twa2k

Please don't flame me if these pics don't post...With my limited time/computer knowledge, I just thought I'd try to post some sort of a DIY for this fix.

The door lock actuator can be ordered from allelectronics.com...search for "door lock actuator". $5.50 for part and about $7.00 for shipping. Pretty easy install.

http://good-times.webshots.com/photo...95138466PMRATr
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo...95138466PEmvrO
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo...95138466YdCohv
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo...95138466ugYoDo
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo...95138466VzbTvx
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo...95138466pIbRNh

JAB

Not working; please try again; many of us want to see such pix.

Lexmex

It's okay to use my shots (and that goes for anyone here) to incorporate into a DIY.

Make sure you add this to the DIY sticky thread we have at the top of our forum, I am sure others will find it useful.

ivan1

this DIY mod will work the same way for any door right? (dumb question i know just want to be sure)

Lexmex

It's pretty much the same thing except opposite side.

blueridger

Thanks for all who have contributed to this topic, and this forum! These pics seem very helpful. I was admittedly intimidated by some of the very informative, but text based threads previously posted on this topic. I just ordered the part and will give this DIY a try on my driver's door. I'll post any tips that aren't already here. The CL community has been a ton of help! Again, thanks!

blueridger

Replaced my driver's door lock actuator today! Thanks to all the help from the folks on this forum it went very well. Thank you!

trips1

I am thinking of fixing my driver side door lock (2001 RX300) using this thread as my guide.

Please can someone let me know:

-- If everything was done with window glass in closed or open position. Or it does not matter?
-- Is all this one person job or not?
-- Anything other than the following list of tools: Small and big Screw Driver, small knife to cut the plastic, small drill machine, Some glue or duct tape to fix the new actuator to the body.

Thanks to all the wonderful people on this mailing list.
Trips

blueridger

To answer your questions:
- I did mine with the window up. I tied into the door lock lever. Some have tied into the old actuator, which may require taking the window out... I'm unsure.
- Yes, it is a one person job.
- Basic tools... screw drivers, drill, etc. But you'll need to screw the actuator to the door; duct tape will not secure it.

Good luck.

Jacobus

Is the new actuator louder, quieter or the same?

blueridger

About the same...

ivan1

i feel like an idiot asking all these questions but the guy that looked at my car said that the problem was the "solenoid" i'm assuming it's the same part as this actuator. now the other question i have is with this part installed it still works from the remote right? as log as you tap the right wires. and buying this part does it come with wires and the metal rod?

twa2k

ivan1...

The solenoid he’s speaking about is a $200.00+ part that I think was designed by NASA or the professor from “Back to the Future”. It does a lot more than just flip your lock flapper back and forth.

Also, it’s located down in the door frame and is a real bee-otch to get to. If you can currently do the following:

1. use your key, not remotely but manually, to lock/unlock your door

2. hear the solenoid “popping” when you press the remote’s lock/unlock button

then your solenoid is probably fine.

It’s just not doing everything it was designed to do…and in your case, that is to flip you flapper and lock/unlock your door. By doing the DIY, you're just piggy-backing this solenoid with an actuator.

The actuator you’ll order has all the wires and rod required.

ivan1

okay thanks alot man, i just ordered the thing should get it with in a week and do the mod. and yes i can open my door and i hear something trying to work but the flapper barely budges. i'll post back when it's done cuz i'm getting sick and tired of using my key when i own a luxury vehicle...haha

code58

Ivan- what you're hearing is a motor that's dying, hospice is there and it will only be a few moments longer and it will have taken it's last breath and you can get on with the funeral. No reincarnation for this thing! The piggy-back is actually pretty simple and it will sound just like it did before. The original assy. has to be left in place to do all the other things that it does, it's just the feeble little motor that has worn the last nubs off of it's punny little brushes. Good luck with the project!