I was having trouble with the driver side door lock on my 02 4Runner. The key fob would only sometimes lock or unlock that door. If the truck had been sitting in the sun for any amount of time and gotten warm, there was no hope that the fob would open the door. The key would always open the door with a turn.

I did some research, and figured my door actuator was bad. So I got another one through a parts operator (not the dealer, to save some $$), and just finished installing it. However, the door seems to be doing the same thing as before. I can lock and unlock it (with the fob or door switch) a couple times before it stops working.

Replacing the actuator was a pain in the a**, so I'm hoping I don't have to do it again. But did I just get another bad actuator? Or is there something else that could be bad and causing the same symptoms?

I'm still trying to figure out how to replace the one on the passenger door. I'm stuck with how to get it out.

what year is your 4runner? These trucks are known for door lock actuators there not to hard to replace if you no what your looking at.

It's a 99. I have the panel removed and the mounting bolt removed for the actuator. I read somewhere the rods need to be removed then it will come out, but not sure if I'm looking at it right. I don't want to mess anything up and have to fix more.

yes the rods have to come off the 3 torque bolts on the door have to come off also