Power Door Lock Problem

[wbw11]

Hi!
For about the past year, the passenger door lock on my Explorer has occasionally made a different and louder noise than the rest of the doors when it is locked. It was working fine so I didn't really think anything of it. But recently it has started making the sound every time the power doors lock. Not only that, but the lock doesn't always engage. When I first shift into drive and all the doors lock automatically, the lock indicator on that door will not move sometimes. I will have to push the lock button on my door two or three times for the indicator on the inside handle to move to the locked position. What could be causing this and how do I fix it? It unlocks perfectly fine. Thanks!

 

[swshawaii]

If it's a buzzing or whirring sound it's more than likely a slipping door lock actuator. Other possibilities are the latch or linkages.
Only way of diagnosing is to remove the door panel to inspect. First try flushing out the door latch with penetrant and cycling it, followed by white lithium spray. Should be considered preventative maintenance, service ALL latches including the lock cylinders.

 

[lincolnshibuya]

the gears on the actuator are probably stripped and causing the sound, eventually it will come to a point that it will not work anymore.