[tacomadm18]

So,,, new to this forum,,, transmission gave out on my 1998, Ford,,, 85k on it,,,, Very long story short I ended up with a 09 Mazda 3 I,,, 5 Speed,,,,,

** love the car,,, handles nice, etc,,, I did not get the power package as I don't use most of the stuff,,, one thing I knew I was going to miss was the auto door locks,,,, but I thought I'd have one of my local Spec shops put in a 3rd party door lock kit,,,,,,,, WRONG,,,,, first place I went to quoted me about $1000.00 and would have to look at it first,,,, 2nd place quoted me around $375.00 but would have to look at it,,,,,, turns out they were not able to do it,,,,,, went to the Mazda dealer and needless to say that dindn't go anywhere fast,,,,

** so I like the car and hate the fact I don't have auto door locks,,,,,,,,,, to the point where I'm thinking of turning it back in,,,,, any one have any thoughts,,,,,,,,,,,,, this is something that is over my head as far as DIY,,,,,,,,,

thanks
glen

 

[danielj]

Welcome to the forum.

From my understanding based off of what I've read hear, the door lock mechanism on the 3 is a bit unique making the aftermarket addition of power locks expensive and sort of a PITA. Some here have done it but not very many.

If you do a search under "power door locks" you should pull up some info and experiences.

Also, you should add your location to your profile. This makes it easier to answer some questions as options and features vary by market.

 

[Sonicboy]

Wow that seems extreme to turn the car back in just because it does not have this feature.

I too was disapointed but got used to just hitting the power lock button when I got in before starting to move. Now I don't even think about it. It's just habbit now.

 

[danielj]

[quote author=Sonicboy link=topic=135443.msg2915683#msg2915683 date=1233879254]
Wow that seems extreme to turn the car back in just because it does not have this feature.

I too was disapointed but got used to just hitting the power lock button when I got in before starting to move. Now I don't even think about it. It's just habbit now.
[/quote]

I think you missed it. The OP does not have a power lock button to press. Thats what he is asking about, the price/installation of power door locks.

 

[icspots]

Yes power locks can be added to the car. The big problem is that the 3 uses cable-style locks vs. rod style and most a/m kits are rod ones. rustynail did an install a few years ago, however I think his pictures are all down now. Basically if you have some basic installing skills and a weekend to spare you can do the install.