Problem with my driver side unlock

[TwistofCain]

I have a 1999 Explorer sport. if u use the fab or the switches the drivers side will unlock maybe 1 out of 10 times. I can hear it trying to pop but wont unlock. I have no problems locking it its just the unlock. Hopefully someone can help me trouble shoot this. Thank you in advance.

 

[koda2000]

i'd start by spraying the door latch mechanism and linkage (including the lock knob, where it passes through the interior door panel) with some lube, WD40 or whatever your lube preference. give it a few hours to do its thing. if that doesn't do it, your lock actuator may be getting weak. also check the black rivet that mounts the actuator to the door, they can get loose and even break.

 

[J_C]

It's likely that a spring in the latch mechanism broke, as that's happening to most of them given enough use.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=170619

 

[TwistofCain]

Thanks I will try both Ill let ya know what the outcome is. Thank you for the suggestions.

 

[RomeovilleIL]

Does the exterior door handle have spring tension or does it feel loose? That is a slightly different problem with the same symptoms. Fixing it is either replacing handle (hard to find color match) or adding a tension spring (easy and cheap).

 

[dcdyd]

I had similar issue two years with my 98. The driver side door can be locked but couldn't be unlocked. I had to come into the driver seat from passenger door. it turned out to be the spring of the door actuator. It is a pita to get in there but doable. There is a thread discussing that in this forum. Search for it and you will find.

 

[1996BLKBauer]

A few things, my door handle does not have a spring any longer, and works fine. When the door tries to unlock does it sound like a grinding noise? Because you Door Lock actuator might have finally given up the ghost, it is a pain to replace, but once you understand how everything works in there, it is quite easy. But to be honest, it sounds like it is binding up, due to lack of lubrication. WD40 will work to help you figure out if it is an issue, but I suggest something that will work a little bit longer. Also the rivet that Koda2000 is talking about, can easily be replaced with a nut, bolt, and washer, if that is even the issue. but either way that is what I did, and I have had no issues, even though some people go all crazy and say it needs to be a rivet...

Good luck man, I have been down this road many times, at first it stinks to figure it all out, but once you understand it, it's straight forward and easy.

 

[TwistofCain]

thank you all for the replies. ill let you know what happens