Door lock - What would cause this? HELP.

[1998 Mounty]

My 1998 Mountaineer drivers side door locks by remote, door buttom, and keypad although it does not unlock. I have to physically force the door lock out to get the door to unlock. When I try to unluck the door I can see the door lock moving a little.

What causes this?

Thanks.

 

[mattdel]

weak actuator

 

[1998 Mounty]

weak actuator

Nope, actuator is strong.

 

[hunterdan]

Check to make sure the actuator is still mounted to the door. I found this today when I went to lock my truck, everything but the drivers side door would lock. Pulled the panel and found the actuator flopping around inside, the rivet broke. Popped the old rivet out (you may have to remove the actuator to do so) and used an old bolt I had laying around and bolted it to the door instead. You may have to remove the window guide to get the actuator out, but it should take about an hour if that is your problem. The rivet is visible from the outside of the door, just above the rubber stopper, where the door curves in.

Dan