ProPhotog
11-23-2007, 10:52 PM
Been trying for a week to find info on replacing a door lock actuator without being able to get the door open. No luck. The replacement is easy, but getting to it without being able to open the door plain SUCKS. If you've had the same problem you know what I mean.
Anyway I accomplished the task without getting the door open and not too much door panel damage on the driver's side door.
1) panel popper to LIFT the top of the door edge up out of the weatherstripping clips, and over the door lock knob.
2) removed the inner portion of the window felt by GENTLY prying it upand removing the back three clips then I slid the rest of it out of the front clips as to keep from bending it.
3) I gently started trying to pop the top of the door panel away from the door only to lose patience and WHAM....it came off about 3/4 of the way from the back of the door to about the front where it was still screwed in at the vent hole and the front panel clips.
4) THIS allowed me the room to remove the airbag (simple, someone before me DID NOT TIGHTEN THE BOLTS on the airbag, thus leading me to believe this was the rattle I had in the panel when I drove.)
5) I was then able to release the connector to the actuator and POP it out of its home. I used a small flat-blade screwdriver to release it.
6) smile, open the door.
7) check panel and repair SLIGHT damage where the tweeter plastic cracked. easy to replace should I feel the need.
Oh and I think what helped, removing the wood trim piece, which allowed the panel a LOT more flex.
Anyway, someone probably already knows all this and someone probably did the same but I figured I'd share. Now I can get in the car from the correct door.
:buttrock
Anyway I accomplished the task without getting the door open and not too much door panel damage on the driver's side door.
1) panel popper to LIFT the top of the door edge up out of the weatherstripping clips, and over the door lock knob.
2) removed the inner portion of the window felt by GENTLY prying it upand removing the back three clips then I slid the rest of it out of the front clips as to keep from bending it.
3) I gently started trying to pop the top of the door panel away from the door only to lose patience and WHAM....it came off about 3/4 of the way from the back of the door to about the front where it was still screwed in at the vent hole and the front panel clips.
4) THIS allowed me the room to remove the airbag (simple, someone before me DID NOT TIGHTEN THE BOLTS on the airbag, thus leading me to believe this was the rattle I had in the panel when I drove.)
5) I was then able to release the connector to the actuator and POP it out of its home. I used a small flat-blade screwdriver to release it.
6) smile, open the door.
7) check panel and repair SLIGHT damage where the tweeter plastic cracked. easy to replace should I feel the need.
Oh and I think what helped, removing the wood trim piece, which allowed the panel a LOT more flex.
Anyway, someone probably already knows all this and someone probably did the same but I figured I'd share. Now I can get in the car from the correct door.
:buttrock