I hope this forum can help me out. I have a 96 Explorer with power locks. The driver side power lock button still locks, but will no longer unlock. Also, the driver's side door handle (the outside handle) has become very loose, and when I use my keyless remote to lock the car you can hear a motor on the driver's side (inside the door panel) trying to lock and unlock. The motor does not sound well. When the lock is working properly I can't hear that motor sound at all. One thing I have ruled out is the power lock switch itself. I removed the switch assembly, inspected it and found nothing out of the ordinary. I even compared it with a new switch assembly from Ford, which I have taken back. I did try both switch assemblies to unlock the car and neither worked. So, I don't think that is the problem. Here's the question: Is there a motor that pushes up the lock and pulls it down whenever you use the keyless remote or power switch? Could the fact that the outside door handle on the driver's side that is so loose have anything to do with the lock not working properly? I was thinking there might be some sort of spring assembly for the door handle that somehow works in conjunction with the power lock. I dunno.
Your words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.

 

I had the same problem with my 99, what ti was is the accuator was going bad due to a bent accuator rod, so I replaced the rod, accuator and inner door-handle (because I got mad and broke it(boy was the wife cranky ober that.))

 

This is a 5 year old thread but describes my problem with my '95 Explorer exactly! I would appreciate more detail on solving this problem, including removal of the door trim. Thanks.