How Much Does It Cost to Install Power Locks in a Car?

Expect to pay about $250–$600 for a professional aftermarket power lock installation on a typical four-door car in the U.S., including parts and labor; DIY kits run $50–$200 for parts; OEM-style retrofits can range from $700 to $1,500 or more, and adding keyless entry or an alarm usually adds $75–$300. These figures vary with vehicle complexity, labor rates, and the features you choose.

What’s Included in a Power Lock Installation?

Installing power locks involves adding electric actuators to each door and wiring them to a control module and switches, often with the option to integrate keyless entry or an alarm. The exact hardware and time required depend on your vehicle’s doors, existing wiring, and whether it already has partial power features.

Most aftermarket kits share a set of common components. Here’s what you’ll typically find and pay for:

• Door lock actuators (one per door): Convert electrical signals into lock/unlock movement.
• Control module and relays: Coordinate signals from switches or remotes to the actuators.
• Wiring harness and connectors: Route power and signals through doors and into the cabin.
• Door switches or integration to an existing switch: For manual lock/unlock from inside.
• Keyless entry module and remotes (optional): Adds remote lock/unlock; sometimes includes trunk pop.
• Mounting hardware and brackets: Secure actuators and ensure correct linkage travel.

Quality kits simplify installation with better brackets and weather-resistant wiring; cheaper kits can work but may need extra fabrication and can be noisier or wear out sooner.

Cost Breakdown

Prices vary by kit quality, number of doors, and labor time. The following ranges reflect typical U.S. market pricing as of 2025.

Here’s how the costs generally stack up for common scenarios:

• Aftermarket basic (no keyless): Parts $70–$200; labor 2–4 hours at $90–$150/hr ($180–$600) → Total $250–$600 for most four-door cars.
• Aftermarket with keyless entry: Add $40–$150 parts and 0.5–1 hour labor → Total $350–$750.
• With alarm or remote start integration: Add $100–$300 parts and 1–2 hours labor → Total $450–$900.
• OEM-style retrofit (factory switches/modules/harness, coding): Parts $250–$800+; coding $50–$150; labor 4–8 hours ($360–$1,200) → Total $700–$1,500+; may exceed $2,000 on complex/luxury models.
• DIY install: Kit $50–$200; tools/supplies $20–$60; time 3–6 hours for a four-door if experienced.

Most drivers choose an aftermarket kit with keyless entry for convenience and value; OEM-style retrofits are best for purists or vehicles that easily accept factory components.

Factors That Affect Price

Several vehicle-specific and market factors drive the final bill. Understanding them can help you target a realistic quote and avoid surprises.

• Number of doors: Each additional door adds an actuator and installation time.
• Vehicle design: Thick door panels, tight cavities, frameless glass, or vapor barrier rework adds labor.
• Electronics complexity: CAN-bus/data integration and factory security systems may require interface modules.
• Add-ons: Keyless entry, alarm, trunk release, or remote start increase parts and labor.
• Labor rates: Urban and dealership rates can be $30–$60/hr higher than small independent shops.
• Kit quality: Premium actuators and weatherproof harnesses cost more but often run quieter and last longer.
• Warranty and support: Shops offering 1–3 year parts/labor warranties may charge a premium.

If your vehicle already has central locking on front doors, adding rear actuators or upgrading to keyless entry can be cheaper than a full system build from scratch.

DIY vs. Professional Installation

DIY Costs and Considerations

Doing it yourself can save hundreds, but it’s a moderate to advanced project involving door disassembly, wiring, careful alignment, and weatherproofing.

• Pros: Lowest cost; you control component quality; good learning experience.
• Cons: Risk of rattles, water leaks, or misalignment; potential electrical faults; no shop warranty.
• Tools needed: Panel tools, drill, crimpers/soldering gear, multimeter, heat-shrink, grommets.

DIY is most feasible on older vehicles with simpler door structures and abundant community guides; modern vehicles with airbag wiring in doors or complex BCMs are better left to pros.

Professional Installation: What You Get

A competent shop provides clean wiring, proper moisture barriers, and alignment that preserves factory feel.

• Pros: Faster, warrantied work; proper integration with existing systems; reduced risk of leaks or electrical issues.
• Cons: Higher cost; scheduling; quality varies by shop, so vetting is key.
• Who to use: Reputable 12-volt (car audio/alarm) installers, specialty restorers, or dealers for OEM retrofits.

Ask to see prior work, confirm warranty terms, and ensure they route wiring through proper grommets and restore vapor barriers to avoid future door moisture problems.

How Long Does It Take?

Professional installers typically need 2–4 hours for a clean four-door aftermarket job; add 30–90 minutes for keyless entry or alarm integration. OEM retrofits or complex luxury models can stretch to a full day. DIYers should budget a weekend, especially for a first-time install.

How to Get an Accurate Quote

A few targeted questions will help you collect apples-to-apples estimates and prevent scope creep.

• Provide year/make/model and number of doors; note any existing power features.
• Decide on features: basic locks, keyless entry, alarm, trunk release, or remote start.
• Ask for itemized parts and labor, including any interface modules and programming.
• Confirm warranty (parts and labor) and whether re-torquing/adjustment visits are included.
• Verify weatherproofing steps: vapor barrier restoration, grommets, heat-shrink/loom usage.
• Get 2–3 quotes from reputable 12-volt installers; check reviews and before/after photos.

Clear expectations upfront usually lead to better workmanship and fewer add-on charges during the job.

Bottom Line

For most cars, plan on $250–$600 for aftermarket power locks, $350–$750 with keyless entry, and significantly more for OEM-style retrofits or high-end integrations. The best value is typically a quality aftermarket kit installed by a reputable 12-volt shop with a solid warranty.

Summary

Installing power locks generally costs $250–$600 for a standard four-door aftermarket setup, with keyless entry pushing totals into the $350–$750 range. DIY can be as low as $50–$200 in parts but demands skill. OEM retrofits and complex vehicles can exceed $1,000. Prices hinge on door count, kit quality, vehicle complexity, add-ons, and local labor rates.

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.

Is it possible to add power locks to a car?

Did you know that adding power locks to vehicles without power lock control is an option? Adding power door locks is a popular option for older vehicles and work trucks. Read on to find out how we can give you remote control over the security of your vehicle.

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 get new locks put in your car?

Rekeying a car door typically costs between $30 and $50 per door, but it may rise to $50 to $150 depending on the lock system and vehicle type. Change Locks on a Car. The cost to replace a car lock varies based on the type of lock, with most locksmiths charging $50 to $200 per door for the parts and labor.