Ever installed aftermarket power window/locks before? 2011 Corolla with cable locks.

[CZroe]

I'm cheap and got manual-everything on my 2011 Corolla. I suspect that they are using crappier components in manual locks these days because so many use remote power locks that they don't typically get much wear and tear. The driver's side door lock on keeps jamming in a way where it doesn't turn until I remove the key and try again or tweak it a bit (not an alignment, lubrication, or key issue).

Anyway, the dealer tells me that my problem is going to cost over $250 to fix with factory parts, which is a lot more than the cost of one of those remote/power central-locking upgrade kits on eBay (about $30). The power window kits are much more expensive but I figure I should do that anyway while I'm in there, especially because I have had problems with the manual windows (get too tight for the last third when rolling down). I already had the window problem fixed once under warranty but it's happening again and they didn't even care to reattach the handles at the correct point (vertical when rolled up). Otherwise I will try to just swap lock cylinders with the passenger side door to buy myself another few years of wear and tear.

The first thing I noticed when looking for Corolla-specific kits is that all the kits say "Universal," confirm fitment for 2011 Corolla, and then promptly claim not to fit cars with cable locks. I'm pretty sure the 2009-2013 Corolla uses cable locks. Should I be concerned? The installs I've seen on cars with cable locks look like they use the exact same hardware but cut into the cable sheath to clamp to the cable like they would on a bar. I can find VERY little information on what kit to buy if you have cable locks. Many repeatedly claim universal fitment for "ALL" cars including mine SPECIFICALLY and yet they *still* have a note about not working with cable locks. So which is it?! I'm pretty sure I can just cut the segment out of the sheath and crimp to the cable with a shim if I need it.

I'm very tempted to just go ahead and order a $119 4-door kit for remote power locks and power windows but, unlike the Corolla specific kits, I won't have any recourse if it doesn't work with cable locks.

 

[NutBucket]

Meh. After having aftermarket power locks installed in a previous car it's not worth it IMHO.

Are you sure it's not a key issue? The key is relatively soft metal so the one you use everyday will wear down over time. When my dad had this issue he simply switched to the spare key and the problem disappeared.

 

[XavierMace]

I didn't even know that was a thing.

 

[CZroe]

Meh. After having aftermarket power locks installed in a previous car it's not worth it IMHO.

Are you sure it's not a key issue? The key is relatively soft metal so the one you use everyday will wear down over time. When my dad had this issue he simply switched to the spare key and the problem disappeared.

It does it with my rarely used spare and never used valet keys. Definitely not a worn key.

It is so much cheaper than paying $250 for a lock that will likely wear out again that I would want to do it even if I were spending the $250 just to reduce wear and tear on the $250 replacement.

I didn't even know that was a thing.

Yup.

 

[maddogchen]

they still sold manual locks and doors in 2011????

 

[CZroe]

NutBucket: what issues did you have with the aftermarket power locks?

 

[rommelrommel]

Aftermarket locks are not terrible, but finding a spot to put the actuator with good alignment can be a pain. Also, you usually kludge in a switch somewhere. Window kits are usually total shit.

What about going to the wrecker and getting the parts to swap them?

Also if it's cable locks I have no idea how the typical actuator kit would even work.

 

[CZroe]

Aftermarket locks are not terrible, but finding a spot to put the actuator with good alignment can be a pain. Also, you usually kludge in a switch somewhere. Window kits are usually total shit.

What about going to the wrecker and getting the parts to swap them?

Also if it's cable locks I have no idea how the typical actuator kit would even work.

If I got parts from a wrecker I would still have to buy one of these kits and work it in since I would not have the remote. Remember: the whole point is to reduce how often I use the key, so central locking only is not the power locks feature I am after. I need the remote.

As for how it would work:
http://youtu.be/cYSep_c51cg

I think this guy needed to secure the sheath better so that it doesn't slide around.

 

[tracerbullet]

I put power locks in an old car of mine ~ 10 years ago, it was basically just locking a solenoid to the rod that moved up and down and running that to 12V and trigger by the alarm brain. I guess you know already how it works. It was rather straightforward, but a real pain in the butt making a bracket to mount the solenoid and finding a place to stick it all. And running new wires through the door jamb, through the Molex plugs and boot, etc. was even more headache. Nothing ever shifted or slipped and it worked forever, so I guess it was worth it in the end. Just a pain.

It looks like it's do-able and you know what to do... From the video, and just thinking about say bicycle cables, it looks like it works it's just not something they want to guarantee to work. If it came down to it I wonder if you could heat up part of the cable and wick some solder into it to stiffen it up?