattery.
Sometimes when I get in I hear the doors try to lock (but they never fully lock), and I haven't even pressed any buttons at all, either on the fob or the door. Sounds like it's possessed, doesn't it? Hopefully it's just a dirty relay somewhere. But where that relay is or if there even is one is a mystery to me.
Regarding the driver lock, I've done some research and there is a small electrical plunger motor that is available on eBay (depending on length of plunger) for around $10-12. If bought from Toyota one can only get the entire assembly for around $250 plus the labor to take the door apart and install is about another $250-300. Naturally I'd be doing this myself, if I can be sure that's what's wrong. Taking the door apart from the inside is a chore, to be sure. There are, fortunately, a few videos online about how to do this.
I've read that if the plunger is bad then one would hear it strain. I don't hear a thing, even when the door lock button only moves partially. Now with these other recent symptoms I'm wondering if there is a relay somewhere that's dirty or corroded.
Has anyone had similar issues with this? I've both changed the coin battery in the key fob and also tried the second key fob (car came with two) with a new battery. No success.
