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Power Door Locking Kits
Cable vs. Rod

 

Which door lock kit do I buy?

Vehicles today come with 2 types of door lock systems.  Those actuated with plain old rod style linkage and the newer style of cable actuated linkage.  Almost all cars built prior to 2003 have rod style linkage.  All GM, Ford and Dodge Full size trucks still have rod style linkage.  In 1999, the Ford Focus became the first car on the market with cable actuated door lock linkage.  From 2003 there is a greater chance that a vehicle will have cable linkage.  If you're not sure which style linkage you have, we recommend pulling off a door panel and checking it out before ordering.

ROD STYLE LINKAGE  CABLE STYLE LINKAGE
MES power doorlocks W01C  Power door lock kit for cable actuated door locks
Our tried and true central locking kits can be installed on almost any vehicle with rod style door lock linkage.  The photo above is of the W01F, 2 door central door locking kit.  Our new "C" Series lock kits come with door lock actuators that are specially designed to work with cable systems.  They also come with special hardware to make installation of door locks in these vehicles a breeze.

2003 Chevy Silverado

2004 Toyota Tundra
Rod style linkage like the one shown above on the 2003 Chevy Pickup is used predominately in all cars and trucks prior to 2003.  If your car is a 2002 or earlier model, it's a safe bet to say that it has rod style linkage. 

GM, Ford and Dodge full size trucks all still use rod style linkage in 2013.

Cable systems like the one shown in the Toyota Tundra above are used  on several of the new cars and trucks.  Notice that in place of the typical steel rod running from the knob to the latch, there is now a sheathed cable.  It's great for going around the contours of the door, but makes door lock installation a little tricky.   The following is a list of vehicles that we know of that come with cable systems.  More are introduced every year.
  • Chevy Colorado
  • Ford Focus 1999 and up
  • GMC Canyon
  • Honda Accord 2003 and up
  • Honda Civic 2 door coupe 2001 and up  (02-05 hatchback has rods)
  • Honda Civic 4 door Sedan 2006 and up
  • Honda Civic Hybrid 2006 and up
  • Hyundai Accent 2007 and up
  • Kia Rio & Rio5 2006 and up
  • Kia Rondo 2007 and up
  • Kia Sedona 2006 and up
  • Kia Soul 2010 and up
  • Kia Sportage 2005 and up
  • Nissan Frontier 2005 and up
  • Nissan Sentra2007 and up
  • Nissan Titan
  • Nissan Versa
  • Nissan Xterra 2005 and up
  • Mazda 3  2004 and up
  • Mitsubishi Lancer 2008 and up
  • Mitsubishi Raider 2006 and up
  • Pontiac Vibe
  • Toyota Corolla 2003 and up
  • Toyota Matrix
  • Toyota Tacoma 2005 and up
  • Toyota Tundra
  • Toyota Venza 2009 and up
  • Toyota Yaris

 

DOOR LOCK INSTALLATION ARTICLES

 

Rod Style Door lock actuators mounted in various vehicles 

 

Short article showing how actuators are mounted in our new Cable style door lock kits

Chevy Silverado with W01-RF104

MES Central door locking kit and keyless entry system installed in a 2003 Chevy Silverado Pickup. This is an in depth A to Z article loaded with information.

     

 



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