Door locks, AC... disappointed in my 4runner

[Rebelbuc1]

Does anyone have any tips on how to remove the door upholstery so that I can get to my electric door lock mechanisms in my 2003 4runner. Please read below.

I continue to read in this forum about door lock problems that so many 2003 and later 4runners have sustained. My 2000 4 cylinder 4runner was flawless when I opted after 3 years and 72k miles to step up to leather seats and the V8. Now I'm extremely disappointed and considering that this could be my last 4runner. Electrical functions (i.e. the actuator) on all 4 of my doors became intermittent and eventually each door lock failed. Several visits to the dealer resulted in repairs under warranty. Then, when the 2003 was about 2.5 years old and over 36k miles the locks began malfunctioning again. Present status: 2 doors work occasionally, one only works manually, and the 4th had been working intermittently when the lock flat out broke when I was forced to open the door manually and something apparently broke free. Now, I have a front passenger door that will not lock at all. I am trying to figure out how to remove the door upholstery since I will not pay the dealer's estimate of $400 plus per door to have them fix it. I did not buy the extended warranty - I could have bought a Ford, Chevy, or Chrystler if I planned to go that route.

To top all this off, while these locks began breaking post-warranty, my AC compressor began cutting out when it got the urge. The AC has fixed itself (seemingly a loose connection) and has worked well for 6 months (those gremlins left). Needless to say, I'm disappointed in this vehicle!

Any helpful words would be appreciated

 

[rook]

Sorry to hear about the door lock troubles, while I have never pulled mine off, you should have no problem getting someone to assist you with the needed info. Many members have been inside the panels to change out speakers.

I did want to mention that although you are out of warranty, since your vehicle has a history of documented door lock problems it may still be covered. A warranty repair should not merely act as a band-aid, but a repair to prevent a recurring problem. Speak with the regional service manager or contact Toyota's national customer service. Keep records and good luck, hopefully they can do what is called goodwill warranty work.

 

[Rebelbuc1]

Thanks for some good advice - I'm checking into what Toyota will do for me. I did get some great info on this site on taking the door apart. I will try to do that myself to at least fix the door that won't lock. Other than these nagging problems, this was the sweetest riding vehicle that I have ever had. The V8 is powerful and smooth. The X-REAS suspension seemed to corner more like a sports car than an SUV. I'll keep everyone posted on how I do with this.

 

[snap315]

I continue to read in this forum about door lock problems that so many 2003 and later 4runners have sustained.

I haven't read about any door lock problems on this or any other board for the 2003 and later, 4th Gen 4Runners. :bash:

Except for yours of course.

I haven't had any problems on my 2005 LTD 4x4, except for the Sulfur exhaust that I had the TSB done on.

:

Good luck resolving your issue.

 

[Rebelbuc1]

Let me respectfully suggest that you do a search on this forum under "problems and warranty" with the search parameter "door locks" and wait and see what pops up. 18 pages of threads pop up - I'm sure that most of them are on older Toyotas. However, the first page is full of 2003 and later models.... so beware 2005 owner!

Good luck.

Like I said earlier - I planned to keep this one a long time and still might do it if the door lock problems can be remedied by me in a reasonable fashion. However, I will not pay $1600 for the dealer to put in 4 actuators. I just checked and I'm about to turn 70k miles. I wonder how good the door locks are on Acura's SUV?

It's really a shame. My 2003 4runner with the V8 is a sweet vehicle to operate... until it's time to lock the doors!

 

[Douglas711]

Door locks

I have replaced three of four door locks. I also have 96k miles on my 4runner. Also the radiator went out at 70k, stoplight switch at brake pedal at 40k, have to hit the dash sometimes to get the blower motor going again.

All sorts of little stupid problems. Not that $250 for one door lock is little.

Buy from Partznet.com, toyotaoemparts.com or toyota-parts.com

They all seem to have the best prices usually about %25 off.

One you do the first one the rest are easy. You get practice to because they will go out all of them.

Side not, a dodge ram same style lock, built into the door latch sells for $40, honda sell the actuator, its seperate, for $30. Then there is toyota getting up to $250, bend over.

 

[Chuck4x4]

Does anyone have any tips on how to remove the door upholstery so that I can get to my electric door lock mechanisms in my 2003 4runner.

Here and here are links to posts that
provide links to pdf files about disassembling the door panels.