Got a problem here. When locking the car, either by remote or with the key, the driver's side door lock screeches something awful. It's hard to describe what it sounds like, except that it's irritating and LOUD! I'm sure this has happened to others, so what do I have to do here? Do I have to replace the door lock actuator, or what? What can I expect cost-wise?

 

This same thing happened to my passenger side door. And yes, it's probably your actuator. (I wonder if I spelled it right) Anyway, the problem with mine was that when I took it out, I found out that it was a small piece of rubber that was worn out. This piece of rubber keeps the gears from turning when you either unlock or lock it. So, most likely this is what is happening to yours. All you have to do is take the actuator out (which is a bitch) and then replace that piece of rubber with something else to keep the gears from turning. When this happened to mine it only made that sound when I locked my doors. It was fine when I unlocked them. Well I hope this helps.

 

i need help with this , mine's doing this exact thing right now... -- how do i get the actuator out?

 

To get the actuator out is a real bitch! First you need to take off the door panel. After that, take out the three screws that hold it to the door. After doing this it should be loose If I remember correctly. Anyway at this point you have two options. You can try and get the whole thing out or just take out the bottom (motor part) of the acutator. To do this you need to stick your hand in the door and with a screwdriver remove about two screws (maybe three) and the motor part will come out. It's kind of hard because you can barely see the screws and because your doing all this while your hand is in the door. But if you mange to take it out, the cover to the motor has another 4-6 screws. Remove those and you will get to the actual gears in the motor. Here you will have to remove another 2 screws to gain access to the area that needs reparing. Once there, you should see a black piece of rubber that is torn and maybe just loose. Thats the piece that you will have to replace. It should still have one intact so you can see how it's suppose to go. Damn i hope all this makes sense. If it doesn't just send me a pm and I will try to explain in further detail.

 

shit, maybe i'll just take it to the dealer... lol

 

It's up to you but keep in mind that they will replace the whole thing. Also they are going to charge you for labor! If you were in Cali I could do it for you but your in Ks!!!