bullseye

Hi, I am new here and looking for some help.

I just got a 2004 rx and having problems with the driver door lock. It gets stuck when closed. If you force it you can open the door, but the power lock can't open it most of the times. The power lock does lock it. You can hear something when you try to use the power lock. Opening with key is also very though. All the other doors work fine.

Is it the famous door lock actuator problem, or there is something wrong with the lock??

Thanks for your help!!!

lexus114

"Is it the famous door lock actuator problem"? yep, it sure sounds like it.

Nick318

Time to get a new door lock actuator. I had one.

bullseye

Thanks for your help!!

New actuator motor on order

salimshah

Seems like a problem with the door lock mechanism.

Please have it checked out. If the door can not be opened with the door panel intact, you will be facing very expensive repairs. As an insurance, you may like to take off the door panel.

There is a chance that the problem goes away as you dis-assemble and re-assemble for door lock actuator.

Piggy back solution will most likely not work as in my opinion (the fact you stated .. highlighted above) the problem is in the door lock mechanism.

Salim

salimshah

Sorry, I do not agree.

For it to be the motor, the key and the door **** (mechanical) should work smoothly (without impediment). The mechanical and motorized activation are independent of each other. They are not rigidly tied together that they would interfere with each other. It seems something is jamming up and the poor motor can not exert enough force to overcome.

So first get the mechanical actuators to work smoothly and freely and then fix the motor if needed.

Salim

bullseye

To me it seems the motor or something else get stuck when I use the power lock. Once it is "unstuck" it locks and unlocks easily with my hand until I use the power lock and then it gets stuck again. I already took the door panel off to check if anything was out of place, but theres not much to see by just removing the panel. During this weekend I will try to disassemble the whole lock to check it, but prefer to do it with a spare motor on hand just in case.

If there is any other suggestion it will be welcomed.

Thanks again for your help!

salimshah

I have not opened the lock-mechanism for RX, but this is what I have learned from SC and GS. The lock assembly is made of two sub-assemblies. You can separate them by swinging them twisting them apart. It is kind of obvious when you get the lock assembly out.

The problem and frustration is when you want to put them together. With patience and letting you mind think ahead (all the transformations) you can do it, but it will be lot easier if you take pictures.

With the panel off, one can force release the lock. With the panel on and the door shut, you have to break the door panel to do anything.

Salim