How to Replace the Door Locks on a Dodge Dakota

Replacing the door locks on your Doge Dakota might be a necessary step if you have lost a key and believe it ha put your truck at risk. The lock on each door involves a cylinder that the key goes into and is connected to the door latch and the door handles. You need to change the locks on all doors, or els you're looking at needing multiple keys for the doors. Keep in mind you will need two keys unless you can install the same lock cylinder with the ignition switch.

Instructions

Trim Panel

1

Raise the door's window completely.

2

Pry the window control switch with a trim stick and disconnect its electrical connector.

3

Unscrew all of the door panel's retaining screws with a screwdriver; this should include screws at the bottom edg of the panel and behind the inner door handle.

4

Pull upward on the door panel to release it from its hooks/clips, then raise it up and off the door. Disconnect all wiring harness connectors and the link rod to the inner handle.

5

Peel away the plastic water shield on the door behind the panel.

Lock Cylinder

6

Disconnect the link rods from the outside door handle and detach the handle from the door by removing its mounting nuts with the wrench.

7

Separate the link rod from the lock cylinder. Remove the lock cylinder's mounting screw and remove the cylinder from the door.

8

Install the replacement lock cylinder into the door and bolt it in place. Connect the link to the cylinder.

9

Insert the outside door handle back on the door, connect its mounting nuts and connect the link rods.

10

Re-connect the door's inner trim panel in the reverse order of removal.