How to Change the Door Locks on a Camry

Toyota Camrys have two different types of door locks, electric or manual.

Two kinds of locks can be used in a Camry, manual and electric. Both kinds can be replaced in the same manner. The manual lock has a push-pull knob. The electric door lock has an actuator; it can be operated with a key on the outside and a switch on the inside.The tumblers are the same in both the electric and manual versions. The new lock assembly will come with two keys, or you can go to a locksmith and have him make your original key fit the new assembly. Before you disassemble the door, ensure that your manual push-pull knob will unlock the door or that your electronic actuator works with the inside switch.

Things You'll Need

• 10 mm wrench
• 7/16-inch wrench
• 1/2-inch wrench
• Phillips screwdriver
• Long flat screwdriver
• Heavy putty knife
• Needle-nose pliers
• Angled needle-nose pliers
• Lock key and tumbler assembly

Instructions

Disassembly

1. 

   Take off the negative battery cable.

   Disconnect the battery cable before you start disassembly to avoid an electrical short.

2. 

   The door panel must come off to access the lock assembly.

   Remove the two Phillips screws under the caps closest to the dashboard and the two screws under the armrest. If your car has a screw under the light cover--not all Camrys do--remove that as well. Remove the push pins at the end of the door panel with a wide flat screwdriver. Insert the screwdriver next to the push pin and pry the pin. But be careful. Applying too much pressure will crack the plastic door panel. The bottom of the door has two or three push pins; Follow the same procedure with the two or three push pins at the bottom of the door.

3. 

   The bezel is underneath the door handle.

   Remove the screw from the door handle bezel. Remove the bezel using a flat, heavy putty knife, taking care not to crack the plastic bezel. At the top of the door, the panel fits into the window groove. To remove the panel, lift up and rock it. On the back of the panel, wires will be plugged into the window switch and door lock switch. Unplug all wires and lay the panel aside.

4. 

   Needle-nose pliers are used to remove plastic and spring clips.

   Take off the plastic moisture barrier and expose the inside of the door. Remove the actuator rod clip from behind the lock assembly, or if the lock is manual, take off the push-pull rod clip. Remove the door lock's retaining clip with a long pair of angled needle-nose pliers and take the lock assembly out of the door, completing disassembly.

Reassembly

1. 

   Have your lock assembly fitted to your original key.

   Place the new door lock assembly in the hole in the door. Put the spring clip on the lock, making sure it is secured very tightly. Replace the actuator rod and clip in the lock assembly, or if it is manual, return the push-pull rod and clip to the lock assembly. Put back the moisture barrier, making sure the wiring is through the opening in the plastic barrier. Plug in the wiring on the door lock and window switches.

2. 

   Phillips trim screws hold the door panel in place.

   Hang the door panel, including the plastic push pins, on the window groove. With the heel of your hand, push the pins into the hole in the door until the door panel is secure. Replace all the Phillips screws in the door panel.

3. 

   A heavy putty knife is needed to remove and replace the bezel.

   Use a heavy putty knife to replace the door handle plastic bezel, taking care not to crack the bezel, then replace the screw. This completes the reassembly.

4. Reconnect the battery cable.

Tips & Warnings

• Take your time and remember where everything goes.

• Be careful of metal when working through the access holes. Sheet metal is sharp.

References

• "Chilton's Toyota Camry 1983-96 Repair Manual"; Chilton Book Co. 1998

Resources

• "Toyota Camry 1992-1996 Repair manual"; Robert Maddox, 1999