Driver side Power Lock

97 xlt
for a while the driver door would not lock from either the switch on the door, or the keyless remote. everything else was fine. now it won't unlock either. will only unlock if i use the key. will still open from the inside when in the locked position. still locks automatically when put into drive. the thing now is that there is a sound almost like something is shorting whenever i use either the door switch or the keyless remote. took the door panel off and everything seems to be in place. no visible signs of wire problems. the sound seems to be coming from a little below the actual key mechansm (not sure what its called).
Has anybody had a similar problem or know what this could be?
Much appreciated.

c

my mom had a 94 xlt that done this and it was in her switch. it had a short in it.

If it were me I'd test the switch before anything else

thanks, i think i'll do that next.
any tips on testing the switch?

switch seems to be fine. will try to remove/replace the lock cylinder as this is where the sound is coming from. hopefully this works

i noticed something(not sure what it is called) it was against the inside of the door and covered in a rubber sleeve. behind the slider for the glass. maybe 3-4 inches long, two inches wide. almost looked like a boot that was covering it. it was hanging freely and seemed out of place to be like that. turns out there was an empty hole on the side of the door about an inch from where the panel edge sat. in the same spot on the pass door it looked like it had a rivet in it. its actually a screw it took of bit of maneuvering but the jpart that was hanging should actually ahve been connected to this screw.

does anybody know the name of that thing that was hanging?
(i know its prety vague)

That is your door lock actuator. If it is not mounted, the door will not unlock. Find a rivet the same size and re -attach it.

thanks for that one. wasn't sure if that was an actuator or solenoid. the bad thing is when i put the actuator in place there is no movement in the lock itself. i can feel the actuator trying but there's no movement. even if i use the key it won't move. at least when its hanging freely i can use the key.
any idea on the cost/difficulty of the replacing the actuator?
would it be possible to take one off any of the other doors as i dont' use them as much?