I've been having some lock problems so I thought I would just replace my lock actuator. I have the replacement part from the dealership (~ $32 or so).

I've taken the door panel off, pulled back the plastic sheet, and can easily see the actuator with the use of a mirror. There are three screws on it. I've removed the screws (and unplugged the wires going into it) but it doesn't seem to want to come out, the rail for the window seems to be blocking it.

Any tips? My Haynes manual doesn't have any information on this part.

 

Got the switch made, but haven't put it all back together yet. There were two screws on the bottom of the actuator (turns out they didn't need to be removed at this point, they just hold a metal plate onto the back of the actuator), I put those screws in the bottom of the door to hold them. I went to get some new tires and lo and behold... there are holes in the bottom of the doors which are big enough for the screws to fall through. Luckily I found them (one in my driveway, one in the parking lot of the tire shop) and tomorrow I will be putting all back together.

Anyway, some tips if anybody else wants to do this: Remove the window rail (just one bolt) and remove the door jamb (or whatever it is called, the part that keeps the door locked into position, held on by three screws). And the two screws on top which hold it to the door jamb piece are small, but are #2 phillips sized.

I have no idea if the old actuator is good or bad, I just know that the new one is installed... but not hooked up yet. Keeping my fingers crossed...

One other thing, I was suprised by how dirty the inside of the door was, lots of dust and dirt. Hopefully this had gotton in my old actuator causing it to not work well and the new actuator does the trick.