I am making this post in regards to my driver's door lock. When I unlock it with a key, sometimes it will turn smoothly and unlock. Other times I will have to "flick it" over to unlock it, and sometimes I have to go to the passenger side, unlock it, and hit the unlock button to get into the driver's seat.

I will be replacing the door speakers this weekend, so I will have access to the "innards" of the door. Where and what should I look for, as it is an intermittent problem.

 

My first guess with an intermittent problem would be wiring or connections. You have connections at the switches, the acuator, etc. The switches also pull off of the main connection plate (once you get the door skin off, you'll see what I mean). You have 2 or 3 switches on a panel, and each switch will pull right off.

I'd check all of those connections, follow the wires through the door and look for pinched wires, burnt wires, etc.

Just pray it's not the actuator - it's not in a really easy spot inside the door to get to, and it's riveted in.

 

The issue is when I use the key to unlock the driver's door... the switches, buttons, and passenger door lock are all fine. This only happens on the driver's door, when using the key.

I edited my first post with color, boldness, and underlining so there's no confusion as to WTF I'm trying to say.

 

Sounds like the power door lock acutator is seizing up. It won't be long before you won't be able to unlock it with the key at all.

 

Could be that it needs lubes, all the rods in there are likely binding up just a bit, and graphite powder in the lock cylinders couldn't hurt either.

 

I jig-a-loo'd the **** out of it... it is as smooth as silk now.
Lube, the most underestimated element known to man.

 

Might have to try this with my manual locks, sometimes the same thing happens.

 

Mines all lubed up and works well on both sides with the key. The locks don't work on either door with the power switch, though. I've tested both switches and they are good. Connections at the switch bank in each door are good, the circuit breaker is good, and the wiring is good.

Could both actuators be out at once? They didn't work when I got the truck, so I'm not sure if they might have died at separate times. I'm not sure what else to check at this point?

 

Since both work with the switch then they both can go out at the same time, or maybe they went out close to the same time but not exactly since they haven't worked since you have had the truck.

It's best to use graphite to lube locks, but I use WD40.

 

i have the same problem with my 99. i pulled the door skin off, checked the wiring and all connections. i also pulled off the passenger kick panel off to check the circuit breaker, but the only circuit breaker there is for cruise control. i didnt see it in the driver side fuse panel or in the engine compartment. anywhere else i should look?