Crappy Ford Auto Doorlock Motors (last fix on my X and it's 100% for the time being)

[Faster Life]

I know it, you know it. Ford doesn't measure up with it automatic door locks. I've seen this my ENTIRE life! My grandfather, father, brother and everybody else has had issues with their door locks. I noticed the system my grandmother had in the late 80's looks, sounds, and feels the same as my dad's 06' F-150. What's the deal?

Anyway, here's the issue, which I'm sure has been addressed many times with every Ford owner. The motors that push/pull the lock just aren't strong enough anymore. I push the unlock button, 2 of my 4 doors open. (one of which isn't the driver's door...) I have to then "catch" the pin as it moves half-way up, by pulling the door handle. Then the lock will usually open the next time I press the button. The fun continues when I press the lock button. One back door doesn't lock, (I don't care, just push the pin down.)

I managed to disable "auto-locking" after getting stuck in the car. The driver's door is the worst. Sometimes the lock won't free up period.

So, what's the cost to fix this, and is this a DIY? I've had a nightmare before when ripping apart door panels...

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[JCat]

I purchased the door lock solenoid only to discover that the problem was inside the door latch mechanism. Apparently there is a small spring in the mechanism that fails.

If you search this forum, you will see that it is a common problem.

Ford sells the door latch mechanism for about $38. I suspect this is very cheap because it has been such a PITA.

Good luck.

 

[Faster Life]

How do you feel about attempting the repair? Did you do it yourself?

 

[JCat]

How do you feel about attempting the repair? Did you do it yourself?

There are "rods" that attach the mechanism to the lock button, cylinder key lock, outer and inner door handles, and to the electronic door lock solenoid. These rods have plastic retaining clips and they can be a little tricky....but IMO it would cost you a lot of money to have somebody else do it.

There are many DIY posts on this problem. . . with pics.

If you are careful and take your time I am sure you could do it. The satisfaction is worth it.

 

[Faster Life]

I'm pumped!!! My entire X will be in pieces this weekend!!!

 

[SkyJumper]

Just be careful and not just ripper and strip her. It could prove costly and tend to piss you off, and leave you in a worse situation than when you started. What I am referring to is the plastic retaining clips that support the rod connections and support. If you yank and take and they crack or break, as they tend to do when you are doing it for the first time and in a tight space and like I with fat fingers. Sometimes they can be hard to find and replace unless you order them and then you are down for the count until they arrive. So take your time, look at the diagrams and your rods and see and visualize how they work. And then try to be careful disconnecting them.

Just my .02 worth, hope it works out.

 

[Faster Life]

Your right. I need to pace myself and not get to excited. The last time I did any door work it was not good. Not good at all... Good thing I'll be working with my mellow headed buddy. Plus his neighbors are funny. They're all gear-heads. They look over at us from the other yard for 15 minutes or so, before they can't resist and have to come over...

 

[blakshukvw]

The latches are probelmatic but the lock motors are crappy too. I replaced the latch on mine only to have the lock motor be too weak now to lift and stay up when unlocked. So now I need a lock motor too.