How do I Fix the Door Lock on a 2003 GMC Safari?

If the door lock on your GMC Safari van is not working, there can be a few reasons for this. This may simply be a case of the rods connecting the lock to the handle coming off and needing to be reconnected. In some cases, however, you may need to replace the lock assembly. In any case, you have to remove the door's inner trim panel in order to work on the lock assembly.

Instructions

Disassembly

1

Disconnect the vehicle's negative (black) battery cable if the van uses electronic locks or windows. If it has manual windows, use a hooked tool to unclip and remove the handle.

2

Unscrew and remove the armrest from the trim panel using a screwdriver, then pry out the trim caps and unbolt and remove the pull handle with a wrench. Pry off the trim cover for the mirror's mounting nuts.

3

Slide the trim cover for the door latch handle and remove it, then remove the mount plate for the accessory switches and disconnect the switch electrical connectors.

4

Pry around the panel's outer edge with a flat screwdriver to remove it from the fasteners. Lift the panel off the door, pry it off the door at the window seal and remove it. Peel off the water shield behind the panel.

5

Disconnect the lock cylinder rods from the lock assembly. If the rods appear damaged, and thus the cause of the problem, disconnect them from the handle and remove them from the door. If a rod came loose, reconnect it to the handle/lock and the job is done.

6

Remove the mounting screws for the lock assembly with a screwdriver and remove the assembly from the door.

Installation

7

Install the replacement lock assembly within the door using its screws.

8

Connect the rods to the lock cylinder and to the door handle, if needed.

9

Press the water shield back into place on the door.

10

Reconnect the door trim panel back onto the door, engaging it with the window seal and pressing its fasteners into place.

11

Install the trim bezels--the accessory switch mount plate, door latch handle and top cover trim panel--back onto the door. Attach the pull handle and armrest with their screws/bolts and reconnect the window handle if needed.

12

Reconnect the battery cable from within the engine compartment.