Door Lock Actuator Replacement Tutorial

Does anyone know where I can find a tutorial, or instructions on replacing a door lock actuator? I don't know why, but I have terrible luck with actuators. Went through several on my FJ, and now the front passenger one went out on my 2020 Tundra. Thankfully, with my FJ I found a source on EBay for actuators refurbished with OEM parts that come with a lifetime warranty, and I always had great luck with them, but I would always pay someone to replace them for me. I'd like to tackle it myself if I could find some instructions. Thanks in advance.

 

If you are just replacing the entire actuator, it's fairly simple. The are several youtube videos out there for replacing them. If you want to go an even cheaper way, you can buy the electric motors for about $5-10 and just replace the motor inside of the actuator. I've done 3 of my doors and will probably need to do the 4th before too long as it sticks sometimes.

 

I already purchased the actuator for $55, it's nice because they come with a lifetime warranty. I've checked on YouTube and could only find videos on previous generations. Not sure if it's similar. I'd imagine if I just pop off the door panel it'll be pretty straightforward once I see what I'm working with, but was hoping to have something to fall back on in case I get lost.

 

I know I watched some youtube videos, they are all pretty much the same, one of them that I looked at was actually from a Camry. Take the door panel off, the actuator is just held on by 3 screws on the edge of the door. The hardest part is wiggling it past the window guide, it will help if you take out the bottom bolt on it so you get a little more room. There is a rod that hangs down that you need to make sure you set in the hole on the actuator, I forgot that one time and the lock didn't work right so I had to take it apart and fix it.

 

I just did my driver side this last weekend. Relatively easy and straightforward - just make sure you insert the metal rod before installing it all the way. Will find the video and post it

 

Thank you.

 

I replaced the actuator motor (only the motor) in my 100 series Land Cruiser some years back. It's not difficult at all. Dirt cheap. Look at this thread from IH8MUD:

Door Lock Actuator Replacement | IH8MUD Forum

 

I can’t find the video but it’s pretty straightforward:
1. Take off door panel, disconnect the power window mechanism and unlatch the wires leading to the door lock

2. Open the plastic moisture barrier carefully and thread wires through. Try not to tear the plastic.

3. I loosened the three 10 mm bolts that follow the track in order to be able to better maneuver the defective actuator.

4. Take off the three Torx screws from the door frame while reaching through the door so it doesn’t fall. On the backside of the actuator there is a metal rod with a plastic hole / spring mechanism. Unlatch from there and remove old actuator.

5. The actuator will have the wires attached to it - carefully remove them and replace mirroring installation on the new mechanism.

6. Place the new actuator in the area to install - before screwing it in make sure to thread the metal rod into position on the backside of the new actuator. It may take some patience but is east enough to do. After placing the rod put the actuator in place and three the Torx.

replace harnesses, plastic and door panel.

if I can find the video I will list it but it’s relatively straightforward. Two important tips are to loosen the track that runs down Thor to better remove the actuator and make sure the metal rod is seated properly.

here you go (says 07-13 but same for later years):

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WdgXKe8vBTI

 

Awesome, thank you. I wasn't sure if there was a difference between the 2nd Gen and the 2.5 Gen. This looks right. Thanks again.

 

It actually reminded me that I hadn’t taken out the lock cylinder and lined it up so I went and checked and couldn’t unlock or lock with the key. Just fixed it so thank you for reminding me