How to Replace the Door Lock in a 1999 Oldsmobile Alero

The door lock mechanism on a 1999 Oldsmobile Alero is a part of the door latch, although it can be replaced separately. To separate the door latch from the door lock, the entire mechanism must be removed. The door lock is not difficult to replace, but when purchasing a new door lock, be sure to relate to the auto parts sales person which door the lock is intended for, because the parts are different for the right and left side.

Instructions

1

Place the window in the full up position. Remove the plastic concealment cover under the door pull handle. Insert a common screwdriver under the cover and pry it out. Remove the two Phillips screws found behind the cover.

2

Insert the common screwdriver between the door panel and door at the lower-rear corner of the panel. Pry all the trim fasteners out on both sides and bottom of the door panel. Hold the door panel away from the door, just enough to reach behind the door panel. Reach behind it and disconnect the electrical plugs from the window switch and the lower-rear marker light.

3

Peel the moisture shield back, exposing the access hole to the door latch. Release the plastic rod retainers by using the needle-nose pliers to lift the hook off each rod to allow them to be removed from the door latch mechanism. Remove the inside door handle and the manual door lock rods from the left side of the latch. There are two rods present: one from the outside door lock to the inside latch, and one from the outside door handle to the latch. Remove both of these from the latch assembly.

4

Disconnect the two electrical plugs from the latch and lock mechanism. Remove the three Phillips screws on the back striker side of the door that secure the door latch to the door. Lift the door latch out of the door. Use the Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws holding the door latch and lock mechanisms together.

5

Install the new door lock on the latch and tighten the screws. Install the new mechanism into the door and tighten the Phillips screws, securing it to the door. Plug in the electrical connectors.

6

Place the inside door handle and lock rods into the right side of the door latch arms. Swing the plastic retainers over the rods and snap the clips onto the rods. Install the inside door handle and manual door lock rods to the left side latch arms, closest to the inside of the car. Swing the retainers down and clip them onto the rods.

7

Install the moisture shield to its original position. Hold the door panel close to the door and plug the electrical connectors in the window switch and lower-rear marker light. Hang the top of the door panel over the sill plate on the top of the door, and swing the panel down. Align the trim fasteners with the dedicated holes in the door and push them in. Install the two Phillips screws under the door handle and snap in the plastic concealment cover.