After having the motor on my original (I suspect) front left door lock actuator assembly burn out, I replaced it with a copycat part, which worked, but for some reason the security system didn't disarm when only unlocking the driver's side door with the remote. Every time I'd unlock just the driver's door and open it, the alarm would go off, so I replaced the lock actuator with another one, and tried to program the remote to unlock it. Programming would only go as far as the first lock/unlock cycle, and after opening the door to begin the second lock/unlock cycle, the interior controls would only lock the doors until the driver's door was shut again and the ignition turned to accessory. After trying to switch the parts out again, the car won't respond to the remote at all--trunk, lock, alarm, unlock--nothing. I've tried pulling the ECU fuse, disconnecting the battery, pulling fuses under the kick panel, disconnecting individual lock actuators (which all work except for the FL). As a last resort, I've ordered a full replacement OEM FL lock actuator assembly, and if this doesn't work, I think I'm just going to have to surrender. Anyone have any advice?

 

Were you 100% sure that the little white ball and metal linkage arm on the cable were lined up properly and not bent on the actuator when you installed the new actuator?

 

Yes, the lock and latch cables were aligned, straightened, and the plastic retainers intact.

 

Check out my thread, I'm guessing you purchased the white Chinese knock-off motor housings....
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...-tutorial.html

 

 

The cheapo's on ebay and amazon are full of problems. Go OEM. You can replace the little motor in your current lock for about $5. Its kind of a PITA to take apart and put back together. There's another guy on ebay that sells them "refurbished" with new motors in them, all OEM but they run about $100. Lifetime warranty though.

 

This is great information, thanks a ton. I'll be sure to check continuity of the old part for posterity once I get my replacement actuator assembly in the mail and rip out the old one.

As far as I can tell, the rears and passenger I replaced with cheap knockoffs have been working well up until now, and it's just the driver's door that's giving me problems, but I'll keep this in mind.

 

If I remember the left front actuator has more contacts points because it can be unlocked from the outside with the key and inside with the manual latch

 

As it turns out, lever arm B as indicated in the graphic in vr4's thread had no continuity in either position, which I imagine was the issue. I pulled apart an OEM housing, replaced the motor, and now everything programs and functions as normal. You saved me a lot of trouble and you're the best.

 

Could you please provide that seller info? That would be very helpful! Thank you!

 

Change the motor with Mabuchi but you'll need a gear puller tool as well. There's also a seller on facebook Luxious Auto that offers OEM replacement actuators that has had great reviews.