Passenger door lock

[roughrider17]

About a week ago i noticed my passenger door wasn't locking, it would unlock no problem with the key fob however it wouldn't lock
I assume its the door lock actuator, but havent had time to take a look, so i was wondering if i was correct in thinking its the actuator?
or could it be caused by something else...?
Thanks

 

[koda2000]

Does it try to lock, or do nothing at all? Does it work from the driver's door, passenger door, key fob, or does it not lock from any of these places? Since it unlocks, it doesn't sound like the problem is the actuator. Unlocking is usually harder on the actuator than locking. Actuators can get stripped gears internally and get weak over time, but if they work normally in one direction the problem is elsewhere.

 

[01STrunner]

I had the opposite problem just recently where my driver door would not unlock unless the inside handle was pulled. I tried a lot of fixes thinking it was the actuator. It ended up being the physical latch was not working properly. I went to the local junkyard and pulled a latch out of a Mountaineer and it works flawlessly now.

 

[roughrider17]

Koda, It does try to lock but doesnt go down all the way, it doesnt lock from any buttons on the car i have to physically push it down myself, there isnt any resistance to pushing it either.
I havent had time to take the panel of and check anything just yet,, but i hope too soon

STrunner The door latches work just fine as far as i know, its just the actual thing that sticks up (sorry for my rough terminology) that doesn't go down to engage the lock...

Im starting to wonder if somethings jammed or not lubricated properly ?

 

[01STrunner]

It doesn't hurt to spray everything with either white lithium grease or a silicone lubricant. That rod that sticks up is attached directly to the latch. If it is the actuator, adding a spring could help (except the opposite way that most do since yours won't lock).

Check out these links for more info:

Door Lock Actuator Motors Identical
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=426643

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=207373

Also my thread I started last month with pictures inside the door so you can better get an idea of how it's laid out before you open it up.
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=434813

 

[koda2000]

Koda, It does try to lock but doesnt go down all the way, it doesnt lock from any buttons on the car i have to physically push it down myself, there isnt any resistance to pushing it either.
I havent had time to take the panel of and check anything just yet,, but i hope too soon

STrunner The door latches work just fine as far as i know, its just the actual thing that sticks up (sorry for my rough terminology) that doesn't go down to engage the lock...

Im starting to wonder if somethings jammed or not lubricated properly ?

It might be that the actuator is weak. At lease you know it's not a wiring problem and it doesn't seem like a latch problem. I have one that's weak, but it has trouble unlocking all the way. Try removing the plastic knob and see if that makes any difference (less resistance) it does on mine. It also helps to lube the plastic knob periodically. You can try lubing the latch, but taking the door panel off probably wont tell you anything unless your prepared to change the actuator. Changing a front door actuator is pretty simple once you punch and drill the aluminum rivet out (if that's the problem). I replace the rivet with a small bolt and nyloc nut.