2003 SE door lock issue

[wowly]

About a week ago I started to notice an issue with driver side door lock. When the driver's door is lock, I cannot unlock from inside manually. Basically both the pull level and the lock button seem to be locked and I cannot pull either. It used to be that I can just pull the level and the door unlocks. I have to use either the power lock/unlock button or remote to unlock the door.

The strange thing is that, after I open the door and if I close it again and lock it manually from inside by pushing down the red lock button, I am able to unlock it by pulling the level. So the problem shows up when the door is locked by any of the following: remote, power button, or automatic door lock feature.

Has anyone experience the issue and know the fix?

 

[wolfgang]

I would take the door panel off and take a look at the linkage. I had a similiar problem with my old yota PU -- apparently someone had tried to used a SLIM JIM (door lock picker) to get into my vehicle and had broken one of the plastic elbows that connect the linkage. Part was 90 cents but couple ours to remove and replace the panel. I'd also check to see if the power lock actuator is perhaps sticking (or a relay causing it to stick).

 

[wowly]

Thanks for the reply. I am afraid of screwing up things by opening up the door panel. Will try to take off the battery cord and see if it fixes issue.

 

[96dcmss]

It's either a cable that came off/broke, or a faulty lock actuator/latch assembly. Don't think unhooking the battery will help with this problem.

 

[Larry77]

I think my driver side lock actuator is bad...anybody know the part # from toyota?

 

[Larry77]

Just replaced my actuator part # is 69040-02120...got it for $175.00 at the steeler (they gave me a discount because they ordered the wrong part the first time).

 

[big04runner]

both of mine replaced

I have a 2004 4Runner that I bought brand new; it was built October 2003. In March 2006 my driver side lock froze open and could not be manually locked for nothing. The key fob and electric button inside didn't move it. It was replaced under my extended warranty (thank goodness for that).

Now, a little over a month ago, my passenger side door lock started acting funny. Sometimes it would lock, most the time it wouldn't. I could manually lock and unlock it but the buttons wouldn't work it (so I'd have to reach over and unlock it for my passengers-SO old school). Anyways took it to the dealership and same problem as two years ago with the opposite side. Once again, its being replaced under extended warranty. I have just over 70,000 miles on my 4Runner and do most of my own maintenance thanks to the tips on this site.

It sucks that the door locks needed replacing but I guess nothing is perfect, at least I haven't ran into any engine problems or transmission issues.

 

[lVlAXX]

old post but...i currently need help

"I ordered a new drivers door lock actuator last night and decided to take the door panel off just to take a peek at how much work it was to get it out. It looks like you need to remove the window and window rail to get the actuator and latch assembly out. Has anyone ever done this before? Any tricks?"
"no its not necessary for the windows to be removed. you might need to unbolt the track for a bit for the removal of actuator. the actuator is attach to the latch, so you need to remove the whole unit.
to remove the latch, the two rods(ext handle and key) must be detach. you can figure out from there."
found this off of Yotatech.

I am going to have to do this, does anyone know from experience, or have a diagram of this procedure?? I have already ripped the door off and unbolted the actuator but can not pull it out as there is no room. Need some clarification.

 

[Fuzion]

"I ordered a new drivers door lock actuator last night and decided to take the door panel off just to take a peek at how much work it was to get it out. It looks like you need to remove the window and window rail to get the actuator and latch assembly out. Has anyone ever done this before? Any tricks?"
"no its not necessary for the windows to be removed. you might need to unbolt the track for a bit for the removal of actuator. the actuator is attach to the latch, so you need to remove the whole unit.
to remove the latch, the two rods(ext handle and key) must be detach. you can figure out from there."
found this off of Yotatech.

I am going to have to do this, does anyone know from experience, or have a diagram of this procedure?? I have already ripped the door off and unbolted the actuator but can not pull it out as there is no room. Need some clarification.

Ever find a solution to this?

 

[lVlAXX]

besides taking the door apart thats as far as i got. ran into money issues and paying $200 bucks wasn't logical at the time. Probably will get it done when it warms up though. i'll keep you posted.