I picked up a 2004 LS430 a few weeks ago and I'm slowly working through all the issues. Next one up is replacing the door lock actuator on the driver's door. The soft close feature works well but the door lock doesn't always unlock when using the remote or the smart key. It always unlocks when I use the metal key.

I followed the instructions in post #272 of this thread but I can't get the actuator out. It moves about an inch or two so I know all the bolts are out but I think there's a rod that goes from the handle to the actuator that I can't seem to figure out to release. Does anyone have some "been there, done that" advice on how to get the actuator out?

 

There is a little metal arm that goes up to the door handle I believe also take the two bolts to take the window track out it will make your life a lot easier.

 

There is a metal rod that connects the actuator to the exterior door handle. There is a small plastic clip near the handle that holds the rod in place. There is a little tab on the plastic piece that you can push on and it will swing up and then the rod can be removed. Removing the 2 10mm bolts that hold the window track in place will make actuator removal much easier.

 

Thank you that was what I was trying to say but your version was much better than mine haha