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RX300: DIY door lock actuator fix write-up
#151
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Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Virginia
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Nice detailed instruction with pictures makes very easy to tackle rookies. I have same problem and will tackle as weather warms up, after end of April and will give my feedback to make my first repair in the door. Add on notes by Salim Shah are good to incorporate before disassembly and to assemble the motor and gear.
#152
Lexus Test Driver
Let's say I accidentally screwed up the spring behind the gear and put it back together without it... What are the consequences?
I've noticed that the thumb lock on the door is harder to use if you operate the locks by the actuator first, but then it's fine. Aside from that, I don't notice anything wrong.
Is that spring a critical piece? I can take it apart, and put it back. But, I don't know exactly how that spring fits. This is for the rear passenger door lock actuator btw.
I've noticed that the thumb lock on the door is harder to use if you operate the locks by the actuator first, but then it's fine. Aside from that, I don't notice anything wrong.
Is that spring a critical piece? I can take it apart, and put it back. But, I don't know exactly how that spring fits. This is for the rear passenger door lock actuator btw.
#153
Moderator
Let's say I accidentally screwed up the spring behind the gear and put it back together without it... What are the consequences?
I've noticed that the thumb lock on the door is harder to use if you operate the locks by the actuator first, but then it's fine. Aside from that, I don't notice anything wrong.
Is that spring a critical piece? I can take it apart, and put it back. But, I don't know exactly how that spring fits. This is for the rear passenger door lock actuator btw.
I've noticed that the thumb lock on the door is harder to use if you operate the locks by the actuator first, but then it's fine. Aside from that, I don't notice anything wrong.
Is that spring a critical piece? I can take it apart, and put it back. But, I don't know exactly how that spring fits. This is for the rear passenger door lock actuator btw.
If it is a spring on one of the rods then it might be essential as it might be using movement of on arm to push another ... like release of catch from inside vs outside. Remember to check child-proofing as well.
Salim
Last edited by salimshah; 06-11-14 at 01:01 PM.
#155
Moderator
That spring would push the gear up to mate with the helical gear at the optimum point. Without the spring the contact will not be in the middle and you run the risk that the gear teeth may get chewed up.The other thing that may go bad is the cam action ... the black piece has a pin that rides in the slot of the gear. IMHO this is unlikely as the pin is long.
Salim
Salim
Last edited by salimshah; 06-11-14 at 04:09 PM.
#156
Lexus Test Driver
That spring would push the gear up to mate with the helical gear at the optimum point. Without the spring the contact will not be in the middle and you run the risk that the gear teeth may get chewed up.The other thing that may go bad is the cam action ... the black piece has a pin that rides in the slot of the gear. IMHO this is unlikely as the pin is long.
Salim
Salim
Thanks!
#157
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Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: FL
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Cost of door lock actuator
Can anyone give me a ballpark cost on having the drivers door lock actuator replaced by a professional? I was told stereo shops do this type of install.
#158
Moderator
IMHO a professional's labor rates will outweigh the cost of buying a new unit. You may find some one willing to repair the actuator, but then you have to take it out and then install it yourself. Even then the person who does the repair would be enthusiast at best but definitely not a professional.
Now if you want some one to do all the work, you are back to finding some one local to you. You may have some luck in convincing a local stereo installer and show him/her the DIY. If the price is right and he/she is motivated, then you will get your answer right there.
If you want me to estimate the time, I would say about 2-3hrs from start to finish. Remember when people do the work, they have to build in margin for things going bad.
Salim
#160
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Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: NJ
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This is what is so fr!gg!n great about this thread!!!! It costed me $21.00 USD for two actuator motors ($4.92/ea) and the mini gear puller. That is for two doors. So if I paid a guy to fix it, it'd cost me about $1000..... I had a substantial savings in repairing it myself.
#161
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Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: CA
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BIG BIG THANKS for this how-to. A couple items that might make it easier for the next person:
1. You may be able to pry out the light at the bottom of the panel as one of the first steps, and then disconnect the electrical connection.
2. To remove the trim panel around the inner door pull, after removing the hidden screw under the plastic panel, push the trim panel towards the back of the door while prying on the space above the manual door lock button.
3. Once the motor has been replaced, test operation of the lock actuator and window switches before putting the door panel back on.
Jon D.
1. You may be able to pry out the light at the bottom of the panel as one of the first steps, and then disconnect the electrical connection.
2. To remove the trim panel around the inner door pull, after removing the hidden screw under the plastic panel, push the trim panel towards the back of the door while prying on the space above the manual door lock button.
3. Once the motor has been replaced, test operation of the lock actuator and window switches before putting the door panel back on.
Jon D.
#163
I ended up replacing my rear right door actuator on my rx300. I tried opening the actuator to replace the failing motor but it was really difficult for me to open it and too time consuming. I ended up purchasing used but new motor actuator (I would just pretend that someone else did it for me). Not the cheapest way to fix it but I am just happy that it's now fixed and works like new. I am looking to replace the hatch actuator since it acts up when the sun heats up the hatch. Has anyone tried it yet?
Last edited by orion603; 08-23-14 at 09:01 AM.
#164
I ended up replacing my rear right door actuator on my rx300. I tried opening the actuator to replace the failing motor but it was really difficult for me to open it and too time consuming. I ended up purchasing used but new motor actuator (I would just pretend that someone else did it for me). Not the cheapest way to fix it but I am just happy that it's not fixed and works like new. I am looking to replace the hatch actuator since it acts up when the sun heats up the hatch. Has anyone tried it yet?
#165
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Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: MI
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OK, I went through this process today and think something isn't quite right. I cannot unlock or open my door now. When I use the unlock button on the wood panel, I hear a loud buzz instead of it unlocking. Though, the door button indicates that it is in the unlocked position, but it cannot really be moved manually.
I'm done for tonight and will have to go through the passenger side to get in and out of my car, but would like to try and fix this tomorrow. The first thing I need is to get the door open again. Any idea how I can do that? Any guesses about what is going on with the lock would be greatly appreciated, too. Thanks.
I'm done for tonight and will have to go through the passenger side to get in and out of my car, but would like to try and fix this tomorrow. The first thing I need is to get the door open again. Any idea how I can do that? Any guesses about what is going on with the lock would be greatly appreciated, too. Thanks.