Power Door Lock

[Radiatorkid]

I've got a 2000 Windstar with a Drivers Power Door lock which is not Working. I replaced the actuator with a new universal one which I checked out before installing. It appears that I'm not getting any power from the switch to the actuator. All other locks are working fine. Only the Drivers Side Front door is not working. All fuses appear to be good also. Any ideas on what to check next? Thanks.

[phil-l]

The driver's power door lock actuator also recently failed on my '00.

I replaced it with an OEM-style unit - and it now works fine. Personally, I don't bother with the "universal" kits, and your experience isn't the first time I'd heard of problems.

You mentioned testing the actuator. Did you test it while attached to the van's wiring harness? Do you have a voltmeter to verify that no voltage is reaching the actuator connector?

Are you sure all of the wiring harness connectors in the door are properly mated?

Sorry, I don't have many ideas beyond this...

[olopezm]

Hi have the same problem, it looks like the actuator is weak or something; whenever I try to unlock the doors I can see it trying try to move.

I inspected and cleaned the actuator to no avail; I was willing to install a new aftermarket actuator but read many negative comments. I decided to leave like that because I wasn't willing to spend more money on an OEM one (had bigger things to worry about).

Later I found some guy who had the same problem and turned out to be the Front Electronics Module located under the dashboard. In case you replace the actuator and still doesn't works the FEM would be the next place to look.

Phil-l, I wonder how did yours stop working? Plain dead or or was weak like mine?.

Oscar.

[Radiatorkid]

Success!! After more reading of the owners manual, I missed a fuse under the hood in the Power Distribution Box. Fuse #14 is for the FRONT Drivers door only. It was Blown. New Fuse and Everything is working right. Wife is very Happy! Now I'm wonder why the old fuse Blew. Maybe the OEM actuataor was pulling to much current in it's old age? Thanks again for your input.

[phil-l]

Originally Posted by olopezm

Phil-l, I wonder how did yours stop working? Plain dead or or was weak like mine?.

Oscar.

Oscar -

Mine was weak. At first, pressing the unlock button twice was enough to get it to work. Then it got progressively worse.

I took the old one apart after replacing it. There's a small motor that drives a gear mechanism inside of the actuator. I suspect the motor brushes were wearing badly. It's been fine since I replaced it (about 6 or so months ago).

What does the FEM look like - and exactly where is it? What did a replacement cost?

[northern piper]

I've replaced 2 on my 2000 now, both replacement models ( a dorman part) not the "universal" one and not a Ford OEM one. In both cases when I opened up the unit one of the teeth of the small geared wheel had broken off. I'd suspect the window lock jamming or sticking leading to the motor spinning wearing the tooth. I too wouldn't fiddle with a "universal" model as the dorman is readily available and fits well.

[olopezm]

Thanks Phil,

That's pretty much the same mine does. I guess I will replace it when possible. It doesn't really bothers me having to use the key to open the door.

The FEM is under the dash near the drivers feet and should look like a black box (I think) I'll post a pic of the exact location tomorrow.

Piper what's the part number of the dorman replacement, is it available from autozone?

Oscar.

[phil-l]

Here's a link to Autozone's lock actuator for the Windstar, Duralast #DLA136:

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par...37024_36114_0_

rockauto.com carries the Dorman part, 746148

[northern piper]

I"m pretty sure this is it. I just did a really quick search on the dorman site.

http://www.dormanproducts.com/p-3032...ator%2520Motor

[phil-l]

piper -

Hmmm - The pics at the link don't look like my replacement... Wait: And the site says it's for a *right-rear* application.

I think this is it:

http://www.dormanproducts.com/p-2732...ator%2520Motor

[northern piper]

yessir Phil.... you're right.. that is the one.

that dorman site is pretty good. I use it now for when I'm looking for parts a lot..

[olopezm]

Thanks guys,

I'll check those part numbers at the store.

Oscar.