So looks like when I put it together, I didn’t align something up properly. So had to open the case and break things apart on the actuator to get the door open. So I ordered a new actuator. Rock auto has several manufacturers and found aisin one which is the same one that is in there for $116. Much better than $400 for the same thing with Toyota packaging. Toyota earns 30% of that company and uses a ton of parts.
Driver's Door Lock Actuator Motor Repair [step-by-step w/ pics!!]
- Thread starter mbumpus11
- Start date
Sorry for the late reply. Been so busy. Looks like you got it figured out. Basically that's what I was trying to explain about the position of the green able end- not align with the levers inside the lock assembly. It was a learning experience for me for sure. I drove a around for a while with the driver back door not able to open while I waited for the 2nd new actuator. But I ended up using the first one I got anyways. It works after all was aligned. It will be a breeze if and when the other actuators ever need to be replaced.
Tisoy281
New member
My drivers side just took a shit on me an hour ago when I got home from work. Just ordered motors and the whole actuator assembly off Amazon for less than 40 bucks. Figured I'll use the Amazon actuator, and disassemble the OEM actuator and put a new motor in it in case it craps out again. I hate dealing with door panels, so we will see how it goes this weekend. Thanks for the write up!
ElectroBoy
Banned
What’s up with this part failing so often? Mine still work OK but I ordered two on EBay to have on hand when needed! :becky:
mbumpus11
Member
I'd anticipate them being pretty important...which screws did you leave out?
Given how much this part is used (every time you get in/out of your vehicle, and sometimes while driving), and how much is moving within the actuator I would bet you're going to have issues down the road.
Hopefully you don't!!
baldrik78
New member
I left out the front and back screws that secure the faceplate to the actuator housing. The GF came home with dinner mid-way through and when I buttoned up the door, I realized they were still in my screw cup! :doh:
manleyaudio
New member
Thanks for posting this info it helped me a ton with my 2014 Limited.
Need help!
I read the write up in here on replacing the door lock motor on a 5th gen. Did my drivers side no problem, passenger side I have everything back together except the lock button unlocks, and the unlock button locks, its flip flopped. I've taken it apart twice and cant seem to find where I went wrong, if anyone has a idea I'm all ears.
Solved it, took the new motor out, pulled the plastic cap off and rotated it 180 degrees and put it back in. Effectively making the motor operate backwards. It only goes in one way so not sure exactly why it operated that way from the start.
Anyway if that happens to anyone else, hope this helps.
I read the write up in here on replacing the door lock motor on a 5th gen. Did my drivers side no problem, passenger side I have everything back together except the lock button unlocks, and the unlock button locks, its flip flopped. I've taken it apart twice and cant seem to find where I went wrong, if anyone has a idea I'm all ears.
Solved it, took the new motor out, pulled the plastic cap off and rotated it 180 degrees and put it back in. Effectively making the motor operate backwards. It only goes in one way so not sure exactly why it operated that way from the start.
Anyway if that happens to anyone else, hope this helps.
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Followed your write ups on how to remove the actuator and motors, but found these actuators online from RockAuto in Houston. Came complete ready to install, no messing around with the exchanging the motor. Looks just like the OEM parts from Toyota. Ordered them on Friday last week, arrived this morning and installed by day’s end.
Did find if you remove the round plastic cover from the frame of the door, at the same level as the latch, you can access a Torx screw to remove the lock part of the handle, making it a lot easier to assemble the actuator into the door behind the window runner. The Torx screw is captive within the door, so no need to worry about dropping it inside the door. $41 cdn per side and parts come with 12 months warranty
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/toyota,2012,4runner,4.0l+v6,1503708,body,door+lock+actuator,13257
Did find if you remove the round plastic cover from the frame of the door, at the same level as the latch, you can access a Torx screw to remove the lock part of the handle, making it a lot easier to assemble the actuator into the door behind the window runner. The Torx screw is captive within the door, so no need to worry about dropping it inside the door. $41 cdn per side and parts come with 12 months warranty
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/toyota,2012,4runner,4.0l+v6,1503708,body,door+lock+actuator,13257
mbumpus11
Member
Great alternative in case someone doesn't want to do the individual motor replacement. Awesome find!
Jimbo
New member
Disappointing to see this happening on Gen 5s. I had to replace all 4 on my 2005 Gen 4 two years after buying it new.
What the hell, Toyota?
kevinb_NJ
Member
First off thanks to the OP for this write up and all of the contributors after that!
Started having issues with my LE earlier this week and initially thought it might be a fuse or something. I was also concerned because the LEs have that smart key sensor crap on the exterior handles! Anyone else with a Limited replace their actuators?
I'm hoping that replacing the actuator motor/full assembly is the only issue. If there are any major differences between the OP's pictures and the LE unit I'll post. I'm going to continue to read and research the rest of today though before buying any of the parts listed on this thread in case I find some different information about my particular issue.
Thanks!
Started having issues with my LE earlier this week and initially thought it might be a fuse or something. I was also concerned because the LEs have that smart key sensor crap on the exterior handles! Anyone else with a Limited replace their actuators?
I'm hoping that replacing the actuator motor/full assembly is the only issue. If there are any major differences between the OP's pictures and the LE unit I'll post. I'm going to continue to read and research the rest of today though before buying any of the parts listed on this thread in case I find some different information about my particular issue.
Thanks!
Mine is a 2012 Limited, with the touch handle for opening. Pretty simple with the replacement actuator, and being able to remove the exterior lock to the handle, this making it a lot easier for reassembly.
mbumpus11
Member
Did you get all of your torx bolts screwed/reinstalled tight? If not, that could cause the latch to not line up properly. Also make sure it isn't contacting the track for the window/is lined up with the exterior handle pull bar.
kevinb_NJ
Member
Thanks! I actually ordered the whole assembly and it worked like a charm, no issues and no differences with the OPs pictures and description.
