Can anyone help me find step by step instructions on replacing the driver's side power door lock actuator on my 2001 Explorer? Thanks

 

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I have one of those manuals on CD, but all it says is to remove front door trim panel; remove watershield; and remove the power door lock actuator by disconnecting the electrical connector, drilling out the rivet, disconnecting the actuator rod, and removing the actuator. Installation is supposed to be reverse of removal with an added instruction to use a heavy-duty riveter to install the actuator rivet...Which part are you having probs with or unsure of?

 

Well actually I replaced the actuator yesterday, but instead of putting another rivet in I used a nut and bolt. However, to my dismay the problem is not fixed. The door still won't unlock every time I use it. I'm getting tired of opening the door by reaching through from the passenger side, but if it's not the actuator I'm not sure what else could be wrong.

 

Does it lock but not unlock? Does it work intermittently or not at all? Possible bad connection somewhere? Have you checked the relays (I think they might be located somewhere near where the jack is located)?

 

I have not checked the relays. It locks everytime, whether using the remote or any button on the vehicle. Only the driver's lock won't come all the up when I use the remote or any other means. Sometimes I can just hit unlock several times and it will work, but it's not consistent in any respect which is quite confusing. Can you tell me more about the relay? I am determined to solve this problem.

 

I think the driver unlock relay is separate from the lock relay and passenger side unlock relay.

 

My car is doing the same thing. From what I've read here in other threads (haven't bothered to fix mine yet because it works most of the time), there is a bent piece that keeps the lock from popping up.

Others here have posted that they've also replaced the actuator and the drivers lock still won't pop up.

I've noticed that if I push on the trim above the handle when I press unlock, it helps it pop up.