The left rear door actuator on my 2002 is starting to "get lazy" by getting stuck in the last position it was in when I operate the locks.

I see it move but it doesn't seem to be strong enough to switch from one state to the other.

This could be a wiring problem but I wonder if actuator itself is just worn out and in need of replacement.

I have seen several aftermarket actuators available.

Wondering if anyone can recommend a good brand out there. I don't know the OEM part number but I imagine it is NLA these days.

 

Depending on your skill level you have many options. First decide if you want to surgically replace the motor or want to replace the whole unit. If the whole unit is to be replaced, makes sure you get it for the door [4 different units for RX].

When I did my fix, I replaced the motor. Since then two different motors came in market and one would spin in the wrong direction ... so make sure you get the proper one [see the existing threads].

Which ever option you decide, please leave the door panel un-installed for few days and test out the mechanism. If something is wrong and you put the panel on, you will have to tear it to open the door.

Salim

 

Shoulda read this BEFORE I replaced Actuator. Now the door will not unlock because the Unlock Cable evidently popped out of the Socket. IF I can get Armrest off, might be able to pull on Unlock cable. Might be able to slit the door panel enough to reach up an unlock it. Only other option to remove door hinges I guess. Locksmith sez I'm probably SOL.

 

I don't think that you will be able to remove the armrest. Only the door lock release handle can give you limited access.

imho an auto locksmith maybe your best option.

You can price out a replacement door panel and based on that search you may escalate the effort to pry open the panel. I think one member did manage to separate the panel once the door was shut.

Salim

 

Hope you can recall the member so I may contact him, and thakx for the speedy git-bck Sir.

 

I managed to pull the door Panel back for enough to work the 2 cables back an forth. I can hear the lock working closed/open, but still unable to open the door via inside/outside?
Even IF I could get the Door Panel off, I still would not be able to open the door? The cable for the door momenyary release is doing nothing, like its no hooked up in the actuator.

 

lock and release are two different things and they both prevent opening the door.

For back doors you have child-safety lock which disables the inside release lever.

The outside release is by rods and links, the inside release it through cable.

The rear door lock mechanism is cable from thumb **** [next to release lever]. Parallel mechanism to lock is electronic is through a motor. Once locked the outside release links are decoupled.

For grins you like to remove battery power. The electronic lock is a parallel mechanism and that could be locking it immediately.

If and when you do manage to open the door, please make sure the child safety is not set. [Wait a few days till everything is confirmed to be working before setting it].

Salim

 

Go to a body shop. They have ways to pull back the trim panel. On older cars, it's more difficult. They may charge you as much as $500 to do this without damaging the door trim panel.

Or cut open the door trim panel and order a used one from ebay. They run about $100-$200. Be careful not to cut into anything you need behind the trim panel.

Or, order a used door trim panel from ebay and take it to the body shop. They may charge you an hours labor to swap out the parts.

 

Sir, thankx for the info. I've managed to pull the Door Panel back enough to reach Lock and release cables and they are in the proper positions. The lock works OK manually an electrically, however, the momentary release cable is loose, no resistance either way, push or pull, seems like the end at the actuator is out of the recess it fits in. I will try a power disconnect.
Tried disconnecting batt, but didn't work. I think the Child Lock is on. Question is, IF I can panel off completely, will the CL switch be accessible?

 

I tried disconnecting batt, no go. I think the C Lock is on, taking panel off.
Got panel off w/o brak'n anything (except couple push-in keepers)., and the C Lock was on.

 

I Managed to remove door panel from inside by making a tool to release lower Push-in Connectors and released the C Lock via a long thin screwdriver to open door.