drivers door power lock not working sometimes

[Clusterpup]

When I hit the button to lock the doors sometimes my drivers side door doesnt lock. I end up having to lock it with the key. Any ideas about where I should start troubleshooting?

 

[ncranchero]

The remote button or the switch button?

 

[bdmaash]

Make sure the linkage isn't binding in the door, could be slightly bent. (from door lock motor)

Power to the door may be flakey (check connector on door) - would cause motor to not have enough power to actuate. Measure voltage at motor when locking.

edit: yeah, coud also be the FOB, if the door buttons work fine.

 

[Clusterpup]

I dont have any FOB for my truck. I'm pressing the lock button on the drivers door. All other doors lock except the drivers door. I will check the connections and pull the panel off the door this weekend I guess and look for anything in there that maybe causing it.

 

[bdmaash]

I dont have any FOB for my truck. I'm pressing the lock button on the drivers door. All other doors lock except the drivers door. I will check the connections and pull the panel off the door this weekend I guess and look for anything in there that maybe causing it.

how's the exterior door handle for that door, could be a broken spring in the handle. If it is loose you may be able to fix it cheap. See http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=207373

 

[Clusterpup]

Thanks for the link, I will check on the condition of that spring. The door handle on that door has always been different then the rest. I have to pull it all the way up for the door to open.

 

[Clusterpup]

Checked it out this weekend. Mechanically everything is good. Actuator is getting 10 volts for lock and unlock. Must be the actuator itself thats bad. Looks like a bit of a pain in the ass to change, why the hell is it rivited to the door? :fire:

I'm going to check out the parts store for a replacement.

 

[ncranchero]

why the hell is it riveted to the door?

It makes it quite secure and it won't work loose like a bolt/nut eventually may.....plus a robot does it.

You can bolt it back on though, takes a 1/4" bolt/nut.

 

[Clusterpup]

Yeah it looked like the replacement comes with a nut and bolt. I will put some blue loctite on it unless it comes with a nylock nut.

 

[ncranchero]

Sounds like a good plan to me!

 

[bdmaash]

Checked it out this weekend. Mechanically everything is good. Actuator is getting 10 volts for lock and unlock. Must be the actuator itself thats bad. Looks like a bit of a pain in the ass to change, why the hell is it rivited to the door? :fire:

I'm going to check out the parts store for a replacement.

observation: with the truck off, the battery voltage is 12.6V, seeing only 10V may be connection issues also (unless the motor is toast and is drawing a lot of current).

 

[Clusterpup]

Well the manual says if it tests out at at least 10 volts your good. I think it may have been a little more then 10 but that number is in my head cause of the manual.