Removing Lock actuator on'92 Taurus

My girlfriend's sister has this Taurus and the lock actuator has failed. It buzzes etc. I was at a pull-it-yourself yard yesterday and found many cars of her vintage and when trying to seperate the actuator from the clip I couldn't seem to do it. I drilled the rivet out and released the actuator but the rod is shaped like a backwards "s" and there seems to be no room to pivot this rod out of it's clip or lever hole.

I also tried releasing the latch by removing the three screws and the other rods (door handle,outside and inside) seem to keep it from giving. I never had much trouble in other makes.

Any ideas or tips would be appreciated. Thanks

Dunno, but I was wondering when your "new" girlfriend's sister is going to realize that she is now your girlfriend's sister?

I don't get it tripletdaddy??

But why did you feel you needed to post when you really had nothing to add?

Some just guess they are funny! Is that your case?

I've replaced a few of these and the first time is always the worst. It's a difficult procedure to explain but it will come out. Also, make sure you've unplugged the electrical connector that will allow you to move the actuator around more. One other thing is to check to see if there's a plastic clip that has to be removed from the rod. I can't remember if they used some kind of clip to maintain the connection. Good Luck !

Sorry I couldn't be helpful. I guess you and others didn't appreciate the humor in what I said. If it was not comic relief, then you also probably wouldn't appreciate it as a riddle as to who is your girlfriend. Now that Fubard has helped you, I hope you can lighten up.