Door Lock Actuator - Rear

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the rear door lock actuator on a 2018-2024 Honda Accord with 1.5L turbo engine, requiring door panel removal and electrical disconnection.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear door lock actuator assembly × 1 — Use OEM Honda part number specific to driver/passenger rear door
• Door panel retaining clips (if damaged) × 1 — Honda 91503-SZ3-003 or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and turn off ignition
2. Roll down rear window completely before starting to prevent glass damage if power is disconnected
3. Move key fob at least 10 feet away from vehicle
4. Gather all tools and replacement actuator

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove door panel screw covers and screws
   Use a flathead screwdriver or trim tool to carefully pry out the small plastic screw covers located in the door pull handle area and at the bottom rear edge of the door panel. Remove the two Phillips screws hidden beneath these covers.
2. 2

   Remove door panel retaining clips
   Starting at the bottom rear corner, use a trim removal tool to gently pry the door panel away from the door frame. Work your way around the perimeter, releasing each plastic retaining clip. Apply steady outward pressure rather than sharp tugs to avoid breaking clips. There are typically 8-10 clips around the perimeter.
3. 3

   Disconnect door handle cable and lift panel
   Once all clips are released, lift the door panel upward approximately 2 inches to disengage it from the window sill channel. Reach behind the panel near the interior door handle and disconnect the door handle release cable by sliding it out of its retaining clip. Carefully set the door panel aside on a protected surface.
4. 4

   Disconnect electrical connectors
   Locate the door lock actuator electrical connector (typically a white or gray 6-pin connector). Press the locking tab and pull straight out to disconnect. If equipped with power windows on rear doors, disconnect those harnesses as well to allow complete door panel removal.
5. 5

   Peel back moisture barrier
   Carefully peel back the plastic moisture barrier sheet starting from one corner. The barrier is typically held with butyl adhesive that can be reused if done carefully. Peel back only enough to access the lock actuator assembly (approximately the lower rear quarter of the door).
6. 6

   Disconnect lock rod linkages
   Locate the two or three plastic rod linkages connected to the lock actuator (lock/unlock rod from exterior handle, interior lock knob rod, and possibly central locking rod). Use needle-nose pliers to compress the rod end clips and slide them off the actuator connection points. Note the routing and orientation with photos.
7. 7

   Remove actuator mounting fasteners
   Locate the three T30 Torx screws or 10mm bolts securing the actuator to the door frame (typically two on the actuator body and one bracket mount). Remove these fasteners completely. On some configurations, there may be a mounting bracket that needs to be removed first.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Extract old actuator assembly
   Carefully maneuver the actuator assembly out through the door access opening. You may need to tilt and rotate it to clear internal door structures. Ensure all linkage rods are fully disconnected before pulling.
9. 9

   Install new actuator assembly
   Position the new actuator in the door cavity, aligning the mounting holes with the door frame. Maneuver it into position the same way the old unit was removed. Ensure the actuator orientation matches the original installation with rod connection points accessible.
10. 10

    Secure actuator mounting fasteners
    Install the three mounting fasteners finger-tight first to ensure proper alignment. Once all are started, torque to specification in a cross pattern to ensure even seating of the actuator against the door frame.
    Torque spec

    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect lock rod linkages
    Reconnect all lock rod linkages to the new actuator in the exact positions noted during disassembly. Ensure each rod end clip snaps fully into place and that rods move freely without binding. Verify proper rod routing to prevent interference with window or other door mechanisms.
12. 12

    Reconnect electrical connector and test
    Reconnect the actuator electrical connector ensuring it clicks into place. Before reassembling the door panel, turn the ignition to ON position (engine off) and test the lock/unlock function using the interior lock button and key fob. Verify smooth operation and proper locking/unlocking sound.
13. 13

    Reinstall moisture barrier
    Press the moisture barrier sheet back into place, ensuring the butyl adhesive creates a good seal around all edges. If adhesive has lost its stickiness, apply new butyl tape or automotive weatherstrip adhesive to critical sealing areas.
14. 14

    Reinstall door panel
    Reconnect the door handle release cable by snapping it into its retaining clip. Position the door panel and engage the top edge into the window sill channel. Press firmly around the perimeter to engage all retaining clips, listening for each clip to snap into place. Install the two Phillips screws and snap the screw covers back into place.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all door panel clips are fully seated and panel is flush with door frame
2. Verify door handle cable is properly connected and handle operates smoothly
3. Check that window operates correctly and does not contact door panel edges
4. Confirm all electrical connectors are fully engaged with locking tabs secured

Verification

• Test door lock operation from all sources: interior lock button, key fob, and exterior door handle
• Verify door unlocks and locks with smooth actuator operation and proper sound
• Test central locking system to ensure rear door locks/unlocks with all other doors
• Check that interior lock knob moves up and down properly with lock/unlock cycles
• Ensure door opens from both interior and exterior handles in unlocked position
• Verify no rattling or loose components when closing door firmly

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

Chasing one of these codes and not sure which part is guilty? Ask a master mechanic about YOUR car →

More procedures for this vehicle