Thank you Toaster, that is what I told the independent mechanic, but he said he tested it. And now the dealer is several hours into diagnosing the problem, their diagnose bill will end up costing more than parts and labor.

 

A simple view at the door lock mechanism (inside the door) should help.

 

Dealer replied, took over five hours to diagnose the issue, they said the problem is with the control switch in the door and a short in the wire leading to it

 

I’m happy for you, hope the bill will be affordable.

 

thanks, will have to put the new seat covers, armrest, and headliner on hold

 

Driver side, I guess?

 

Yes driverside

 

Thanks.

Perhaps I was a little harsh on the dealer: there does seem to be some effort to actually diagnose the issue rather than just throwing parts, although one can only speculate as to why it took 5 hours to implicate/eliminate a switch...

Thankfully it's not a hideously expensive part.