A couple days ago I noticed that when pressing unlock with the FOB, all doors unlocked except the driver side door. Pressing unlock, repeatedly, didn't do anything to unlock the door. If I pressed lock and unlock, all the doors would unlock, including the driver side door that wouldn't unlock on the initial/previous attempt. At this point it was obvious that this would become a bigger issue. This morning is when it decided to become a bigger issue.

I was able to unlock w/o any issues, but when I got out to lock the car, pressing the lock button on the FOB seemed to lock all the door except the driver door, I also didn't hear a beep when pressing the lock button (I always hear the beep). In order to lock the driver side door, I had to open the driver side door and manually lock the door, pressing the lock button worked for all the other doors, but not the driver side door.

I need to do some more testing, but since unlocking currently doesn't work (through the FOB) I use the FOB to unclock the doors and I manually unlock the driver door by opening the passenger side door and reaching over to unclock the driver door. I believe pressing the unlock button from the driver and passenger side doesn't work (for the driver door).

I'm also going to test if I rolling down windows, child locks, etc work, but so far I've only noticed the door not locking/unlocking properly and I can hear a noise in the mechanism which locks the doors.

2012 is250 with 165k miles, only one owner (me).

A quick search indicates that the actuators are usually the cause, but I'd like to get more info before I start buying parts. I'd like to take off the door panel and confirm the device/mechanism that's making the noise (when I can hear it) before ordering any replacement parts.

Comments/suggestions........?

Thanks.

 

I have this same exact issue with my 2006 Camry SE. The power locks only work on all three doors but the drivers door. Since now it's my daughters car, she doesn't really care and uses the key (it's not keyless entry)

 

I'd first look into the master control switching on your driver's door. Obviously the driver's door actuator works, because you mentioned it will lock on occasion. Ever accidentally get a decent amount of moisture on or inside the door panel and onto that master switch panel?

 

Certainly could be the master switch and switch or actuator both require panel removal to investigate. That said it is most likely the actuator if it makes noise but doesn't open. A pretty common Toyota problem.

JM2C but I would not buy cheap parts from fleabay or the like just to save a buck.

Also when you get it sorted I'd disable that nonsense of locking / unlocking when in and out of park / drive. One of the first things I did to mine...