Door Lock Actuators

dougl · 07-22-2008, 03:16 PM

Has anybody successfully used the "universal" door lock actuators that are available on eBay? For example:

4 Power Door Lock Actuators Heavy Duty Lifetime Warenty - eBay (item 140190169703 end time Aug-09-08 13:43:42 PDT)

The driver's and passenger's door and the back hatch are all going out on my 99 Windstar. I'm not sure I wanna spend $50 for each actuator from the parts store. If these universal actuators will work, they're a lot cheaper.

-dougl

kal3mom · 07-23-2008, 09:28 PM

I have no idea what to do about that. Maybe if you get some info from a "door expert' you can let me know. The left power slide door on my 2003 windstar starts to close and then decides to open back up....over and over again until I manually push it shut.
I just know that, depending on how long you plan on owning a vehicle, sometimes cheaper isn't better.

Nick M · 07-23-2008, 10:11 PM

I recently replaced the actuator on the right sliding door on my 2001 Windstar. I bought the part on ebay from a dealer called ecaronline. They were very helpful and my have the exact part you need. I did not use the universal actuator. The rod on the actuator must be the right size for it to work properly. The universal ones may require some trimming. The original actuator may be riveted to the mounting bracket. Mine was riveted and I used a dremel tool to cut the head off the rivet in order to dismount it. It should be doable with the universal.

dougl · 07-24-2008, 08:40 AM

The actuators I need to replace are:

- both front doors
- back hatch

If I understand correctly, the actuators for the front doors are different from the other three. I've taken the panel off one front door and I can see that the actuator is attached to the door latch mechanism. The actuator doesn't pull/push straight up and down but makes a rotating motion. I'm fairly certain that a universal actuator will not work for the front doors.

-dougl

dougl · 07-24-2008, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kal3mom

I just know that, depending on how long you plan on owning a vehicle, sometimes cheaper isn't better.

At this point, I'm thinking about fixing all the broken stuff and selling it before something really bad happens. I've been unhappy with this van for a long time. I want to get a Honda or a Toyota mini-van instead.

-dougl

dougl · 07-27-2008, 08:38 AM

After taking things apart, I found that the two front doors cannot use the universal lock actuators. I ended up buying replacements from the local parts store ($42 and $62). I think a universal lock actuator will work on the back hatch though so I'm going to try that.

-dougl

edo89 · 08-23-2008, 09:12 PM

dougl,

how did you take the lock mechanism out of the door? I got 3.8L 98, I got the trim off, disconnected switches, disconnected wires at lock end, unhooked the rod controlled by outside handle, but I still cannot get it out the door because manual lock rod is still attached to it and I cannot find the way to disconnect it. Can you or someone tell me how to take it out and replace the actuator? This is for front passenger door. Thank you.

BroncoJoe19 · 08-24-2008, 05:59 AM

edo89,
Here is how i did it on my bronco. I would bet that there are similar enough that this would be helpful, or at least give you some ideas.
Good luck
broncojoe19
How to replace electric door locks - door lock actuator - Ford Bronco Zone Forums

edo89 · 08-24-2008, 08:35 AM

Thanks, BroncoJoe19,

Just like you, I had no idea where and how the actuator connects. On my 98 Windstar, there are no rivets, which should make the job easier. Also, the actuator does not mount directly to the door at all. If you remove 3 hex screws from the side of the door, you loosen the whole locking mechanism, it appears to be all in one piece with nothing sticking to the door. However, I have no idea how the actuator connects to the lock - is there a bracket? Screws? Rivets? I wanted to pull it out and see, but could not disconnect rod connecting to manual lock. BTW, here is the link to rockauto, the left side of the plastic retainer piece on the bottom right is holding it. It looks like one should be able to press on those pins and take the rod out, it did not work for me (tight access, plus afraid I would break it).

Manufacturer Info

If I cannot get it out, is there a drawing or picture somewhere showing how the actuator actually connects to the lock on 1998 Windstar? I searched the web with no results. Seeing it would help me a lot - maybe I would not have to take it all out. I bought the Haynes manual the other day - what a piece of crap! Any help will be greatly appreciated!

BroncoJoe19 · 08-24-2008, 07:57 PM

All I can offer is that when I could not get my head in there to take a look (on my bronco) I stuck my camera inside the door and took pictures. I then looked at the pictures on my computer, and it was great!

IF you do the same, please post the pictures and an explanation so that others can benefit from your tribulations

BTW.. I edited the pictures in MSPaint with little text labels and pointers to make it easier for others to follow.