Door lock works sometimes

[4runner-4life]

2000 sr5 sport 4runner - went to program a key fob and when I was cycling through the lock / unlock part I noticed that my drivers side door stopped locking unlocking around the third or fourth time. after waiting a minute it would work again. After much research here and else where I am not sure it is an actuator motor or the motor contacts that have been an issue for so many. I played with it for a few hours locking unlocking and when I went fast it would go out but after a few minutes it would work again. I also noticed that the back drivers side door was showing the same symptoms. Though it would go out at different intervals or one cycle after the front door. When either one goes out I can still hear and see the lock trying to move. Usually more at first then less the second and third time. I am going to pull the actuator out and see if the contacts are dirty or anything else looks gunked up. Does anyone have a clue to why they are still working and only going out after a few cycles and then coming back fine?

Thanks

 

[habanero]

I had those same symptoms, you could hear it lock or unlock, see it move but it didn't seem to have enough oomph. It was intermittent too, sometimes they worked, sometimes not, but I could always hear them and see them jump a little. Mine were worn out brushes in the motors....at least I think that's what they're called. I'm from the land of thingamajiggers.
Anywho, in my case it started with the drivers side and eventually the passenger rear too. I fixed them, cost me something like $5 each and some time to do so....

start with post 1467...
habanero's 1996 4Runner Build-Up Thread - Page 74 - YotaTech Forums

removing rear door panel start with post 1464
habanero's 1996 4Runner Build-Up Thread - Page 74 - YotaTech Forums

removing front door panel start with post 901
habanero's 1996 4Runner Build-Up Thread - Page 46 - YotaTech Forums