Power door lock actuator questions

I've tried to do as much research before posting as possible. I just got a '99 Suburban yesterday. None of the power door locks work. Some of the door lock switches twitch when the master lock button is activated. The barn doors do not lock either when pressing the lock button at the back.

Is it conceivable that all 5 actuators are bad already? Is there any other test before ordering all 5?

Would a general purpose one like this http://www.commandocaralarms.com/itemdetails.asp?ProductID=552
work on the suburban? I see someone here put it on his Ford.

sticky rods for the locks. I had to clean mine and spay them.

I've tried to do as much research before posting as possible. I just got a '99 Suburban yesterday. None of the power door locks work. Some of the door lock switches twitch when the master lock button is activated. The barn doors do not lock either when pressing the lock button at the back.

Is it conceivable that all 5 actuators are bad already? Is there any other test before ordering all 5?

Would a general purpose one like this http://www.commandocaralarms.com/itemdetails.asp?ProductID=552
work on the suburban? I see someone here put it on his Ford.


This thread I have linked below has information that you are looking for. GM replaced some of my actuators, and they told me that is was a common problem. If yours are not under warrenty then I think you can buy them fairly cheaply and replace them yourself.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=171924

Look for or call and ask a GM tech where the power door lock relay is. Thats you problem not all bad locks.
Fireplug

Well, I never would have thought it could be all 5 accuators until today.
I just replaced all 5 in my 99 burb (ouch$$$) but the locks work great now.
All linkage moves freely, no other problems seen.

My 99 had 5 bad also. fairly easy to replace, but you do need a pop rivet gun. 1 had been replaced previously so thats 6 in 70k miles. you can get them at a good price on-line or even ebay. I bought 1 for $39.95 installed and went great. the next 4 I got on ebay $7 each. Many gm vehicles and even jeep used the same actuator with a different bracket. Just use the old bracket.

If the door lock is twitching when you use the remote, check to see if the rivettes are broken. You can drill and replace them for under $30 even if you have to buy a cheap revette gun. After having the dear do it twice, my rivettes are now holding for 4 years. I wish GM had that good of a record.

The dealership will charge you about $170 per door, they will replace the accuator regardless if the rivettes are broken and the accuator might be working. How much can they charge you for 4 rivettes? $1 each and $75 per hour to install?