7 Common Problems With Ford F150 Door Lock Actuator (With Solutions)

Errors in the Door Lock actuator malfunction can be a real nightmare, especially when you are going out or trying to hit a ride back. Sometimes, it doesn’t open, doesn’t close up, or just sticks in the middle. 

The Ford F150 Door lock actuator problems may happen due to a weak motor, loosen wires, high friction, or even cold weather. In most cases, you may end up replacing the whole darn actuator. Other times, fixing or replacing a part or two will do the job.

Today, let’s identify every ford f150 door lock latch or actuator problems and fix them inside out. Let’s start with the diagnostics.

Ford F150 Door Lock Actuator Problems – (Easy Diagnosis)

Here are the common door lock actuator problems you’ll come across in your Ford 150:

#1- Stuck in the middle

In this situation, you may see the door stuck while closing or opening. This is mostly because the actuator motor isn’t working properly. Or the lever inside is broken. 

#2- Not locking in

A loose wire is the main culprit here. Your actuator will pop up everytime without a key, but not lock in. Additionally, not enough lubrication jammed up the internal mechanisms of the Ford F150 actuator. 

#3- Doesn’t open

In this case, you may have a few problems like broken actuator parts, loose wire, motor problems, and so on. If the condition is severe, you will need a replacement actuator pronto.

#4- No Movement at all

The actuator can get totally jammed due to debris. Internal wiring, dried up parts, damaged motors, etc. can be the roots for the actuator not moving at all. You can check it properly before replacing an actuator. 

#5- Fails to work every time

You can be sure of a loose wire here. The wire keeps connecting and disconnecting every now and then. Try replacing the wire and give the bad boy a spin. If you don’t find anything suspicious, use a bit of lubricant, or change the actuator if it’s too old. 

Why Does A Ford F150 Door Lock Actuator Malfunction?

Like all mechanical parts, a door lock actuator of the Ford F150 can also wear down and malfunction. Here are a few reasons why this happens:

• Broken Actuator Part
• Loose Wires
• Key Stuck In Ignition
• Actuator Motor Problem
• Not Enough Lubrication (Mistry Jam)
• Cold Weather

How To Fix A Ford F150 Door Lock Actuator – easy guide

As a result of a Ford F150 door lock actuator failing, it would not unlock or close properly. Let’s see how you can fix that yourself:

The Door Unlocks But Doesn’t Lock

• Start off by opening the screws of the door and access the door lock accelerator. 
• Now, locate any broken pins, wires and connect them with extra wires, sockets and tape.
• Open the actuator up, and give some grease in its mechanical parts. Supposing that the door actuator is just stuck, it will start working again. 
• If you have any broken parts inside, you will need to replace the old actuator with a new one. Getting a new actuator part is easier than scraping for used parts. 

It Locks Up, But Doesn’t Unlock

• Open the door panel screws and get the actuator out. 
• Check for any damage in the extension wires. Fix the problem if there is any.
• Use your key and try to open the actuator. Sometimes, ice crystal or regular dust can jam the actuator. 
• Make sure to check the motor, or replace it. 
• If you don’t want to do anything fancy, an actuator replacement isn’t half bad. 

Lock Works Sometimes, But Not Always

• Check for any loose connection with the actuator. Tighten it, add extra wires, or just use a screwdriver to shove the connections tight. 
• Inspect the motor and the rotating wheel for broken pins. A wear down part can make the actuator go belugas sometimes. 
• Using lubricant, make sure to cover all the mechanical parts with it. Hopefully, it’s a ghost jam, which will resolve afterwards.
• The best option you will have is getting a new actuator, hooking it up, and being tension free a few more years.

No Movement Of The Lock

• A loose wire or the motor is to blame here. So, you need to open the car door and bring out the actuator.
• Get a pair of pliers and screw out the small surrounding the circuitry portion.
• Inspect for any disconnected wires. 
• If your key works, but the wireless option doesn’t, you may need a replacement. 

The lock is stuck in the middle

• You need to open the door and remove the screws that hold the door panel in place. 
• Then, disconnect the wiring harness from the door lock actuator. 
• Remove all the bolts that secure the actuator to the door assembly.
• Look for any malfunctioning parts, most of the time it’s the inside motor. 
• Now, use some grease in between the mechanical parts so that no jam happens. 
• Most mechanics get a replacement, as the old actuators will break down every once in a while. 

How To Replace A Ford F150 Door Lock Actuator/Power Lock actuator?

Replacing a Ford F150 Door Lock Actuator DIY is fairly easy. But you will need the right equipment for this. 

Here are the things you will need:

• Extra wires and tape
• Torx Bit/Driver
• Flat Blade Screwdriver
• A wire cutter
• Extra Sockets 
• Pliers
• New Ford F150 Door lock actuator 

Here are the steps of removing a Ford F150 door lock actuator: 

Unscrew the door lock portion

When you need to replace your Ford F150 door lock actuator, it’s easy to do, and there’s no need to worry. First of all, open the door and remove the screws that hold the actuator in place. You need to start from the bottom and work your way up.

Disconnect the wiring harness with the three bolts

Then, disconnect the wiring harness from the back of the actuator. Remove the three bolts that secure the actuator to the door latch assembly. 

Replace the sockets (Optional)

The sockets holding the wires can get damaged due to old age. You need to replace them sometimes. 

Remove the actuator and pull out the door lock rod

With the actuator removed, you can now access the door lock rod. Simply pull the door lock rod out of the door latch assembly.

Attach a new actuator and connect the wiring

Once the new actuator is in place, reconnect the wiring harness and screw the actuator back into place. 

How To Replace Door Lock Actuator 04-08 Ford F150 >> Check out the video below:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where Is The Ford F150 Door Lock Relay Location

For a Ford F150, you can find the door lock relay in the engine compartment on the left side near the battery. It’s generally a transparent, yellowish white, or a black box with a green top and has two wires going to it. 

Why The Ford F150 Door Won’t Unlock With Key

In most cases, the user doesn’t insert the key properly, which over time breaks the key lock. Try inserting the whole key inside. If nothing works, the locking mechanism itself is damaged or malfunctioning. You will need to replace the whole key lock from an automobile expert. 

How Much Will A Ford F150 Door Lock Actuator Cost

A Ford F150 door lock actuator will cost anywhere from $160 to $250 at best. The total cost increases with labor. An expert automobile service man will charge you more than $100 depending on where you live. So, you need to spend a total of $450 to $550 in total.

Verdict

Well, now we have hit the end of it. Hope now you don’t need to worry about any Ford F150 Door lock actuator problems lurking in the shadows. 

Whether the lock is stuck in between, malfunction sometimes, or just opens and doesn’t close, you can take care of them easily. 

However, rule of the thumb, if the door lock actuator is too old, you will need a replacement for sure. 

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