when i replaced it. My passenger one was definately not working so I thought itd be good to just swap out both driver and pass at the same time. Well i swapped out my pass and i ran into a problem when I tried the locking mechanism. The actuator moves up and down when you signal it to, but its not powerful enough to fully lock/unlock the car door with the push of a button. Now mind you these are two brand new actuators I got off Hawks Thirdgen, so I only assume they should be good. If anyones ever had a problem like this let me know.

-3rd

 

check your ground. Some of the cars have what you call "lazy locks" the hit just not with enough force to unlock or lock the door check the relay mounted in the driver side kickpanel area. the single sheet metal screw holding the relays to the kick panel area are your ground.

 

Wait wait, wheres the kick panel area? Is that where my feet go when im driving? Lol sorry if this sounds retarded but im kinda lost, thats all.

 

yeah kind of, it's behind the panel where your hood release latch is.

 

Ahhhh okay okay i know exactly where that is. Well ill tackle it tomorrow.

 

that would be the first thing i try. some cars have the problem some dont

 

I replaced the lock actuators too and this seems very familiar problem! So, how would we go by fixing the ground if this was the issue?

 

BUMP

 

The problem is unlikely the lock acuators. It's more likely the latch is gummed up with 20+ years of grime and gunk. Try turning your key in the door. If it doesn't spin freely you can't expect the little actuators to do much.

The fix is to thoroughly clean the latch mechanism. Some guys have done it while it's mounted but I have a problem with all of that gunk going down into my doors. I usually remove them and soak in parts washer, lube and re-install.

 

Spraying wd-40 works. .