The average trunk lock actuator replacement cost in most vehicles is between $263 and $278, with the labor costs between $53 and $66, and the cost of the parts around $210. Since the labor is fairly inexpensive, car owners can expect the total billed hours for this procedure to be just 60 minutes or less.
Let’s find out the trunk lock actuator’s function, symptoms of a failing actuator, and if it is safe to continue driving your vehicle with a non-working trunk lock!
The trunk area of your vehicle is the car’s main storage or cargo compartment, almost always located at the rear of the car. The trunk, or luggage compartment, used to feature an exterior rack mounted on the rear of the vehicle, with later design integrating the storage area into the interior of the car.
This integration added more storage space and protected your valuables from inclement weather or exterior trauma in the event of a crash. The main storage section in vehicles is usually located at the opposite end of the vehicle’s engine.
For the trunk to work correctly, you need to ensure the trunk lock actuator is functioning at a high level. If not, it will be very difficult and tedious to access your cargo space. The only way you will be able to secure valuables in the trunk is if you reach over the back seat or use a manually-operated trunk to lift the door.
When calculating the total trunk lock actuator replacement cost, you need to take into account any additional damage to the structure of your trunk’s door.
The trunk lock actuator is the electric motor in charge of turning it on via the key fob or by the user of the car. Various makes and models of cars have individual designs and locations of the trunk actuator, unique depending on the vehicle’s make and model.
All, clueing in car owners to bring their car to a certified mechanic as soon as possible.
If you hear the click sound, chances are you automatically assume your trunk is going to open. The audible click provides car owners and users with the feedback the trunk lock is working correctly. However, if you hear the click but the trunk does not open, this is a major issue that can occur with the security of your vehicle.
If this happens, it is a sign the motor is working, but the trunk lock actuator mechanism is not operating correctly. The locking mechanism has many components inside the trunk lock actuator, with one being the linkage system that moves the lock to the ‘open’ slot when the actuator is turned on. If the linkage system does not move according to the electrical signals, this can cause a higher trunk lock actuator replacement cost.
The linkage can become damaged due to trauma or extreme wear and tear over time. If the electronic wire attached to the linkage comes loose, it can lead to internal issues that increase the trunk lock cost and reduce the vehicle’s safety.
If you notice the trunk lock does not open when you press the fob remote or the button in your car’s cab area, bring your car to a local mechanic as soon as possible to get a quote for the trunk lock actuator replacement cost.
Every driver knows the sinking feeling of pressing a button in your car or on your key fob for something to happen, and then nothing responds. This is the sign of electrical damage or broken connections. If you find this signal interruption, this is a symptom that the electronics connecting to the trunk lock actuator have short-circuited.
If there is damage to the internal fuses, electrical circuit, or wires, it can cause a higher trunk lock actuator replacement cost.
The trunk lock actuator is electrical and communicates via signals – we learned that already. This electrically-powered mechanism needs a constant stream of power and information to avoid shutting off mid-use. If you find the trunk lock actuator consistently makes the click noise, this could be the symptom of internal short-circuiting that has led to a rapid turning on and off during use.
If this happens in your car, you need to disconnect your car’s battery. Suppose you notice this sign and let your battery continue running. In that case, it can lead to further internal damage to the electrical or battery system, causing a higher trunk lock actuator replacement cost.
If you find that unlocking the trunk with the fob or switch in your car does not work, but manually you can insert the key into the lock and open the trunk, this is a clean-cut sign that something is wrong with the trunk lock actuator. Unfortunately, if this is happening, there is no repair that can be done, and you must pay for the trunk lock actuator replacement cost.
If you want to save on the total trunk lock actuator replacement cost, you can try to do the labor on your own by following these steps in the exact order. Even with varying car makes, models, and years, the procedure remains the same.
For this first step, you must first acquire a few tools to make the procedure seamless.
Once you have removed the old actuator, the second part of this procedure is to install the new trunk lock actuator. Finishing this process on your own can significantly reduce the overall trunk lock actuator replacement cost!
To give you an idea of how much you could spend on the trunk lock actuator replacement cost, we have included some sample prices for common car models on the road today. The price depends on the type of car you drive, the repair shop’s location, and the specific mechanic or dealership you visit.
Although you can use a manual trunk lock cylinder to open your car’s cargo area of your car, keeping your power trunk lock actuator functioning properly is crucial to the longevity and accessibility of your vehicle. Paying around $270 for this procedure will keep your valuables safe and secure!
