Hyundai Repair: door actuator, door latch, lordco

Question
I have a 2003 4-cyl. Tiburon - the driver's door lock does not work. Context: I just had my remotes "reprogrammed" for $52.05 by the dealer. (took 2-3 minutes) I was quoted a price of 254.00 for the actuator plus labour (105.00/hour.)A parts supplier - Lordco - did not stock this particular actuator, but had a universal actuator for 13.00 - somewhat less than 254.00. Question: Will a universal actuator do the job and will I need new remotes? Thanks.

Answer
In my experience, the problem with these door latches/actuators is that the actuator physically binds, meaning that it's impossible to move the lock knob at all.  If this is indeed your issue, you won't be able to use a universal actuator as your old one will still be in place; you'd need to replace your entire door latch and actuator assembly.  I don't know whether these are available in the aftermarket or only at the dealer.  

If you are able to move the lock knob, you may be able to install a universal actuator to solve the issue, but it'll need to be able to actuate the locks as well as contain a switch to tell the ETACM (Electronic Time and Control Module) whether they're in the locked or unlocked position, and to use your existing remotes, it'll also need to be able to be wired to the existing wiring for the factory actuator.  It'd be my guess that the switch isn't present, so even if you wire in the universal actuator, the locks may malfunction or you may lose some of the functionality.

Addendum--

The following was posted in the comments section viewable only by me.  I've added it here so others can see it.

"perhaps the dealer is the only place to find the complete assembly or a wrecker ... i took it apart ... actuator is fine ... cable has broken at the actuator spot ... crimp, perhaps, the two ends together .. a thought ... thanks ... you need to look at how they work by removing the assembly ... took 30 minutes."

The cable should be available at the dealer for a small cost.  Neither the door latch assembly nor the handle includes the two cables that run between the latch and the handle.