Drivers Door Unlock

[Canadasvt]

Hi Guys/Gals

I've tried searching this and can't find it. When I use my key fob or the keyless entry pad my drivers door won't lock or unlock and I have to use the key. Also sometimes the left rear door takes a few attempts with both electronic devices to lock or unlock.

Any help or pushing of me into the right direction would be greatly appreciated. :alone:

[Peter]

I had the same issue, keypad had to be replaced.

[fastblackmerc]

Sounds like a lock actuator problem. When you try to unlock do you hear any noise inside the door near the latch?

[RoyLPita]

I had to replace the door lock actuators on the left side. In fact, I am on my 3rd driver door actuator.

[Canadasvt]

Yes, I hear a whirling sound and sometimes clicking. Lock actuator sounds like the culprit. Will investigate info.

Thanks very much gentlemen.

This site rocks! :beatnik:

[fastblackmerc]

Yes, I hear a whirling sound and sometimes clicking. Lock actuator sounds like the culprit. Will investigate info.

Thanks very much gentlemen.

This site rocks! :beatnik:

Definitely the actuator.

[N40GL]

I made the mistake before, so this is in the FWIW category:

Before you purchase, look at the part for the 2011 panther, and the same part for the 2003/2004 Panther (likely a different part number). If they are the same (especially the electrical connector), buy the part for the newer vehicle. otherwise, you get a part from the lot of the original production run, which may have the same inherent defects as the original part (because they were both made at generally the same time). The newer 2011 part, if compatible, may incorporate design improvements that didn't exist when the older part was made.

This logic usually isn't true for consumables (or things that go bad in the night), like oil filters, spark plugs, exhaust parts and stuff.

[Canadasvt]

Good advice. Obvious and simple, yet I never thought about it. Thank you.

[ctrlraven]

Since Saturday I noticed my front passenger door will not lock or unlock, have to manually do it. I've tried with the fob, PD lock/unlock switch and also the main lock/unlock on the driver's door. I took the door panel off and tested the voltage at the actuator plug and it's getting power but the actuator isn't doing jack. Anyone have a part number and how to replace it?

Also noticed sometimes the auto door lock does not engage at all, only been 5-6 times I've noticed it in the past month.

[fastblackmerc]

Don't have a P/N. It should be obvious how to replace it once you look at it.

You will have to pop out one of those 1/4" rivets. Replace it with a 1/4-20 stainless steel bolt, washer, nut and Locktite.

[ctrlraven]

Don't have a P/N. It should be obvious how to replace it once you look at it.

You will have to pop out one of those 1/4" rivets. Replace it with a 1/4-20 stainless steel bolt, washer, nut and Locktite.
That's the type of info I was looking for, thanks.

[Tnbigbody]

Make sure it's not actually the pop rivet that's the culprit I had a similar issue and that was all it was just needed a new rivot

[Ken]

What am I missing as I try to remove the L/R door panel? Can't get the door handle trim off, so can't get door panel off. btw, I removed the screw behind the handle. Afraid to force for fear of breaking trim piece. Thanks in advance.

[fastblackmerc]

What am I missing as I try to remove the L/R door panel? Can't get the door handle trim off, so can't get door panel off. btw, I removed the screw behind the handle. Afraid to force for fear of breaking trim piece. Thanks in advance.

Carefully pry the door cup out once the torx head screw in removed.

[ctrlraven]

There is one small bolt on the back side of the trim where the lock latch is, two bolts on the bottom of the door, a trox bit bolt behind the handle and then you need to pop out the window switch trim panel. Pry the front up first then slide it out towards the front of the vehicle. Disconnect the plugs and when you look into the door you will see another small bolt, once you remove that you just need to lift the door panel up and gentle pull up and towards you. There will be several other plug connection you will need to disconnect. Putting the door back on takes some time with lining up things for the door handle, the little up and down lock thingy (know clue what it's called). Putting the panel back on is just reversed of pulling it off with getting the L shaped tabs all seated.

[Hg M75]

I have the same issue. On occasion one of my door wont unlock and I get that described noise. Actuators are riveted in? Is that the large visible rivet near the bottom of the door?

[fastblackmerc]

I have the same issue. On occasion one of my door wont unlock and I get that described noise. Actuators are riveted in? Is that the large visible rivet near the bottom of the door?

Yes, you might want to pull the door panel and check connections, make sure the solenoid is not bound up, maybe lube the actuator rod, and check the operation of the lock / latch assembly.

[Zim Hosein]

Don't have a P/N. It should be obvious how to replace it once you look at it.

You will have to pop out one of those 1/4" rivets. Replace it with a 1/4-20 stainless steel bolt, washer, nut and Locktite.

I've used pop rivets in the past on my previous car not thinking ahead that I may have to do the same repair in the future, good advice fastblackmerc! :beer:

[fastblackmerc]

I've used pop rivets in the past on my previous car not thinking ahead that I may have to do the same repair in the future, good advice fastblackmerc! :beer:

I've been using the bolt/washer/lock nut when replacing actuators forever.