How Much Does It Cost to Add Power Locks to a Car?

Expect to pay about $200–$600 for a basic 2-door installation and $350–$800 for a 4-door setup at a reputable shop; DIY parts run roughly $50–$180 for kits, with keyless-entry remotes adding $100–$300 more, and OEM-style or luxury integrations ranging $500–$1,200+. Costs vary by vehicle, kit quality, number of doors, and labor rates. Below is a detailed breakdown to help you budget, compare options, and decide between DIY and professional installation.

Price Ranges at a Glance

The following ranges summarize the most common scenarios, from DIY kits to fully installed solutions with remote/keyless options.

• DIY parts only: 2-door kits $50–$120; 4-door kits $80–$180; trunk/hatch actuator $20–$80; keyless-entry add-on $40–$150; vehicle-specific interface $50–$200.
• Professional installed (basic power locks): 2-door $200–$600; 4-door $350–$800.
• With keyless entry remotes: add $100–$300 to the above (more if an interface module is required).
• Premium/OEM-style integration or complex vehicles (e.g., luxury, German brands, advanced CAN-bus wiring): $500–$1,200+ installed.
• If you already have power locks and only want remote/keyless control: $150–$350 installed (no new actuators needed).

These estimates reflect typical U.S. 2025 market pricing; local labor rates, vehicle complexity, and kit selection can push totals below or above these ranges.

What Drives the Cost

Several factors influence the final price beyond the base kit and number of doors.

• Number of doors and whether a trunk/hatch actuator is added.
• Vehicle complexity: door panel design, tight spaces, cable/rod mechanisms, weather seals, and presence of advanced CAN-bus systems.
• Labor rates: commonly $90–$150 per hour in the U.S., higher in major metros.
• Kit quality: generic universal actuators vs. vehicle-optimized hardware and harnesses.
• Added features: keyless entry remotes, alarm integration, smartphone control.
• Condition/age: rusted fasteners, brittle clips, or prior aftermarket wiring can add time.
• Warranty and support: better kits and shops often cost more but reduce headaches.

Understanding these variables helps explain why two similar cars can see different quotes for seemingly the same job.

Typical Cost Breakdown

Here’s how parts and labor usually add up for a manual-to-power-lock conversion.

• Parts:
  

  • Actuators and hardware: $20–$60 per door (universal); vehicle-specific modules/interfaces: $50–$200 if needed.
  • Keyless-entry module and remotes: $40–$150 (aftermarket); premium systems can be more.
  • Wiring, relays, fuses, harnesses, clips, and door boot grommets: typically included in better kits; $10–$50 otherwise.

• Labor:
  

  • 2-door install: about 2–4 hours.
  • 4-door install: about 4–8 hours.
  • Add 0.5–1.5 hours for trunk/hatch; more for sliding doors or complex liftgates.

• Extras and shop fees: programming (if applicable), shop supplies, and taxes can add $20–$75+.

In practice, shops quote a flat installed price that bundles these items, with add-ons priced separately.

Scenario Estimates

The scenarios below reflect common use cases to help you compare what you’re likely to pay.

• Basic 2-door sedan/pickup, universal kit, no remote: $200–$450 installed; DIY parts $50–$120.
• Basic 4-door sedan, universal kit, no remote: $350–$700 installed; DIY parts $80–$180.
• Add keyless entry remotes to the above: +$100–$300 installed (module, remotes, wiring).
• Trunk/hatch pop actuator: +$75–$250 total (parts + 0.5–1.5 hours labor).
• Premium/OEM-style install or complex/luxury vehicles: $500–$1,200+ installed.
• Already has power locks, wants remotes only: $150–$350 installed (no actuators).

If your vehicle requires a data interface to talk to existing electronics, expect the total to skew toward the higher end.

DIY vs. Professional Installation

Choosing between DIY and a shop depends on your tools, time, and tolerance for interior panel work and wiring.

• DIY benefits: lowest cost, ability to choose components, learn your car. Risks include improper mounting, wire chafing, blown fuses, water leaks, or rattles if panels aren’t reinstalled correctly.
• Professional benefits: cleaner routing, proper weather sealing, fewer rattles, warranty on parts/labor. Costs more but often saves hours and avoids mistakes.

If your car is newer, uses complex CAN-bus systems, or you want alarm/remote integration, professional installation is usually worth it.

How Long It Takes and What Happens During Install

Install time typically ranges from 2–4 hours (2-door) to 4–8 hours (4-door), depending on panel complexity and wiring paths.

