Door Lock Actuator

[magstar]

The passenger door lock actuator stopped working on my 2002 Taurus. I have taken the door panel and weather cover off and unbolted the latch but can't figure out how to remove the actuator from the latch and rods. Any ideas?

[shorod]

The rods are typically attached with little nylon clips that hook over the rods. Often they can be released by bare fingers, no tools required, then the rod will slip out of the hole. The actuator is usually held in by rivets that will need to be drilled out.

-Rod

[fubard]

I'm trying to replace the actuator in the driver's door of my 2000. I removed the bolts holding the latch in but I still can't get at it to take the actuator off. It seems I have to disconnect the rod going to the door handle. Do I have to remove the door handle to remove the rod? I think when that rod is free I can get at the latch to remove the actuautor. I'm going to attempt to repair th eactuator using info harvested on the web.

What a nasty job.!

[shorod]

I looked at the manual for the 2002 and based on it and your description, I'm not sure they are as similar as I would have expected.

Are you able to see how the rod is attached at the door latch? Typically the rod holder thingies are just snapped over the rod. You unsnap them from the rod, then rotate them about 45 degress or more and slide the bent portion of the rod out of them to release them from the latch.

-Rod

[fubard]

Rod, thanks for the prompt reply. I did check rockauto and the part numbers are the same for 2000-2000 taurus and they pysically look the same. I'll give it a try and get back. I'm also going to see if I can remove the attachment of the rod at the belcrank on the actuator.

OK..it's OFF!! I GOT IT...I GOT IT...I GOT IT...I GOT IT...I GOT IT...I GOT IT...!!!!!!
Here's the deal.To remove the rod from door handle to latch..you must carefully pry away the yellow plastic tab near the lower end of the rod. It has a fat end and a skinny end.The skinny end wraps around the back. Get your finger behind there and pull it way , it's stiff but it does come off.Then remove rod.

Now ,to remove the rod from the lockset at the door to the latch . First remove the door handle by removing 2 smallish hex head bolts from inside the door. There are 2 access holes for a socket wrench with extender ,carefully move the door handle aside. You can now pul the large c-clip holding in the lock.With the C-clip removed pull out the lock .The rod will be attached to the lock with a white plastic piece having 2 barbs facing the rod. Carefully use a large screwdriver to pry open the barbs to allow the rod to be removed. That's it !! Just twist and turn & shout to carefully remove the latch & actuator so you can remove the final connections. Disengage the old actuator from the latch and fix it or replace it.

I'm going to attempt to repair mine using info I gathered on the interwebmaskingasagiantpornsite.

I will try to remember to take pics.

NB.. So far this has all been done with no swearing or outbursts. I must compliment myself .I'm trying to use these small jobs as therapy. Afterall, I'm retiring from my job in telecom after 37 years ( with a buyout) and I figure it could take years of therapy to overcome the mental and physical torture I've had to endure for all those years.( ya right)

Well my repair job didn't last very long so I put in a new actuator today. I took a picture of the main attachment that causes all the trouble. I used a piece of coat hanger with a hook bent into one end to snag the piece and open it. I took a picture of the OPENED piece, it's in yellow. The job went MUCH easier the 2nd time.

Originally Posted by shorod

I looked at the manual for the 2002 and based on it and your description, I'm not sure they are as similar as I would have expected.

Are you able to see how the rod is attached at the door latch? Typically the rod holder thingies are just snapped over the rod. You unsnap them from the rod, then rotate them about 45 degress or more and slide the bent portion of the rod out of them to release them from the latch.




-Rod

[shorod]

Congratulations, and thanks for the information!

-Rod

[fubard]

The repair is complete and the lock seems to be working fine. I apologize for not taking any pics. The problem was not the small motor inside the actuator. It was a loose gear. The metal gear spindle sits in plastic cutouts and acts as bearings(dumb dum dumb) There are 3 gears inside. A large worm gear that drives a crescent shaped gear to drive the lock. There is a small white plastic conversion gear that couples the motor to the worm gear. That gear was the problem ! The plastic gear mount was worn and allowed the gear to move and disengage from the worm gear. I managed to repair the slack in the gear and it works fine now but not sure for how long.