How to replace the power door lock actuator?

[70GS455]

I have an 05 Mountaineer that I need to replace the rear driver's side power door lock actuator. But I can't see how to get it out of there. Any help?

 

[70GS455]

Well I just finished this so I thought I would write up a little blub. First off, thanks to rrgone for offering illustrations which helped a lot. It's not that hard of a job, just hard to see what going on. You'll need a T-27 torx bit. Begin by removing the door panel and plastic sheet. Unplug the 2 electrical connectors on the actuator, there's a tab you squeeze and they come right out. Next remove the plastic covering surrounding the child lock switch. Remove the 3 torx screws holding the latch assembly. It will hang but not come out yet. At the actuator, remove the green plastic clip from the long manual lock rod. It snaps onto the rod, just unsnap it, rotate it some and pull the rod end out from the actuator. The latch assembly will hang a little more. Find the white plastic push-in lock that holds the rod that goes up to the door handle. Squeeze the 2 tabs and remove it at the latch assembly. Don't rotate it because it's an adjustment. The latch assembly should come out. The plastic actuator slides/snaps into the metal frame. In the middle of the actuators 2 mounts is a latch that you will have to depress with a small flat screwdriver. It will then slide sideways and come out. With the new actuator, align the teet on the arm with the hole in the plastic tab and slide/snap it into place. Reconnect the 2 electrical connectors. Place the assembly inside the door, hook up the long lock rod, then the white connector for the door handle rod, put it into place and reattach the 3 screws. Replace the child latch cover and the plastic then the door panel.

 

[EXPLORER04]

dont know if it helps but this is a page from my factory service manual. It says what parts to remove to get the actuator out.


Remove the parts in the order indicated in the following illustration and table.

To remove individual parts, only carry out the listed steps: Part Steps
Exterior door handle 1, 3-5
Front door latch 1, 2, 6-14
Front door lock cylinder 2, 3 (1 exterior door handle nut only), 4
Door lock actuator 1, 2, 6-18
Door ajar switch 1, 2, 6-16




Item Part Number Description
1 22152 Exterior door handle actuating rod
2 14A584 Electrical connectors
Removal Note
3 W705817 Nuts (2 required)
4 21991 Door lock cylinder (if equipped)
Removal Note
5 22404 Exterior door handle
6 — Bolts
7 22401 Front door speaker
8 14A488 Electrical connector
9 21852/3 Front door lock lever rod
10 — Bolt
11 — Interior door handle (part of assembly 219A64)
12 — Interior door handle cable locators (part of assembly 219A64)
Removal Note
13 N811471 Screws (3 required)
14 219A64 Front door latch
15 — Electrical connector (part of assembly 219A64)
16 14018 Front door ajar switch
17 — Electrical connector (part of assembly 219A64)
18 — Front door lock actuator

To install, reverse the removal procedure.
Item 2: Electrical Connectors Removal Note

Disconnect the door latch jumper harness electrical connectors.
If removing the door latch, disconnect the door harness electrical connector.
If equipped, disconnect the key cylinder switch electrical connector and separate the locator from the door frame.

Item 4: Door Lock Cylinder Removal Note

Release the lock cylinder actuating rod.
If a new lock cylinder is being installed, remove the retaining clip, the lock cylinder lever and the lock cylinder switch.

Item 12: Interior Door Handle Cable Locators Removal Note

Release the cable locators from the door frame.

 

[JUNKH34D]

Find the white plastic push-in lock that holds the rod that goes up to the door handle. Squeeze the 2 tabs and remove it at the latch assembly

hands down the hardest part....lol. thanks for the post, just did this to replace my door ajar/door jamb sensor; and put in 4 new kenwood 6x8. thanks again very helpful

 

[drewbagel423]

hands down the hardest part....lol. thanks for the post, just did this to replace my door ajar/door jamb sensor; and put in 4 new kenwood 6x8. thanks again very helpful

Yeah I'm getting stuck here. Can anybody elaborate on exactly what needs to happen?

 

[beertracker]

When I press the power door lock button the passenger side door lock tries to engage but most of the time the actuator doesn't fully engage. It moves a little from lock but never makes it to unlocked position. Does this sound like the power door actuator needs replacing? It's on a 02 Explorer.

What do you guys think about going with junk yard parts; a door lock actuator and power window regulator with motor. It is worth the risk?

bt

 

[Semper1982]

When I press the power door lock button the passenger side door lock tries to engage but most of the time the actuator doesn't fully engage. It moves a little from lock but never makes it to unlocked position. Does this sound like the power door actuator needs replacing? It's on a 02 Explorer.

What do you guys think about going with junk yard parts; a door lock actuator and power window regulator with motor. It is worth the risk?

bt

Did you ever get this figured out? I seem to have the exact same problem but the solution posted below your post is for a door latch--not what our problem is.