Vehicle: 1988 Saab 900

Question: When I attempt to lock my doors, only the driver's side locks, or in reverse unlocks. This, of course, includes the trunk. My fear is one day, I will attempt to unlock my car and will not be able to get it unlocked. I'm certain this is some sort of electrical problem. Am I looking at a big job/big expense?

Answer: If I understand this correctly, your power door locks are completely inoperative, but you can lock and unlock your doors manually. This can be as simple as a burnt fuse, although fuses don't usually burn for no reason. Typically, however, problems with this system occur at, or near, the driver's door. Commonly, the wiring from the body to the driver's door breaks or shorts together because the driver's door is the most used door, and these wires get a lot of flexing. Another Achilles heel is the switch attached to the back side of the driver's door lock cylinder, inside the door. Usually, two to three hours of diagnostic and repair time plus parts will cover it.

As with doctors, people often call or stop us in the grocery store to pump us for information or advice. Here's your chance to get that burning question answered. To submit a question, fill out the form below. Include your email address and we will try to answer all questions, if we can. This will depend on the volume of questions, and whether the kids will let us onto our computers. Additionally, we will post one question and answer per week on this page from the pool of submitted questions.