HI- I have an 01 LS and just recently I've been having some trouble with getting my doors to lock/unlock - when I press the remote, my doors will not lock or unlock - I can hear the car making noises as if it's trying to either lock or unlock the doors but nothing happens. It appears the car is trying but for some reason, it doesn't work. Don't know if this is related to the problem but my remote won't make the typical beep it normally does when locking or unlocking. I know it's not my remote as I just replaced my battery - I also tried my wife's remote and the same thing happens. Now that I think about it, when I opened the driver's door using the key hole, I hit the lock/unlock button on the car door and nothing happened aside from the car making the noise like it's trying. Hope this makes sense - any thoughts on how/where to begin trouble shooting?

Thanks!

 

pop off the door panels and see whats not moving

 

Sounds like you'll need a new door lock actuator.

 

Common problem is stretched cable inside door or a bad motor in the door lock actuator. An expensive part to replace buying from Lexus, but as a possible alternative there is a diy repair thread on the forum using a $5-10 replacement motor to fix the door lock actuator if thats your problem. .

 

Good info. My 2001 does something similar. The driver door will intermittently not lock/ unlock when I use the key fob. When it is not working, the car will not lock with the remote key, I have to actually use the keyhole.

My power window is making a funny noise on the same door so I'm going to do it all while I have it apart. I sometimes buy parts from www.rockauto.com - Usually save quite a bit.

 

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...-tutorial.html

Randy B

 

Thankyou for your info very helpfull. Have the door apart and have actuator in hand. Having a hard time finding one. Any suggestions where?

 

Just did this fix to my 04 LS430 about 2 weeks ago. Search the board for the tutorial and there is a link to it in the post a few spots above this one.

Purchased on Amazon and was a perfect fit, no modifications needed:
Take you time and follow the directions in the above link and you should be ok. I found it easier to remove the exterior key lock when I did mine as it was difficult to get the power door mechanism back in properly without its removal.

Good luck.

 

I just did it few weeks ago.
There are tow variations of actuators. One for cars with automatic door close feature and other for regular.
I have automatic door close feature.It is relatively more difficult to work on one with automatic door close feature actuator as it is larger but also it is easier to put the motor in he actuator itself as it is held together by bunch of nut bolts.
Regardless, replacement motor is the same.

 

since I am all thumbs, if I can't do it myself, how much time would it take a mechanic to replace 2 of these? Both my front doors do not open with the key fob and I have to use a key to open. thanks

 

It took me 2 hours mainly because I was very careful and ended up removing the door twice.
It should take 30 mins tops for an experienced mechanic but worst case wouldn't pay for more than an hour of time.

 

thanks for the heads up. just joined, but this is a great forum. saved me tons $$. just bought 2 door actuators on amazon for $10 each.