'97 camry automatic door lock problem

[goretro77]

hi everyone,

I have a '97 Camry LE problem where the automatic door lock does not actuate the driver's door lock. The manual inside switch moves a little when the auto door lock is activated but not enough to lock/unlock the door. I'm forced to activate the alarm and all the other doors will lock/unlock except for the driver's door and afterwards use the key to actually lock/unlock the door.


I have taken the inner door panel off and the motor that actuates the lock, the linkage from the indoor switch to lock the door looks ok. I tried to lubricate as much of the linkage that I could see but its in a tight spot in between the inner door panels.

What I cannot see is the actual motor workings and how it interacts with the linkage. I see the motor's housing but not the actual point where its supposed to manipulate the linkage. Agh!

Does anyone have any experience with this? Help please.

[toyocam99]

I have the same problem and questions.

[goretro77]

Originally Posted by toyocam99

I have the same problem and questions.

hopefully someone who has resolved this issue can help us both!

My hands (and arms) are still dirty from reaching in there and attempting to follow the linkkage to where it gets connected to the lock's motor.

[toyocam99]

I hope so. I haven't tried to fix it yet, but I think the motor might have to be replaced altogether.

[goretro77]

Originally Posted by toyocam99

I hope so. I haven't tried to fix it yet, but I think the motor might have to be replaced altogether.

I'm going to let the car sit unassembled tonight...hopefully someone will spot this thread and chime in a solution. I'm also hoping that a motor replacement is not necessary - how much are those?

and from what I can see - it is not easy to do at home - none of the bolts are easily accessible - I tried looking into manuals how to get to it and there are no clear instructions else I would tackle it myself. argh.

[pansat22]

I have the same problem with Camry LE 1998. But also includes the door right behind the driver side. Sometime in the morning all doors work great; but, in the afternoon the problem get back everyday. Last week I cleaned the main door control panel and replaced the remote control batteries; but, I'm still have the same problem.

[goretro77]

I can feel the motor actuate and the linkage does move a little but not enough. I tried to blast the linkage where it goes from the inside lock switch to a a cam-like setup underneath a plastic shielding. I thought it might be sticking there but nope, it still happens. I am starting to give up on this and will ask the dealership how much this is going to be.

[goretro77]

ok, i fixed my sticking lock linkage problem by spraying the cam located under the black plastic shielding. it started to come more and more free as I sprayed it while actuating the automatic lock/alarm.

I only had to move the shielding just enough to get the wd40 can's tube spay directly at the cam.

for me, the motor was working, i can feel it moving, it was a sticking 'cam' for me.

I put everything back together and its working everytime I've tried it.

Good luck guys, i hope its also something simple and solvable at home for you too.

[scooter58]

wen ur car heats up the actuators don't work that good.

in the morning everything is cool that's why work in the morning.

heat messes up with the door lock actuator.

[new echo owner]

You will probably have to replace the actuator to fix your problem, spraying it with lubricant might be fine fro short term, it will eventually act up again.

N.E.O.

[clai]

Originally Posted by scooter58

wen ur car heats up the actuators don't work that good.

in the morning everything is cool that's why work in the morning.

heat messes up with the door lock actuator.

I read it somewhere, not from a toyota forum, saying that there is a thermo-resistor inside the actuator motor to protect it from overheating. This thermo-resistor gains resistance when heating up, and when it ages. The obvious fix is to replace the actuator. Or, if you are brave enough, you can try to disassemble the actuator motor and short the thermo-resistor.
I just pass on the information I read, don't blame me if it's not true.

[camryman98]

1998 Camry le v6. I also have the same problem with my driver door auto locking actuator. Interesting that so many people have this problem? RECALL!!!!!!!!! haha Fix the rest of my shit while your at it toyota dealership.

[new echo owner]

Outside temperature usually doesn't affect the operation of the actuator; I think the 'thermo-resister' opens up when there is an over-current condition, like a sticking actuator, or over used lock circuit. Either way, it isn't something that is repairable.

N.E.O.

[clai]

Originally Posted by clai

I read it somewhere, not from a toyota forum, saying that there is a thermo-resistor inside the actuator motor to protect it from overheating. This thermo-resistor gains resistance when heating up, and when it ages. The obvious fix is to replace the actuator. Or, if you are brave enough, you can try to disassemble the actuator motor and short the thermo-resistor.
I just pass on the information I read, don't blame me if it's not true.

I found the article in a Ford forum. I am not promoting that forum, but just want to pass on the maybe-helpful information to our fellow camry owners. http://www.dieselbombers.com/ford-po...or-repair.html

[cam0328]

I had the same problem with my 2008 Camry hybrid, I had dealership fix the problem, two weeks to order the part and about $800 the problem was corrected.