1. Remove door panels and moisture barriers; identify lock rods/cables.
2. Mount actuators securely; align linkage to avoid binding.
3. Route wiring through door jamb boots to the cabin; add fuses/relays as required.
4. Install and connect a control module and optional keyless-entry unit; test polarity.
5. Reinstall moisture barriers and panels; test lock/unlock from switches and remotes.

A careful installer will also verify no interference with window tracks and ensure weather seals remain intact to prevent water ingress.

Where to Get It Done and What to Ask

Shops that regularly handle alarms, audio, and accessories are best equipped for this work.

• Mobile electronics/alarm shops and car audio specialists.
• Independent accessory installers; some dealerships subcontract similar work.
• Well-reviewed mobile installers (ask about insurance and on-site capabilities).

When calling for quotes, ask about parts brand, actuator warranty, estimated hours, whether wiring is soldered/heat-shrunk or crimped, how they weather-seal door membranes, and whether the quote includes shop fees and taxes.

Tips to Control Costs

A few small choices can keep your budget in check without sacrificing reliability.

• Choose a reputable universal kit with solid reviews rather than the absolute cheapest.
• Bundle keyless entry with the lock install to save on labor overlap.
• Get 2–3 quotes and ask for an itemized estimate (parts, labor, modules, fees).
• Avoid peak times; some shops discount weekday appointments or slower seasons.
• Protect door panels and clips during DIY by using trim tools and new fasteners.

Balancing quality components with a clear, itemized quote usually delivers the best long-term value.

Warranty and Compatibility Notes

Aftermarket accessories generally don’t void a vehicle warranty under U.S. Magnuson-Moss rules, but damage caused by an accessory isn’t covered by the automaker. Keep receipts and choose installers who warranty both parts and labor for at least 12 months. On newer vehicles, ask whether a data interface is needed and whether software updates could affect operation.

Summary

Adding power locks typically costs $200–$600 for a 2-door and $350–$800 for a 4-door when professionally installed, with DIY parts at $50–$180 and keyless entry adding $100–$300. Complex or premium integrations can run $500–$1,200+. Your final price depends on door count, vehicle complexity, labor rates, and whether you add remote/keyless features. Get itemized quotes, verify warranty and installation practices, and consider professional installation if your vehicle uses advanced electronics or you want a clean, durable result.

How much does it cost to install an electric lock?

The cost to install a keyless entry door lock varies based on the lock type and installation complexity. Typically, prices range from $150 to $400, including the lock and professional installation.

Can you get power locks installed in a car?

Yes, you can add power locks to a car by installing an aftermarket keyless entry or power lock kit, which includes actuators that connect to the existing manual lock mechanisms, a control module (brain), wiring, and key fobs. This is a common and relatively straightforward DIY project for most vehicles, though it requires dismantling door panels, wiring, and mounting the components securely. 
This video shows how to install keyless power door locks in a truck: 1mMike and LaurenYouTube · Mar 27, 2017
Components of a Power Lock Kit

• Door Lock Actuators: Small motors that attach to your car’s existing lock rods. 
• Control Module (Brain): A central unit that receives signals from the key fobs and sends commands to the actuators. 
• Wiring Harness: Connects the control module to the actuators. 
• Key Fobs: Provide the remote for locking and unlocking. 
• Rods & Brackets: For connecting the actuator to the manual lock mechanism. 

This video shows how to install power lock actuators on a classic car: 1mMatthew FinlayYouTube · Jul 8, 2022
Installation Steps

1. Dismantle Door Panels: Carefully remove the interior door panels to access the internal lock mechanisms. 
2. Mount Actuators: Securely mount the actuators parallel to the existing lock rods inside each door. 
3. Connect the Actuators: Use the provided rods to link the actuators to the manual lock rods, ensuring they can move the locks. 
4. Install the Control Module: Mount the “brain” unit under the dashboard. 
5. Wire the System: 
   • Run the wiring harness from the control module to each actuator. 
   • Connect the red power wire to a constant 12-volt power source, often the vehicle’s battery, as it draws significant power. 
   • Connect the black ground wire to a suitable ground point on the vehicle’s chassis. 
6. Test the System: Before reassembling, bench-test the components with a battery to ensure everything functions correctly. 
7. Reassemble: Carefully reinstall the door panels and check that the system is working. 

Can you convert manual locks to power locks?

While you may have a little respect for the simplicity of the manual car door locks, they are no competition for their more sophisticated cousin, the power lock. Fortunately, you can buy kits which will allow you to change your manual lock into a power lock in only a few hours.

How much does it cost to install power locks in a car?

The locks, the installation labor costs, and even the type of car can all change the price. But, in general, you can expect to pay anywhere from $300-$600 for labor alone. And while you can find cheap and generally ineffective automatic car door locks for as little as $100.