Power door lock problem

[Steeda90GT]

My driver's side lock as been acting up. Sometimes it takes several attempts at clicking the the unlock button to finally open it. Even if I try it from the outside with they, it will not unlock it. I notice this happens a little more in the cold.

Any ideas?

 

[swetrid]

You probably have a bad door latch or door lock actuator. There should be a couple threads about door latch concerns.

 

[BurnTheLight88]

I'd go with the actuators. I have 3 that are bad in my Mounty, same problem. It's just annoying

 

[Steeda90GT]

How much do actuators go for? Are they easy to install? I did one on a Mustang years ago and it was pretty easy.

 

[sean99]

Read this thread:http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=165081&highlight=floppy+door

 

[djblackout]

does teh actuator make the rod that connects to the door lock cylinder pop off?

 

[janolsson]

Steeda
One of my actuators went this way, sometimes workin sometimes not. The prob was the plastic gear in the actuator so got a good used one and installed. Still workin!!!
Here is my how to on it
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=283708

 

[drdoom]

I freed mine up with some 5-56.

 

[Steeda90GT]

Steeda
One of my actuators went this way, sometimes workin sometimes not. The prob was the plastic gear in the actuator so got a good used one and installed. Still workin!!!
Here is my how to on it
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=283708

Thanks for the write up.

So I guess it is the actuator, huh? Even with the key in I can't unlock this thing. Even opening the handle from the inside is difficult. Do these sound like actuator symptoms?

Also, where can I get a new one?

 

[RomeovilleIL]

Thanks for the write up.

So I guess it is the actuator, huh? Even with the key in I can't unlock this thing. Even opening the handle from the inside is difficult. Do these sound like actuator symptoms?

Also, where can I get a new one?

Swapping out an actuator is a fairly quick and easy job on the front doors. To determine if your problem is just the actuator, I would suggest you try switching the passenger front door actuator for the drivers. This will tell you immediately if the actuator is truly the core problem before you start buying parts.

Difficulty opening with the key or from the inside might be more than just the actuator. When the door is unlocked, do you feel any binding when opening using either handle? Is the latch hard to engage when closing (have to slam closed or try a couple times to close the door)? For the key is the problem unlocking only, or is locking with the key also difficult?

When you are swapping out the actuators between passenger and drivers doors, I would suggest you test lock function when pushing up slightly on the exterior door handle operating rod. You might find out the problem is directly related the operating rod, especially if one or both of the door handle return springs are broken. The link posted earlier has a great write up with pictures on page 7 showing how to fix it for a couple dollars.

 

[sean99]

Even with the key in I can't unlock this thing.

Look in your latch mechanism for a broken spring. You can do this without taking anything apart.
Or take the panel off and gently lift the door handle rod and try the remote. If it opens just add a small spring to that rod.

 

[saewoody]

I have had success with pulling off the inside door panel and soaking all the moving parts with spray lubricant. It has worked well on several doors. That would be my first step. Good luck.