Hello everyone,

I have a 2001 Ford Explorer Sport 2 Door. Recently, I have been having trouble with my driver side door lock. Sometimes, but not always, the driver side door will not unlock with the keyfob, the actual key, door panel keyless entry, or unlock button inside the car. I hear the mechanisms working to unlock the door, but then it immediately locks itself back. The passenger side door unlocks fine with the keyfob. My solution has been to unlock the passenger side door and climb over and manually pull the driver side door handle which finally releases the lock and opens the door. Does anyone have any suggestions on what I can do to fix the problem?

Thanks in advance!

 

The lock actuator is probably tired and doesn't have enough umph to unlock it completely.

 

Ok, are there any tutorials on the forum on how to go about replacing it? I am totally new to this, but willing to try it out. Thanks!

 

It is rather easy. Do yourself a favor and either visit a junyyard or ford for the actuator. i went aftermarket and they were garage.

Remove door panel..then you will need to drill the rivets that hold the actuator into the door skin.

You may need to unbolt the door latch and the window rail that blocks the actuator for some additional room and flexabliy.

All of these items sit right in the door. not too difficult.

 

There might be something on YouTube. Here is a link on this forum regarding people who have successfully repaired their actuators A long read but some people have improved on the technique as it grew. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/4...cks-fixed.html