I have a 1992 Honda Accord 2-door coupe. A few days ago, I started hearing a whirring sound whenever I locked the door from inside the car. I have automatic door locks that appear to be working, aside from the strange noise. Does anyone know what's causing the noise and how much it might cost to have it fixed at the dealer? Can you also give me an idea if the locks are about to break or if the noise is just an annoyance. Thanks!

The door lock actutators are actually motors controlled by the power door lock control unit which I think is located in the drivers door. When you push the door lock switch down, the control unit sends a voltage to the motor for a timed period. When you push the door lock up, the control unit sends a reversed voltage to the motor for a timed period causing the lock lever to go up. So if you are hearing the motors operate longer then necessary, you probaby have a defective control unit or a stuck switch. The first thing is to check to ensure the switches operate freely and maybe disconnect the door switch on the offending door. (It is behind the inside door handle). If you don't take care of the problem, you could burn out the motor(s) or blow a fuse. (fuse no. 27 20amp ). If the problem is a bad control unit, you probably need to check with a junk yard. There are so many 90-93 cars out there, you should not have trouble finding a used unit.

The door lock actutators are actually motors controlled by the power door lock control unit which I think is located in the drivers door. When you push the door lock switch down, the control unit sends a voltage to the motor for a timed period. When you push the door lock up, the control unit sends a reversed voltage to the motor for a timed period causing the lock lever to go up. So if you are hearing the motors operate longer then necessary, you probaby have a defective control unit or a stuck switch. The first thing is to check to ensure the switches operate freely and maybe disconnect the door switch on the offending door. (It is behind the inside door handle). If you don't take care of the problem, you could burn out the motor(s) or blow a fuse. (fuse no. 27 20amp ). If the problem is a bad control unit, you probably need to check with a junk yard. There are so many 90-93 cars out there, you should not have trouble finding a used unit.

Thank you. I'm sure that's what's going on. I don't have the ability to fix it myself, however. My fiance suggested oiling the lock. Could that possibly unstick it, or is it way more complicated than that???

I don't think that will fix the problem. There are no switches in the actutators. So oiling will cause the motor to stop running. It is door switches or the timing unit.

I don't think that will fix the problem. There are no switches in the actutators. So oiling will cause the motor to stop running. It is door switches or the timing unit.

OK, thanks again. We'll take it in over the weekend. Hopefully it will make it until then.

Meantime, go ahead and oil the (outside of the) lock. That won't do any harm (except get oil on your clothes if you're careless).

When you find out what caused the problem, pleae tell us.

When you find out what caused the problem, pleae tell us.

I called the service person at the Honda dealership I've dealt with for years and described the problem. She said it would cost $442 to fix, but she said it wouldn't cause any problem other than the noise. I think I'm going to believe her for the time being, since I don't have $442. She said she has never heard of anyone blowing a fuse or burning out a motor, and I know she's worked there for many years. I hope she's right. :-)

A usecd timer control unit can be purchased here for about $40.00. Not hard to change once you get the driver door panel off. If your b/f has any mechanical ability, he can do it.

http://www.d-a-p.com/shop/Scripts/default.asp

A usecd timer control unit can be purchased here for about $40.00. Not hard to change once you get the driver door panel off. If your b/f has any mechanical ability, he can do it.

http://www.d-a-p.com/shop/Scripts/default.asp

Unfortunately, my beloved has no mechanical ability, so that doesn't help me. I don't supposed you're planning on coming to Las Vegas any time soon??? Seriously, what's my worst case scenario. Will I get locked out of my car or not be able to lock it at all if it goes boom? It really does just sound like it's locking and not straining anything.

Marcia, rest assured you won't get locked out. The driver's and passengers's doors will open (and lock) with the key, even if the electric locks croak.

Marcia, rest assured you won't get locked out. The driver's and passengers's doors will open (and lock) with the key, even if the electric locks croak.

Thanks for that info. I guess I'll deal with the expense if and when that happens. I appreciate all the help from both of you. :-)