Drivers door does not lock/unlock

[Klute]

Just 4K out of warranty!

Anyways went to local dealer yesterday, they said it would cost about $350 to replace the actuator (if that's what it is).

Door locks/unlocks manually but not with fob or door button.

Took outside door panel off to see if I could locate the actuator. I tried to remove the inner panel after removing the 10-12 bolts I could not get it to come out and did n't want to break anything so I put back together. The inner panel looks to have an access hole to the door lock assembly but I could not figure out how/where the actuator is located. I wanted to remove so I could get the part # to replace it.

Anyone have an thoughts/suggestions on how to access and replace?

Thanks, any help is appreciated.

 

[baum]

the only way to find out is to take a dmm to the wires and test. if they get the power needed when you press the button then its the actuator. if they dont then it could be the switch.

 

[Klute]

OK, thanks for the reply.

So the button on the FOB also uses the master switch (on the door)? I thought they would be separate functions the master switch and FOB would be different, so since neither work, I assumed it was the actuator..

 

[baum]

your probably right there. best way to check is with a dmm though on the actuator wires.

 

[Klute]

I have a DMM...although I am not very good at using one! Assume I disconnect the plug and see if any juice is flowing between contacts when the lock switch is pressed??

Do you know if the actuator is actually part of the lock/latch? (one part instead of 2)

 

[baum]

actuator wires should rest at a ground. then you unlock it only the unlock wire should have power and the other should stay at a ground. and reverse for the lock.

leave the plug connected. just simply put the dmm to dc voltage. ground the ground lead and test with the positive.

usually they are seperate but i cant confirm

 

[ExpressRules]

I don't know how the actuator is mounted on the door of a 1500, but I had one fail on my Mustang a number of years ago and can tell you that it was a royal PITA for someone with big medium to big hands. The little service holes they make in the door was almost useless. The actuator for the Mustang cost was about $75 back then but if the difficulty in replacing in a 1500 is like it was in the Mustang, the $350 may be a good deal

 

[Klute]

I don't know how the actuator is mounted on the door of a 1500, but I had one fail on my Mustang a number of years ago and can tell you that it was a royal PITA for someone with big medium to big hands. The little service holes they make in the door was almost useless. The actuator for the Mustang cost was about $75 back then but if the difficulty in replacing in a 1500 is like it was in the Mustang, the $350 may be a good deal

Yes, the access flap/door is rather small. from what I can tell it has a hook for the up/down rod, hook from each the outside and inside handles along with a wired connection.

I don't have huge hands, but they ain't small either.

I guess I will have to depend on my trained monkey to get it done.

I would like to fix myself b/c I fear that this could be a recurring issue. Should be easier next time.