JWo

So i bought a couple of cheap aftermarket door lock actuators off ebay for 10 bucks (including shipping). I didn't want to go through Napa or Checkers because it was going to cost about $140 for the two actuators, so I decided to go 'ghetto'. I got my package yesterday and decided it was time to fix them. The first door took about an hour, but the second door took exactly 12 minutes!!! and I even had time to drink a beer during the installation. If your power door locks don't work, this is a super easy way to fix them.

Step one: Pull off door panel and peel back the plastic covering the door

Step two: Grab a beer, its going to get easy

Step three: Find the wires leading to the door lock actuator, cut the plastic wrapping around it and find the two colored wires and splice them...One is positive, the other is negative


Step four: Connect your door lock actuator to the two wires and test it out. When you press unlock, the actuator should push outward, and when you press lock, it should push inward. If it is opposite, just switch the wires


Step 5: What I did now was find a spot to mount the actuator
******Note: I just left the old actuator in the door, it saves you about 10 minutes per side, and saves you a headache******* Notice the old actuator on the left, behind the window track


Step 6: I bent the new push rod to match the same angle as the old push rod and use the connector provided to connect the two rods together. I put my mounting screws in and taped up the two rods with electrical tape, just for ****s and giggles



So that was pretty much it. It took me 12 minutes to do the second side, and I'm sure I could have done it faster. I think the two wires that you don't use are for the auto-lock when you have it in gear and you take your foot off the brake...not too sure, but I don't really care if I don't have that feature anyway...good luck

Fordtrucktexan

You still paid too much. You can get the actual OEM-style actuators that plug in and replace the factory actuators for $5 each shipped. Thats what I did when my passenger side one went out

JWo

really? Where? I could only find those for 20 bucks each at the cheapest

Fordtrucktexan

I'll have to dig out the supplier... I remember it took a bit of searching to find them. They're a bit of a PITA to install though, you have to pull out the entire door latch assembly to get to them

JWo

Ya, i just left the old actuators in there. I didnt even want to deal with trying to take them out. This method is way easier than replacing it with the oem part. Im gonna try put these in my ranger which doesnt have power locks...im all stoked now

worknlikeadog

nice i can use this

2KLariat

Why is the sticky faq thread for repairing your power door lock actuators, a "how to not properly repair the actuator" thread, "but how to put a universal fit item in the truck" thread.

Now dont get me wrong i am down for saving money, but i am always willing to spend more money to properly repair an item, rather than a hack, screw, cut, crimp, cobble install.

I guess i need to put my money where my mouth is and do a "How to properly repair your power door lock actuators" Install Thread.

biscuit141

Fordtrucktexan never posted the source for the $5 OEM actuators. I am starting to have issues with my passenger side actuator.