Introduction: Replace a Lock Actuator in a 2001 Ford F150

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My easy way to replace the lock actuator in a 2001 Ford F150, Driverside.

This may not be the "proper" way but it has worked on both my passenger side and now the driver side. And I can do them in about 15 mins.

I guess the motors in them just get weak and won't lock or unlock the door. When I opened the old ones up no gears were broke and it all looked good.

Step 1: Gather Tools

Ratchet with a 10mm socket (Or a wrench)
Phillips screwdriver
Looooooong straight blade screwdriver
Small straight blade screwdriver

Oh, and the replacement actuator.

Make sure to roll the window to the UP position too.

Step 2: Removal of Door Panel, Screw #1

Remove the bezel from the door handle, pull from the front to release the clip.

You can see the clip and tab in the next photo.

Once you get the bezel out remove the phillips screw

Step 3: Removal of Door Panel, Screw #2

The trim on the pillar needs removed and it is held in with 2 clips. Just carefully pull it off.

Once removed, remove the phillips screw shown.


Step 4: Removal of Door Panel, Switch Panel

Lift out the switch panel and disconnect the connectors.

This may be a good time to tell you to disconnect the battery since you are working on electronics.

Step 5: Remove Door Panel

I didn't have anyone around to take the photo as I remove the panel, suffice it to say - You just lift up.

That is all, just lift up. No prying, pulling snapping etc ... just lift straight up and pull out and it will come off.

Step 6: Getting to the Actuator

Slowly peel back the rubber backing from the LH side of the door.

Remove the bolt shown to let the window guide rail move to get more room around the actuator.

There it is. Use the long screwdriver to release the power connector without breaking the tab off.

*Edit: Typo*

Step 7: Remove and Replace the Old Actuator

Ok, here is the method I used.

After looking at the new actuator and seeing how it attached, I decided to just pry and snap the old one out. Hey it's already not working, if the mounting tab gets broke, oh well.

Just make sure you don't put so much force you bend the metal mounts.

If you look at the actuator you will see it is slid up against a metal plate. Slide the looooong screwdriver in there and start prying it out. Take your time and work it out little by little, eventually the tab will snap and the actuator will almost fall off its mounting rail.

Once you get it out you will understand how it mounts.

I just plugged the connector into the new one and slid it in on the rail until I felt a click and it was snug up against the metal plate.

Also make sure the pin goes into the proper location.

At this point I also plugged in the switch and tested it's operation.

Step 8: Put It Back Together.

Reassemble everything in the reverse order.

I also like to bend the clips back out a bit as I hate when trim rattles.

Also don't forget to put the window guide bolt back in ... I did and had to take it all back apart.