LS 430 Door Lock Actuator Tutorial
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 899
Likes: 39
From: VA
I have had mine in and out 3 times.....each time swearing I will remember exactly how it came out so the reinstall will go smoothly. I got through all of the little tricky clips...plugs...etc.....but cant ever get that darn actuator to slide back into place easily.....its a tricky puzzle...and I hate puzzles!!! Update on mine......passenger door which I replaced....and used zip ties is now intermittent .....will have to go back in and tighten the zip ties 
3 times the same door? I have only had one fail but 3 motors are in storage just in case. I think the trick to remember is bending the track so it fits into the groove on the actator assembly and you can slide it back into place. It's odd that the UL actautor assembly, or those with easy close, have bolts that you can take off to get to the motor itself and the standard does not. I would glue it rather then use zip ties. But honestly I have only done this on my car so it may not be quite the same on yours.
Last edited by Lavrishevo; Jun 24, 2015 at 07:04 PM.
Driver
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 141
Likes: 3
From: GA
3 times the same door? I have only had one fail but 3 motors are in storage just in case. I think the trick to remember is bending the track so it fits into the groove on the actator assembly and you can slide it back into place. It's odd that the UL actautor assembly, or those with easy close, have bolts that you can take off to get to the motor itself and the standard does not. I would glue it rather then use zip ties. But honestly I have only done this on my car so it may not be quite the same on yours.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 899
Likes: 39
From: VA
I should have been more clear......I had to go in a total of 3 times because of errors.......the first time I replaced the motor with no issues and magically put back together with ease.....did not use zip ties because my actuator has screws......worked for a couple of months then started to grind. Went back in for round 2 and discovered the screws dont actually hold the two halves together so I used zip ties. Put it all back together had to go back in for round 3 because it wasnt working.....took apart to realize the flipper had jumped the sprocket........well I then put the flipper in the correct position and put it all back together...and the last time it took me almost an hour to get the actuator back in its correct position...even w glass rail unbolted etc......it kicked my butt. Now I will have to go back in for round 4 to snug up the zip ties......it is working intermittently....so I assume the flipper is popping over the sprocket sometimes and not others..........the good thing is I can disassemble that door panel like a pit crew now.....even putting the top white clip on is easy once u have done it 3 times..........
ya know I may have gone in 4 times.....because I didnt like how loud the new motor was....so I followed the tutorial about how to use the old motor with the new head......that was huge...old motor much more quiet then the new cheapo
ya know I may have gone in 4 times.....because I didnt like how loud the new motor was....so I followed the tutorial about how to use the old motor with the new head......that was huge...old motor much more quiet then the new cheapo
Pit Crew
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
From: TX
Hello all,
I just bought a 2004 LS430. The driver door won't lock/unlock. After following this thread, I was about to replace the bad motor. Now, I can lock/unlock. The problem is that even thought the (driver) door is locked, I can still open the door from outside by pulling the handle. Any idea what might be the cause? the actuator is shot? or something is misaligned? Thanks in advance.
I just bought a 2004 LS430. The driver door won't lock/unlock. After following this thread, I was about to replace the bad motor. Now, I can lock/unlock. The problem is that even thought the (driver) door is locked, I can still open the door from outside by pulling the handle. Any idea what might be the cause? the actuator is shot? or something is misaligned? Thanks in advance.
The actuator motor controls the door lock. So, if the electric switch is not working it is the actuator motor. Even if the motor is bad you can alway manually operate the lock mechanism. I think I understand your post correctly.
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