Door Lock Actuator Replacement (6 Viewers)

[cboyd]

HERE are some pictures I took when I did mine.

What point are you at?

These pictures were key to me being successful on this project. The other most important things:

1) getting the trim from around the interior handle is the second hardest thing.
2) getting the actuator mechanism out of the door is the hardest thing, but use the photos above and study how stuff is connected. Just rotate the little clip so it's off the bar and push just a little more than you think you have to.
3) 7 minutes at 300 degrees and pry apart with a small screwdriver was the key instruction on the actuator housing.

Thanks MUD! Great instructions and saved me enough money to pay for that ARB Safari Bumper!

 

[cmassa]

I've replaced the motors in all 4 doors now on my 2003 and need to do the rear window lock actuator but I can't figure out how to get at it. I have removed the interior handle and can see in a little but can't see how to get the trim off to get more access. I don't want to just start prying on things and risk breaking unless someone can tell me that's actually what is done. There are no center-push pins or screws on the trim like on the rest of the doors. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Chris

PS: I just zip-tie the actuator case back together without any glue (so it's easy to do it again when needed). The front doors were done 4 years ago and are holding together fine.

 

[cmassa]

Anybody have advice?

 

[rodmanj]

I have 2000 celica GTS and located in Dallas. My car inside lock/unlock buttons and also my key unlock/lock buttons are not working. Basically I have to manually open/close both the doors. Any body knows how much it will costs me to fix everything? If it is reasonable I would like to pay it somebody around from here to fix it.

 

[cboyd]

I've replaced the motors in all 4 doors now on my 2003 and need to do the rear window lock actuator but I can't figure out how to get at ...

I just noticed there is a post in the FAQ on rear hatch actuator replacement. Check that.

 

[coloradoskiier]

Anyone in Denver area willing to do replacement?

I have a 2000 LC that needs all 5 actuator motors replaced. Is there anyone in the Denver area that would be willing to do this at a reasonable price? Please email me at ttrimble@trimbleassociates.com

 

[TTO5]

How in the world do all 5 actuators go bad? I guess I am lucky. My 2000 has 210k on it and all original actuators present. Probably just jinxed it.

 

[paflytyer]

I have a 2000 LC that needs all 5 actuator motors replaced. Is there anyone in the Denver area that would be willing to do this at a reasonable price? Please email me at ttrimble@trimbleassociates.com

Did all 5 stop working at the same time? If so, that's likely another problem entirely. A bad fuse maybe?

If not, doing all 5 actuators would be pretty time consuming. At least a FULL day worth. I could show you how to do the first one, then you could do the others as you get time. It would save you a grip-full of money.

Can you imagine what the dealership or a shop would charge to replace all 5 actuators? $75-80 an hour? Thanks to all who have contributed to this thread, and Jon for finding a motor source. This may be the BEST money saving fix in the 100 section.

 

[jonharis]

Did all 5 stop working at the same time? If so, that's likely another problem entirely. A bad fuse maybe?

If not, doing all 5 actuators would be pretty time consuming. At least a FULL day worth. I could show you how to do the first one, then you could do the others as you get time. It would save you a grip-full of money.

Can you imagine what the dealership or a shop would charge to replace all 5 actuators? $75-80 an hour? Thanks to all who have contributed to this thread, and Jon for finding a motor source. This may be the BEST money saving fix in the 100 section.

^ This. Although I am happy to sell you a set, the actuators are not the issue if they all went at the same time.

Edit: I remember selling you three motors last year. Did you ever replace the three or have the origionals progressively failed since then?

 

[TTO5]

Try 112.00 an hour here in new jersey. I am an assistant service manager at a toyota dealership. We would charge an hour labor per actuator minimum. Hard to believe all 5 went bad at once. You need to diagnose this more.

 

[coloradoskiier]

^ This. Although I am happy to sell you a set, the actuators are not the issue if they all went at the same time.

Edit: I remember selling you three motors last year. Did you ever replace the three or have the origionals progressively failed since then?

No, I haven't replaced them yet. I took the driver's door apart with the intention of replacing that motor and got intimidated by the process. I decided to try and get a professional or semi-professional to do the job.

Not all 5 actuators are bad. 3 of the 5 door intermittantly don't work, especially in warmer weather. I just figured if I needed to get 3 replaced, why not do all 5.

Thanks for the responses.

 

[lesgarten]

I'm thinking of snagging these actuators and holding onto them "just in case".

But here's the deal, I have a 2002 w/200K on it and the door locks sound like a jackhammer when they work! Just like the day I bought it. I thought they were solenoids, they work so well. Amazed that there were motors in there.

Do they start doing bad things as a warning or do they just stop in their tracks when they go bad?

 

[Hugh Heifer]

My drivers door is showing signs. Sometimes it works and sometimes it tries or just goes part way. So in my case, it is a slow death.

I spent $17 on two motors shipped.

Posted from a brick.

 

[lesgarten]

My drivers door is showing signs. Sometimes it works and sometimes it tries or just goes part way. So in my case, it is a slow death.

I spent $17 on two motors shipped.

Posted from a brick.

Interesting, Thanx!

 

[TXLX100]

Did all 5 stop working at the same time? If so, that's likely another problem entirely. A bad fuse maybe?

If not, doing all 5 actuators would be pretty time consuming. At least a FULL day worth. I could show you how to do the first one, then you could do the others as you get time. It would save you a grip-full of money.

Can you imagine what the dealership or a shop would charge to replace all 5 actuators? $75-80 an hour? Thanks to all who have contributed to this thread, and Jon for finding a motor source. This may be the BEST money saving fix in the 100 section.

I was a Lexus service advisor for 4 years and actually had a guy that replaced all five actuators at once. I don't know if they all went out at one time though (unlikely). Sounds like a crazy suggestion, but do any of the locks work from the interior switches, driver and passenger door lock switch? The only other thing I can think of is that there is a body ECU, but I never personally saw one go bad on a LX.

For what it's worth, I think we charged about 1.5 hour labor per door plus the actuator, about $550-$600 in parts and labor for each.

I was able to fix one of my door lock actuators using an assembly I had with a broken cable and the information from this site.

 

[gtfour43]

Did i read right? Someone paid $3000 to fix his door locks? Wth

 

[TXLX100]

Yep. I bought an door lock assembly recently at list at it was $305 plus tax.

 

[sches]

Door actuator motor collar removal

I have a 1999 Toyota corolla and used this thread to help me. So here is added help for anyone struggling with a motor collar removal. Previous post showing wire cutters gave me the idea (posted by TRD911). This method needs no help, no vice, no torch! The vice grips are used just to hold the wire cutters closed loose on shaft, but tight enough not to slip past collar. As shown...you must have it in wire cut part of wire cutters to have collar clearance.

[/URL] Uploaded with ImageShack.us[/IMG]

 

[sches]

Door actuator motor collar removal picture

Picture...

 

[Rigger]

I took the driver's door apart with the intention of replacing that motor and got intimidated by the process.

The job is easier than it seems. Really. Spit on your palms, take a breath, and go to it. I am living proof that anyone can do it!