The door lock mechanism driverside consists of several sub components that together allow the door to be locked and unlocked via the key, remote, levers or buttons. In most modern cars the mechanism is centrally controlled by an electronic system. Some cars have manual locking mechanisms with each door needing to be locked independently.

Most of the door lock mechanism is housed within the door itself behind the inner door card although the central electronic control unit will be under the dashboard or elsewhere in the vehicle.

The door lock mechanism driverside generally consists of a lock barrel, actuator, locking mechanism, knob or lever, switch, connecting rods and clips. The components work together to control the locking of doors on the vehicle.

Door lock mechanisms can fail due to wear and tear of mechanical components or failure of the electronics. This can be as a result of corrosion, broken or damaged wiring, blown fuses or faulty electronic components including switches, actuators or the central control unit (ECU).