power door lock

[danman]

My driver side power door lock stopped working today.I don`t think its the door switch because it still locks and unlocks the passenger side door.Could someone please tell me how difficult it is to remove the door panel and replace the actuator motor.I would like to do this by myself for future knowledge because I heard that this is a common problem with ford trucks.I have a 2002 F250 superduty XLT.

[Rodslinger]

Welcome Danman! I'm going to give this a bump. I've never removed a door panel on one of these beasts but I'm sure one of our other folks have.

[mschn99]

removing the panel is not too dificult, but usually actuators go out all at the same time. when you press the button, is it acting like it wants to lock or unlock (does it move a tiny bit), and also, if you cycle the locks about six times or so, do the other ones get sluggish??????

First off the SD door panel is by far one of the easiest Ford door panels to remove. Second, I see alot of the switches go bad but it's more likely the actuator. Does the drivers door unlock with the passenger switch?

[Brian]

anybody find the good deals on actuators yet?
i need 4 for my truck as well, i can live without the power locks, but would like to get it fixed one day.
maybe we can get a bunch of guys together who need them and maybe get a bulk pricing for a lot of 100 pcs. haha

[danman]

It first started out that the drivers door would not lock after putting truck in gear, then gradualy got to the point where you had to push the door button 2 or 3 times to get the door to lock, it did try moving a little bit each time but now it won`t work at all, I have to push the button down by hand and use the key to unlock door and there seems to be no problem with passenger side door lock. driver side lock switch still works on passenger door. Passenger side door lock switch works but only on that door.

[mschn99]

alright, that sounds definately like an actuator then. as far as replacing it, you first need to remove the door panel. there is a trim piece at the top of the panel towards the front of the door that has to be pulled off. then you need to pry up on the "pointed" end of the trim piece on the arm rest that actually holds the switches......once thats up, disconnect the switch connectors (make sure the glass is up before doing this). there may be a screw behind the first trim piece, but the is definately going to be one behind the switches (7mm). there is another screw behind the reflector or light on the lower side of the trim panel. once all that is off, pull strait up on the panel vertically and it will slide right up and come off. if it has a light down below instead of just the reflector, twist the socket and it will come out of the door panel.

next you have to take the latch loose. MAKE SURE TO USE A T27 TORX!!!! a t25 will srip them out. there are three bolts that hold the latch in. there is two electrical connectors, one at the door switch and one at the lock atcuator. you also need to carefully remove the lock rods and remember where they go back on. once all this is done, pull the latch assembly out. there is a plastic tab that locks the actuator to the latch......pry it up and pull it off..........Marc

[danman]

thanks for the reply marc. I will give it a try on my days off.

[99Smokin73Stroker]

ah yes the old power door lock actuator problem. I got lucky and a Ford tech bought my truck and wasn't worried about having me replace mine or give him a discount when he bought it.
Oh and Marc, why do the locks get sluggish the more you press the button? I noticed that a few weeks after I first noticed the locks getting weak.....

[mschn99]

Originally Posted by 99Smokin73Stroker

ah yes the old power door lock actuator problem. I got lucky and a Ford tech bought my truck and wasn't worried about having me replace mine or give him a discount when he bought it.
Oh and Marc, why do the locks get sluggish the more you press the button? I noticed that a few weeks after I first noticed the locks getting weak.....

as the actuators get weaker, you can force them to act up........honestly ive never opened one up to figure out why........Marc