I had to have 3 replaced on my '99 F350 2 years ago with about 60K miles. I had the extended warranty though and they took care of it. It was realy strange also that all 3 went out within 2 weeks time. I have 105k on it now and no problems since except a spark plug pulled loose at 74k and again the warranty fixed it. Sometimes it pays to have the extended warranty!

I

 

I don't know for sure on the 97 but on my 91 f-250 I had a lock actuator go out on the drivers side door and I ordered one from a place called 1A-Auto 888-844-3393 and it was a very good price, it came with the bracket but I took it off and just snapped the new actuator in the old original bracket. It looked like a real pain to get the old bracket out and the new one in.

Good Luck
Rick

 

Same problem - 2000 SD with 51k. Is it me or are most all of these problems occurring to the 99'-00' models? I drove an 84' mustang up to 1994 with power door locks and never had the acutators go out. I also had a 98' Explorer and never had any problems either. Factory recall or just cheap electric hardware? Anyone with a 2001 or new SD, I'd like to hear comments. Thanks to everyone for a great thread!

 

Can't wait I have to do the same to a 00 F150. Any idea's on the best place to buy the actuators? I know I need to do the driver side, but will prob due the passenger to play it safe....thanks

 

Well you have to take the actuator out of the bracket to get to the snap ring to remove the bracket anyway, i got mine for $50 from auto zone i believe it has a lifetime warantee on it to.

 

On the 97, the bracket is permanently attached to the actuator and then is riveted to the door panel. I was able to get the bad one out by removing the rivet. The new actuator comes with a bolt and nut eliminating the need for a rivet tool. I was unable to find a replacement actuator anywhere except the local dealer. The list price was $77 and the wholesale $64.50. It is a simple job once the old one is removed.