Help! I think I have a bad door lock actuator

[masksav1]

I think I have a bad door lock actuator. My driver side door lock switch only works sometimes (about 20%) with the key fob or power switch. Most of the time I have to either use the key from the outside or manually lock it from the inside. My questions are these.
How do you remove the door panel?
How do you replace the actuator?
Most importantly do you think I’m on the right track in solving my problem?
P.S. For some reason my original profile is gone so I have a 2006 SLE V-6 Conv

[Ruski]

ok to remove the door panel: pull the cap of where the handel is there is one screw in there. go the the right side of the panel closes to the mirror there is a little round cap with a screw under there. then pry the control unit (where the window switches are) there is a a bolts under there and then all the way on the bottom of the door panel there are two black screws holding it in. then start pulling out and up from the bottom and the panel should pop right off. check your connections first to the window switches and door button that maybe causing your problems. let me know if u need more information or help or pics

[masksav1]

Ruski Thanks for the help
Question the control unit ...How does that come lose it appears to be part of the arm rest. Also where would I find the 2 screws on the bottom .I have a map pocket there...

[Ruski]

u just pry the control unit and it pops off. its not attach to the arm rest.
the two screws are even lower then that u have to get on your knees to see them they are all the way at the bottom of the door panel

[masksav1]

Cool I'll keep you posted

[Ruski]

i can get u pictures tonight around 5

[masksav1]

Even Better

[kingkakyle]

or scroll down about 1/3 the way
http://www.solaraguy.com/viewtopic.php? ... c&start=15

should be pics on how to remove stuff on the door

[masksav1]

Thanks for the pics
Looks easy enough.
How difficult it is to change out the actuator and where is it hidden?

[masksav1]

I'm thinking this is my problem LOCK ASSY, FRONT DOOR W/MOTOR, LH 69040-02120
Has gone bad also should I replace the seal and cable as well

Any thoughts

[masksav1]

Looked inside the door and can't find anything.....Any suggestions?

[masksav1]

I've pretty much confirmed that I do in-fact have a bad door lock actuator
After ripping into the door I only see 1 screw holding it in place it's in the center of the actuator closest to the door. I still cant get the darn thing out. What I'm I missing?

[Leonardo1277]

Hello masksav1 and others,

I think I have exactly the same problem. I also took out the door panel and found out that the actuator is located in between the inner and outer metal panel, and is apparently very hard to get to. Did you or anyone else figure out how to remove it? I already purchased the replacement part, and it would be a double loss if I can't figure out how to get it in ...

Thanks for the help,

Leonardo 1277

[masksav1]

It turned out to be a piece of cake. I removed the 3 star screws on the outside of the door. The actuator then is easier to work with. Be careful and watch how the rod that goes into the door handle. It will line up but you have to manipulate it back into place. You may also have to pull down on the arm to get the cable wire back on. Then plug the power socket back and put the 3 star screws back in place and your done. It sounds difficult but only took 10 minutes. The hardest part is getting the cable wire back in its place and even that wasn’t too bad