Door lock actuator problem

[amys4x4explorer]

I have a 98 explorer and I have a door lock actuator thats about to die on me. I've been told that its the one for the hatch or the back passenger door. Is it true that I will have to get the part direct from the manufacturer? And if only one door actuator dies on me will I still be able to get the other doors unlocked? Also I bought my explorer used and I don't know what the code is to open the door with the keypad thing, is there anyway I can find out what the code is with a computer or anything?

 

[98xploder]

check the sticky threads on finding your unlock code location. as far as your actuator, i dont see why it would affect all the doors. it should only affect the door its in.

 

[budwich]

There is no such things "as a door actuator is about to die".... and then say "it could be XX OR YY". Each port / door has its own actuator, they are independent.... so I don't understand your "OR" statement and whoever gave that "analysis". Anyways, if the actuator fails, the lock / unlock function will not work properly only for that door... all the others will be unaffected.

 

[Magicland]

I'd steer clear from whoever told you that it's "either/or", sounds like they don't know what they're doing. An actuator is either working, not working, or working intermittantly (might open, might not). If your hatch and back passenger doors are locking and unlocking normally, you don't have a problem. If either or both aren't unlocking, or are sometimes unlocking and sometimes not, then you might have a problem with the actuator(s) (could also be the switch or the wiring).

I had a problem with my driver's door not always unlocking, but was able to solve it by spraying some WD40 down the shaft of the button that pops up. The actuator might be wearing out, but the added lubrication seems to have been enough to make it pop up all the way, at least for now.

For the door code, the first place to check is if you have the owner's manual, there's a little white card that came with it which has the number on it. I was about to pull things apart looking for the number (as the previous owner said he didn't know it) and was surprised to find the card right in the folder with the owner's manual. If the card isn't there, as mentioned above, there is a sticky thread which can help you find it, complete with pictures (or you can pay a ridiculous amount of money to the stealership and have them tell you).

Be careful, there are a LOT of so-called "mechanics" out there who're interested in nothing more than ripping people off with unnecessary charges for work that doesn't need done.

 

[amys4x4explorer]

My locks work, just the back one makes a buzzing sound

All my locks work, even the one that makes the buzzing sound. The sound is coming from the back hatch, because when I lift it up and stand underneath it and hit the lock button the buzzing sound is really loud.

 

[rayman051]

I just replaced my hatch actuator on my 98 XLT. It started to buzz intermittently then all the time. It would lock okay but not unlock. Check ebay for actuator,I found mine for like $22.00 with shipping. Install is not difficult I believe there is a thread somewhere for that. It took me about 1 hour but I took my time a lubed everything before reassembly.

 

[budwich]

oops...now I understand your "OR" statement... you mean the same door... the rear lift gate... you weren't actually referring to two difference doors... my bad. Anyways, as mentioned, its could be a "tired" actuator or perhaps a binding in the mechanical linkages causing the things to not complete set... try some adjustment and lubrication... and check for a loose connector. As I indicated though, a failed actuator only affects the door that it is attached to.