Replacing Power Door Lock Actuator Guide

Sep 15, 2024

Power Door Lock Actuator Replacement (2000-2006)

Introduction

  • Presenter: Brian Essick from HowToAutomotive
  • Objective: Step-by-step guide for replacing a door lock actuator on vehicles from 2000 to 2006.
  • Applicability: The process is the same for both left and right doors.

Tools and Preliminary Steps

  • Tools Required: Pick tool, Phillips screwdriver, panel popping tool, 10 mm wrench.
  • Initial Setup: Ensure the car window is rolled up before starting.

Door Panel Removal

  1. Remove Plastic Cover:
    • Use a pick tool to remove the plastic cover.
    • Unscrew the Phillips screw behind the cover.
  2. Latch Removal:
    • Pull the latch inward and then outward.
    • Open the plastic clip and remove the rod.
    • Unplug the electrical connector for the door lock switch.
  3. Window Switch Trim:
    • Use a panel popping tool to remove the trim.
    • Unplug the electrical connector for the window switch.
  4. Tweeter Removal:
    • Pull or pry the tweeter off and unplug it.
  5. Handle Screws and Speaker Cover:
    • Remove the plastic cover in the handle to access and remove the Phillips screw.
    • Pop off the speaker cover and remove three additional screws around it.
  6. Door Panel Disconnection:
    • Pop the bottom of the door panel free and pull outward.
    • Disconnect the light by turning it counterclockwise.
    • Remove the light wiring harness.
    • Lift the door panel up, pull towards you, and unplug the speaker.
  7. Weather Barrier:
    • Remove about 50% of the weather barrier to access the actuator.

Removing the Door Lock Actuator

  1. Window Track Removal:
    • Remove the 10 mm bolt from the window track.
    • Unhook and remove the window track.
  2. Security Device and Actuator Screws:
    • Remove the security device screw.
    • Use a camera or scope to help locate three screws to remove the actuator.
  3. Actuator Removal:
    • Peel back the plastic cover.
    • Twist the actuator clockwise and pull it out.
    • Unplug the two electrical connectors.

Installing New Actuator

  1. Preparation:
    • Lay old and new actuators side by side.
    • Transfer the plastic security cover and screws to the new actuator.
  2. Installation:
    • Hook the actuator rod onto the door latch lever.
    • Rotate actuator counterclockwise into position.
    • Ensure proper alignment with metal brackets and screw holes.
    • Secure the actuator and cover with screws.
  3. Reinstallation of Components:
    • Reattach the window track, weather barrier, and door panel.
    • Ensure all wires and connectors are routed and connected properly.
    • Snap door panel into place, secure with screws, and replace covers.
  4. Final Steps:
    • Reconnect the speaker, light, and tweeter.
    • Reinstall the door handle and trim.

Conclusion

  • Resources: Parts and tools used in the video are linked in the description.
  • Additional Help: Visit HowToAutomotive.com for more tutorials.
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