Door Unlock Not Working...

[CTinNC]

My driver side door will not unlock with the keypad or with the wireless entry. All of the other doors unlock like they are supposed to...door handle works just fine if it is unlocked.

From my research, it appears as though the actuator is bad. Can anyone confirm this?

Also, is there a door panel "tool" that one uses to pry off the door panel? It seems that I read that somewhere as well.

Thanks in advance for any input.

 

[budwich]

if your door unlocks from the button / switches on the inside (ie. door switch and cargo switch), then it ain't the actuator. Does your key unlock the door?

 

[chriswells78]

You can get the pry tool at any auto parts store for around $5 It will make your life a lot simpler.

Are you saying the lock pin is stuck down and will not open by any keyless means? Does it open when you push the unlock button on the passenger door?

 

[CTinNC]

The door does unlock using the interior buttons. The interior and exterior handle even works when the door is unlocked. Just checked and the key does not unlock the door...maybe the lock set itself instead of the actuator?

Does the pry tool have a particular name and is it designed specifically for Fords, Explorers, etc...?

Thanks for the info...

 

[sjr033]

It is just called a panel tool, or panel removal tool. It looks like a fork with only 2 prongs. As for your door locks, when you try to unlock with the remote, can you hear anything. Does it sound like the actuator is trying to unlock?

 

[CTinNC]

Thanks, sjr. Yes, when I hit the unlock button on the wireless or interior button it tries to unlock it. In fact, the knob kind of jumps when it is trying to unlock. It's got me scratching my head as to which part it could be that is the issue.

Appreciate the info on the panel tool.

 

[budwich]

If that's the case... it is unlikely that the actuator is the problem. Your problem is probably more specific to posts about the "broken door spring"... or heading in that direction. There have also been posts that the actuator rivets are broken resulting in its inability to open the locks sometimes. You need to take the panel off and inspect for "damage" / operation.

 

[5.0]

I'm having the same problem, and searched for the door spring problem... here's a good post with a picture http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=135023



.

 

[ThePhoenix]

funny...I read that last week as mine has been acting up....and I did nothing...and now it seems to work 90% of the time...

it knows I know......

 

[CTinNC]

Good info, guys. I appreciate it. So since I have movement (trying to unlock) that rules out the actuator. Seems to be in the locking mechanism itself. Hopefully, it will just be the spring as I have already tried the WD-40 route.