How to Replace a Power Door Lock Actuator on a 1999-2010 Ford Ranger Truck

1A Auto shows you how to repair, fix, change or replace a broken or snapped power door lock actuator on 1999-2010 Ford Ranger truck models. The actual vehicle shown is a 2004 Ford Ranger. You will first learn how to remove your existing power door lock actuator, and then how to install a replacement.

To watch this repair being done, please watch the full video below:

Ok, so the first thing you will want to do is disconnect the negative battery cable.

Next, remove two phillips screws located under the door pull. You can now pull on the door pull panel to disengage it from the rest of the door panel. Pull out on the bottom first and then pull out the top. You will notice that there are clips on the top and bottom that hold the panel in place.

Disconnect the power switches (mirror, windows, locks) by pushing on a thumb tab and pushing the switch through to the front of the panel. Then disconnect the switch from the wiring harness by prying up on the harness connection with a regular screwdriver and working it off of the switch. You must remove two screws from the power window switch before disconnecting.

Remove two more screws from the door panel, one under the door pull panel and one at the bottom. Lift the door panel up and off of the door. To access the inside of the door carefully remove the watershield by pulling it off of the door. Lay the watershield out flat somewhere out of the way while doing your repair.

The door lock actuator is held into the door by a bracket. Pry the actuator off of the bracket with a small flat blade screwdriver. You can get a better idea of where the screwdriver needs to go by using your flashlight and mirror to see the actuator's position inside the door. Unclip the wiring harness from the actuator. You have now removed the power door lock actuator.

To install the new door lock actuator, first clip the wiring harness on. Push the actuator into place making sure that it and the harness are past the window channel. Now push the power door lock actuator back into the bracket. While doing this you can pull up or push down on the door lock to get it into a better position.

Use the power lock switch to test the door lock actuator installation and make sure it is connected properly.

Reinstall your watershield. Position the door panel back on the door making sure that the wiring harnesses and lock are through. Make sure all the hooks on the back of the door panel are going into the proper position. Slide the door panel down onto the door. You should hear it snap into place and it should be tight against the door. Secure with the two screws.

Reinstall the window switch first by bringing harness through the door pull panel, connecting the switch to the harness and snap the switch into the panel. Secure the window switch with the two screws. Repeat with the lock and mirror switches.

Press the door pull panel in at the top first and bottom. Secure with the two phillips screws.

Lastly, don't forget to reconnect the negative battery cable.

That is how to replace a power door lock actuator that needs to be repaired on 1999-2010 Ford Ranger truck models!