door lock actuator

Has anyone successfully replaced a door lock actuator?
My drivers door doesn't lock/unlock electricly.
I had the door panel off at one point to see if it was jamning in the door and I'd thought I got it going again but it only lasted the day.
I can hear a "whis" sound when I push the unlock button on the key fob but it doesn't do anything and if I push it twice the 3 other doors unlock but not the drivers.
I hate to have to bring it to a dealer to have fixed

I've changed a few, there not so bad, I just saw a new brochure from Dorman's HELP section and they are starting to sell the actuators.

This is normally a bad bumper (the part that connects the actuator arm to the lock). They sell a repair kit for this. Much cheaper than an actuator... ;)

BTW, if you have the factory security system, a bad actuator would require a new lock/actuator ass'y.

bustedratchet, dorman's help section? whats that ?lol
Bill My Aurora has the factory remote locking/alrm system You saying I can't use this repair kit?
Anyone have a precedure? I mean looking thru the door panel you can't even see the actuator

Some auto parts stores carry a "HELP" section they have the odd stuff your always gonna need like light sockets, door handles, clips, grommets ,body clips their stuff bailed me out a few times.

oh oh I know what your talking about busted. I just found one on ebay for $30
um ....do I have to take the locking mechanism out to replace this.
I mean where is it in the door? Out on the end near the lock?

There not in the door lock its a plunger that is connected with a rod. Before you buy anything Bill V (up a few posts) might have something take the door panel off and see what's going on he was talking about a bumper kit. I don't know if he is talking about the little arm that pivots the dealer calls that a Ballcrank.

thanks guys ..Imma take closer a look tomorrow

The bumper actually looks like a small shoe that goes over the end of the actuator arm.

If the actuator is not actually broken (most likely the case), the bumper kit will work.

If the actuator is broken, you will need a complete lock/actuator ass'y since you have the security system. That actuator has an additional switch that for the security system and is not available. :(

thanks bill

ok, I had a feeling the actuator was still working and it is.
The actuator is at the end of the door near the locking mechanism ...nearly impossible to reach with out dismantling the entire door!
So I shoved my hand in there and powered the lock and pushed the rod so I could feel them moving. With lock in one postion (not sure which) I pulled the arm of the actuator toward the locking rod (toward me) and it started working and still works. wooo hoooo !!
We'll see how long it lasts lol
thanks guys

I always love fixing stuff when it costs no bux, hope it holds up for you jj.

You pushed the arm back into the bumper. This is good, as it proves the actuator is not broken. Go to your friendly GM dealer and buy the repair kit. It should be around $10 or so...

Yes ...very cool!! I hope it lasts too! I had to do this by feel cuz I couldn't see in there. I had to force my hand thru a 3" or so opening. Don't know how I'd ever replace the bumper unless I removed the window and track! lol