Removing/Replacing the Door Lock Actuator

[jebediah]

Hey guys, my door lock's currently not working on '02 Corolla driver's side door. I bought the motor replacement for the actuator, and got the door panel off my car today in an attempt to get to the actuator, remove it, replace the motor, and put it back. Well damned if I could even figure out how to get the actuator out, if at all. After a long time, I could see where the actuator was, but was stumped as to how to remove it.

I've searched the site numerous times and have yet to find anything tutorial wise that shows the steps involved to do so. Now if it has been posted and I missed it, I apologize. But if anyone could point me in the right direction, I'd be extremely grateful. Thanks...

[Buurin]

Each door lock motor has 3 torx screws and 1 bolt and a number of steel rods that go to the inside and outside door handles. Detach them, then fish it out. Loctite (blue) the torx screws when reinstalling. Torque for these is 43 in-lbs.

[blb]

Originally Posted by Buurin

Each door lock motor has 3 torx screws and 1 bolt and a number of steel rods that go to the inside and outside door handles. Detach them, then fish it out. Loctite (blue) the torx screws when reinstalling. Torque for these is 43 ft-ins.

Do you mean 43 in-lbs? Ft-ins is not a measure of torque.

[Buurin]

Originally Posted by blb

Do you mean 43 in-lbs? Ft-ins is not a measure of torque.

Yes, in-lbs. I farted.

[jebediah]

Thanks for the help people. Mission accomplished...

[Riggs Point]

Originally Posted by jebediah

Thanks for the help people. Mission accomplished...

thanks but, how do you detach the rods, how many are there and how to reattach rods to new actuator '99 Solara driver's door?)

[dorkiedoode]

Originally Posted by jebediah

Thanks for the help people. Mission accomplished...

actually looking to replace mine too. how much did you pay for it and is there any tips you can offer?

[Riggs Point]

I wished that I paid someone to do it! It's all together now but the only way to reach the mechanism was to remove the door handle and cylinder (4 #10 bolts) and then i was able to pull the whole thing out enough to see what was what. I bought an actuator from Rock Auto for $65, including shipping after a 5% code for a discount. I happen to have a star fitting and a small ratchet set which made the three door lock bolts easy to remove. The doors unlock now but they don't lock via the remote. I found a white nylon knob near where the door was open and I'm afraid I broke it off the mechanism where the new actuator connects to the cables. I don't know which piece I have to order to fix it but I'm getting good at taking the door apart; two times today and I just assembled it in the dark...damned what I'd do to save a buck. Penny wise, pound foolish I guess. So i'm not done but the new actuator works from the switch..just not from the remote to lock....YET. Anyone know about this nylon knob and if the one i picked up is part of my locking mechanism? I must have broken it off when I pulled the old actuator off and didn't know enough to miss it. I hoped that putting those parts together would make them connect by magic or something.

Edit: DON'T remove door lock: it's not necessary but you have to remove the entire latch with the actuator attached. The cables should be detached from the door handle inside the car by detaching the inside handle first. The rods from the latch mechanism have to be disconnected from the door lock (the outer, from inside) and the latch taken off. THEN swap actuators, being careful not to break the white plastic ball connector that fits into the pocket on the actuator. I broke the plastic ball which meant that I HAD TO BUY AN ENTIRE NEW DOOR LATCH which aded an extra and unnecessary $133 (if you order from Camelback Toyota Parts in Phoenix, AZ with no tax and free shipping.) I would probably buy the actuator there too next time. (The Toyota dealer here in Los Angeles wants $183 for the latch, less 15% if you ask, and more than $100 for the actuator, which should cost no more than $77.) Again, I would have been better off buying the actuator and getting an experienced alarm installer to do it for $60 or $75 labor.)