Door Lock Actuator UPDATE

[internetman]

Hello,
So you might have seen my thread about my power door locks not working.
I took the car to Mazda (I have a 2000 Protege ES) and here is what the Tech report says:

"Technician verified the concerned and found the door lock actuators need to be replaced in all four locks. Technician checked the system and found powere and ground to all four doors. Technician recommends replacing all four door lock actuators. Customer advised."

Mazda quoted me $698.82, plus tax for parts/labor/everything.

The break down for parts is as follows:
Right Front: $93.94
Left Front: $130.97
Right Rear: $109.36
Left Rear: $134.55

They said they don't just sell the actuator; they sell a kit. *What does that mean?

*Why do the prices vary on the actuators?
*Is the price quoted by Mazda expensive or about right?
*I don't know if you will know this, but do you know what brand of actuators Mazda uses for replacements and if they are the same as the actuators originally installed - because I don't want problems again!
*Lastly, why do actuators fail?

Thanks so much!

 

[Dino1956]

I have the same problem with just the passenger front door lock. I have the DX model Protoge, so after market locks were installed by the previous owner. My actuator grinds intermittently when the lock opens before getting out of car. Your right though. It happens when it is hot outside. I live in Florida. It started happening in June.

 

[nKukoly333]

actuators went out in my 89Camaro and maan were they expensive to replace too!

 

[adr2277]

all 4 are shot at the same time?
could it just be the module under the back dashboard?

 

[M3Silverfox]

My front actuators are shot on my lx Prot. I blame it on the door vibrations from the front speakers, prob just rattled it loose or something....

 

[jster28]

Just get some replacements from the junkyard, Way cheaper or go with aftermarket

 

[internetman]

What is the difference between Aftermarket and OEM? Are the aftermarkets reliable, and if so, where can I get them? Will the aftermarket actutors work with the keyless entry system, too?

 

[zerocover]

s*** my front passenger is shot too. WTF I smell a group buy a brewin

 

[TheMAN]

the "kit" really is the whole latch assembly with the actuators and lock rods.... these are updated parts over the production ones... if you get the junk yard s***, they'll break again some day

 

[TheMAN]

the other solution is to upgrade to the 01-03 locks and when/if those actuators break, you can replace just the actuators themselves... cheaper!
so you can find that s*** at the junk yard too and not have to worry about them

 

[internetman]

how would i be able to upgrade? would i have to purchase a separate latch assembly and separate actuator then? hmm...how would I install it?

where can i get aftermkt. actuators for the protege?