power lock issues
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Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 31
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From: Billings, MT
power lock issues
Hey guys! 2001 7.3L Powerstroke four door is having door lock issues. When I use the FOB or the lock/unlock buttons 3 of the 4 doors do not perform as instructed. Good signal to all locks. I can hear and see the lock trying to move up or down. All four locks move up and down by hand with the same amount of resistance to all. I'm thinking actuators, but three of them going bad? They're about $55 a piece. Is there any suggestions you guys have? Known issues with gunk in the doors or reconditioning the actuators? If it's an easy fix with some cleaning, I'm game.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 547
Likes: 0
From: Tennessee
Sounds like the actuators to me.
I think that if you search the Super Duty forum, you can find a thread where folks use aluminum foil to fix them.
Instead of that, I ended up replacing the one I had that went bad- I think I paid about $25-30 for the actuator on Amazon.
I think that if you search the Super Duty forum, you can find a thread where folks use aluminum foil to fix them.
Instead of that, I ended up replacing the one I had that went bad- I think I paid about $25-30 for the actuator on Amazon.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,302
Likes: 1
From: Morehead, Ky.
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Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 31
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From: Billings, MT
Thanks for the quick reply. I'm very curious about this aluminum foil. Don't know if I could bring myself to complete such redneckery, but it sounds very entertaining to read how!
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,573
Likes: 4
From: Seattle
I did mine about 4 years ago. No issues since. The foil works fine.
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,555
Likes: 9
From: Longview, TX
Here's my write up and explanation. Same as the other basically, but slightly different.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post12637599
Basically what it's all about is a bad thermistor in the motor itself. Thermistors increase resistance as temperature increases, and acts as overload protection for the motor. When they go bad, they can't transmit full power to make the motor turn, resulting in the locks trying to lock/unlock but not being strong enough. The foil just bypasses the thermistor and completes the circuit. Some guys use a piece if copper in its place, I've even heard of a piece of beer can being cut down to fit (although a friend recently tried the can and it didn't work). Just as long as the circuit is completed, you should be good to go.
Oh and solder iron and super glue work best, but I've got zip ties on mine and no issues. Just be sure you zip tie through the holes on the end with metal rivets.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post12637599
Basically what it's all about is a bad thermistor in the motor itself. Thermistors increase resistance as temperature increases, and acts as overload protection for the motor. When they go bad, they can't transmit full power to make the motor turn, resulting in the locks trying to lock/unlock but not being strong enough. The foil just bypasses the thermistor and completes the circuit. Some guys use a piece if copper in its place, I've even heard of a piece of beer can being cut down to fit (although a friend recently tried the can and it didn't work). Just as long as the circuit is completed, you should be good to go.
Oh and solder iron and super glue work best, but I've got zip ties on mine and no issues. Just be sure you zip tie through the holes on the end with metal rivets.
Got Data?
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 4,262
Likes: 1,397
From: Lake Stevens, WA
I did this foil fix on one of my locks, and on my father-in-laws '99, and it worked great. It was easier for me to remove the actuator by removing the external door handle as well as the interior door panel - good access then from all sides. Some good youtube vids on the subject out there as well.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,250
Likes: 42
buy aftermarket actuators and install them in series with the factory ones.
did this over 6 years ago and the locks are still really strong. best thing is, the aftermarket ones are in an easy to reach location so they are easy to swap if need be.
total cost - $20 for 4 actuators and $7 for a sixer of shiner.
this will give you an idea:
did this over 6 years ago and the locks are still really strong. best thing is, the aftermarket ones are in an easy to reach location so they are easy to swap if need be.
total cost - $20 for 4 actuators and $7 for a sixer of shiner.
this will give you an idea:
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