The door lock on a Chevrolet is fairly reliable and should last the life of the vehicle. However, these mechanisms do occasionally fail. When they do, you won't be able to lock the door. The lock itself usually fails as a result of the automatic door locking module failing. But the exterior door lock mechanism may also fail due to jammed or seized tumblers in the lock. When this happens, you must remove the lock and replace the entire unit.
Pry the small trim covers off the door panel using a trim removal tool. Wedge the tip of the tool underneath the notch in the side of the trim piece (there is typically a notch cut in the trim specifically for this purpose). The exact location varies depending on your model of Chevrolet. The trim covers conceal screw bolts that hold the door panel in place.
Remove the screw bolts underneath the trim covers, using a socket wrench.
Use the trim removal tool to pry the door panel off the door frame. You must pry off the retaining clips that hold the panel in place on the frame.
Disconnect the lock rod from the back of the door lock control module. Lift up on the rod and pull it out of the lock assembly.
Use the screwdriver to remove the screws on the front of the panel that hold the door lock actuator module to the armrest assembly.
Remove the electrical plug from the back of the door lock module, and pull the door lock off the door panel.
Install the new door lock assembly. Installation is the reverse of removal.
Reach behind the inside door panel and remove the two bolts that hold the door lock assembly to the door frame, using a socket wrench.
Slide the door lock assembly off the door frame from the outside of the door.
Align the new door lock assembly with the mounting bracket and hole in the door for the lock and handle assembly.
Thread and tighten the bolts for the door handle and lock assembly.
