Driverside Door Wont Lock from Remote or Button

[atl300zx]

My driverside front door doesnt lock when i use the remote lock (nor do i get a beep or the lights turn off on double click). It also doesnt lock when i use the button inside.

Its only that door. Has anyone experienced this problem or have an idea of what i need to replace?

TIA
(2018 TRP Off Road Premium)

 

[grizz1925]

Is there any noise from the door? I had this problem when I took the inside door panel off to swap out speakers and forgot to snap back in the lock and handle cables. It was making a weird noise, wouldn’t beep or lights go off. I took the panel off and fixed the cables and problem solved. I would start by removing the door panel.

 

[131North]

I used to have that problem frequently on my Tacoma, but it hasn't happened on the 4Runner, however maybe they share components? The motor that actuates the lock was inside of a small white plastic subasssembly, and it used tiny little gears – like the ones on a small toy car. From time to time the grease they used in that subassembly would thicken in viscosity and bind up the mechanism to the point that the door would only lock/unlock with the key. I never replaced it, as taking it apart and cleaning/regreasing seemed to solve it for a time. Just thought that was worth sharing, in case that's what's happening to you.

 

[flyrv9]

Door lock actuator failures are a common problem in our 4Runners. The only fix is to replace the actuator motor. Not a big job, but it does require removing the interior door panel. There are a few threads on this that have good explanations with pics. Do a search on drivers door lock actuator repair by mbumpus11. He posted a detailed thread on how to remove the door panel (there is a separate thread in the stickys for panel removal too). He also includes a link to the replacement motor.

There is another thread on door lock actuator failures by user tekewin that has good info that will come up in a search.

These threads are from 2015 and 2017.

 

[atl300zx]

There is no noise. I’ll take off the panel tomorrow and take a look. Sucks it happened so quickly and on the front driver door.

 

[Ezlife45]

As others have said, likely the door lock actuator.

Hardest part is taking the door panel off. you-tube can help you.

 

[taildragger]

I had the same issue on my front passenger side about a year ago and it was the door lock actuator. Ordered a replacement off amazon and installed it in about 30 min. Was a fairly easy swap

 

[Dzldust]

Revisiting this thread instead of starting a new on,
Anybody here notice this problem start in cold weather?
I’m in Florida and we have had an unusual three days of very cold weather and my 21 4runner has been intermittent with the drivers side lock working from fob, all other doors work but drivers door. For the guy that used the Amazon door lock actuator, has it been a good part for you?

 

[97BlackAckCL]

My passenger door does this randomly, definitely the actuator going bad. Had this issue on my 4th gen as well