Door Lock Actuautor proplem for 81...?

[HammerDown]

Hi all, the passenger side door lock actuator is acting up in that...sometimes it won't work.
Now, both lock switches on either door will function fine for the drivers door but, what I suspect is corrosion in the passenger side actuator...(why)...because if I lock/unlock the door with key manualy a few times, the lock will then start to function properly by the switches...(understand)..?

How much drama in getting to that passenger side actuator and any good after market units out there?

PS. I changed on in my F-250 that acted the same way...I used a after market unit that seems to be working great!

thanks for any info

 

[wishuwerehere82]

It's probably not the actuator that is stuck, but the lock mechanism.
A little spray lithium grease on the door lock mechanism might help. The power door lock actuator is a separate linkage to the door lock and gets sticky after a while. Working the key back and forth a few times loosens it up enough to overpower the stuck linkage, but it gums back up again without additional lubrication. Spraying the outside mechanism won't help. so you will have to take the door panel off the get to the linkages inside.
Clean up the linkages with some electronics cleaner spray first to get the old grease off, then spray it with the lithium grease.

 

[jdp6000]

It easy to get to. Take off the arm rest (3 bolts). Take off the trim plate for the door lock/open handle. Unscrew the plastic or crome pin for the door lock push/pull lever. Several screws hold the door panel to the frame...remove them. Put the window all the way down...lift and remove the door panel, Careful here...unplug the wires to the power lock switch from behind. Don't put the panel on your driveway or your wife will run it over with her SUV (mine did...LOL...not..). Remove the plastic film over the door frame. You should dee all you need.

Keep in mind the door lock system works in series. Neither door lock will work while the switch is unplugged. so plug the switch back in while testing and let the door panel hang.

Jim