Gen 4 Front Door Latch Removal

[Kaline]

I have a 1999 Camry (4th Gen) that has been a great car. However, the power door lock actuator on the passenger front door died. The actuator is bolted to the door latch assembly, and this assembly needs to be removed in order to replace the actuator.

I tested my new actuator on the car's wiring harness to confirm it worked, which confirmed the old actuator is the source of the problem.

I am able to remove the door panel (great write-up here, thanks kpszar) and the interior door handle, but I cannot get the exterior door and latch rods off. My Haynes manual is not help: it just says to "remove them" w/o detail how. Has anyone done this, and how did you get it off?

Also, the latch assembly is large and I am not sure there is clearance to remove it with the window tracks installed. Has anyone done this successfully with the window tracks in place?

[abew330]

i would think you would have to remove the inside door handle, window, window regulator, and mid door frame.

remove inside door handle 2-3 screws and disconnect from links

lower the window half way and remove the windows 2 10mm bolts and tilt forward and lift out

remove door frame support 6-7 nuts and bolts

remove the 2 remaining bolts holding window regulator and disconnect plug

should be clips holding the door handle/lock links that you should remove from actuator

and disconnect the 2 links from outside door handle

remove the 3 screws for the actuator and disconnect plug and remove from door.

you really have to be careful when removing the "Links" from the door handles

once you remove the old latch install everything back (reverse order) and should be good to go

[Kaline]

Thanks for the input. Does anyone have a diagram for how to remove the linkage from the outside door handle and lock? I figured out how to remove the inside door handle and linkage...

[Kaline]

FYI, I figured out how to remove the links from both the inside and outside handles.

Tips for this repair:

1. Remove the exterior handle to gain better access to remove the exterior handle lock rods.
2. Remove the lower bolt for the window track and move the window track towards the front of the door. This will allow clearance for the door latch to be removed.
3. You do NOT have to remove the window, window regulator or window frame. Just make sure the window is up when you start the repair (obviously).
4. These power door lock actuators must fail frequently, as I've owned 2 4th Gen Camrys that had this issue. Aftermarket door actuators are available for less than 1/2 of dealer list price. So far, the aftermarket parts have worked fine (they look identical to the OEM unit).

[Rattlin_Steele]

Thanks for following up. Too many people get on here for help and then never followup with the result.

I've done this before and was trying hard to recall what had to be done until I read your latest post. It is a royal PITA dealing with the linkage at the actuator end and moving the window run track was a key breakthrough as well. Somehow I think I did it without removing the exterior door handle, but I remember my hands being nicked up pretty badly.

[krish_rajesh]

I am trying to put the actuator back in my toyota camry 1999. do you have any diagram how the lock/actuator assembly is together? A plastic connector that connects actuator movement (A plastic connects actuator motor to Plastic connector)(the one one that moved up and down) and lock system - I could not correctly assmeble and not sure how.
Thanks for your help

[96v6wagon]

Has anyone found an aftermarket source for a door lock actuator that will fit a 96 Camry? I called the dealer this a.m. and they don't sell the actuator separately - just the entire assembly - for $338!.

I found an actuator at the local recycler, but it will be used, of course. I'd rather find a new one if there is an aftermarket source.

Thanks, all!

[dave1811]

Kaline:

When you say to remove the lower bolt for the window track, do you mean the bolt for the glass or the frame guide? I wasn't sure what you meant by that.

Dave

[Kaline]

Dave: When I mentioned window track, I mean the window guide frame. There is a bolt at the bottom of this frame that holds it to the door.

96v6 wagon: I know these power lock actuators are available aftermarket for the Gen 4 cars: I bought mine from RockAuto.com I would check with a local parts store (such as NAPA or Parts Plus) to see if one is available for your Gen 3 car.

Krish: Below is link to diagram from my 1999 Toyota Camry Service Manual outlining the assembly of the front door. Best of luck.
http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2870...05342811yNxNVy

[dave1811]

Thanks! I am going to try to tackle this today if my daughter brings the car by. Got an aftermarket power lock acutuator, have my multi meter and am going to give it a whirl, check continuity, etc. But from what I have seen so far, it is the actuator. I am going to keep the old one, take it apart and see what I find out. Thanks again for the reply!

Dave

EDIT: Got it done in a couple of hours, taking my time, thinking about it. I ended up taking the bolt out on the bottom door track and loosening the top bolt. Didn't take it all the way out. Also, I left the door handle on, just unbolted the plastic clip and took out the rod. After I figured out how to take things out, it really wasn't that bad. Took me a mintue to figure out how the new actuator fit in to the little plastic latch but besides that, not bad. I would rate this one about a two beer job out of five!!

Thanks for the window track tip, it helped a ton!!