How To Replace A Power Door Lock Actuator

Learn how to replace a bad power door lock actuator with our detailed instructions and a step-by-step video from O’Reilly Auto Parts. This video demonstrates how to replace a power door lock actuator on a 2003 Ford Focus, but procedures may vary by vehicle. For exact replacement specifications, repair instructions, and more, consult your vehicle’s service manual.

Shop online or in-store to find the components you need, including one-, two-, three-, four-, and five-terminal replacement door lock actuators designed to fit your vehicle and restore function to your power locks. Browse our How-To Hub for helpful videos and information including how to replace an interior door handle, what dashboard warning lights mean, and other articles that can help you perform a complete, confident repair. If you aren’t comfortable performing this repair yourself, easily find a professional technician near you to restore complete access and function to your car’s power locking doors.

Tools & Materials

Safety Glasses Safety Glasses

Gloves Nitrile Gloves

Plastic Trim Tools Trim Tool Set

Door Lock Actuator Door Lock Actuator

Steps to Replace Your Power Door Lock Actuator

A vehicle’s power door lock actuator allows your doors to be unlocked using your key fob or a lock switch, normally located on the door panels for easy access. Door lock actuators are connected to the electrical system of the vehicle and receive signals from the body control module or door lock switch to move the locking mechanism into the locked or unlocked position as needed. Signs of a bad door lock actuator include doors that lock or unlock more slowly than usual, don’t fully lock or unlock, locks that work intermittently or fail to work at all, a door ajar light that stays on even if your doors are closed, multiple presses needed for power door lock activation, or if you hear odd sounds coming from inside of the affected door.

If your car door lock actuator stops working, it can cause issues with locking and unlocking your vehicle’s doors and may cause them to lock unexpectedly, or can even prevent you from accessing your vehicle. Avoid safety and security issues and change a power door lock actuator with this detailed video and instructions from O’Reilly Auto Parts.


Remove Your Old Actuator Assembly

Our O’Reilly expert begins removing the trim pieces and components that hold the main door panel of a 2003 Ford Focus.

Step 1: Prepare Your Vehicle

Open the door and begin removing the door panel. Remove the trim pieces and fasteners that hold the main door panel in place in order to access the regulator and motor assembly. Disconnect wiring harnesses to window switches and controls.
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Our expert removes the rest of the trim on the door as well as the moisture-damping material in the door’s interior.

Step 2: Remove the Door Insulation

Once all fasteners and trim pieces are removed, lift the interior door panel out and up on the main panel to remove it from the door. Access the interior of the door by moving or removing any moisture or sound-damping material. In our case, we’ll unclip and remove this foam piece first.
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The interior insulation is peeled back, allowing access to the back of the door handle.

Slowly begin to peel back the insulation, using a trim tool as necessary to get through the adhesive and minimize damage to the insulation. Peel the insulation back enough to gain access to the back of the door handle.
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Our expert removes the fasteners that secure the door handle from the inside.

Step 3: Remove the Door Handle Fasteners

Remove the fasteners securing the door handle. You may need to remove a rubber seal from this opening in the metal to access the second fastener.
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In two images, the door handle is removed from the car door.

Step 4: Remove the Door Handle

Pull the door handle off from the outside of the door. In our case, we’ll use a trim tool to carefully remove this triangular trim piece first. Pull out carefully on the door handle to disengage and remove it. There are two gaskets, one on either side, that can be removed by hand or with a trim tool.
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Our expert uses a socket wrench to remove the fasteners securing the door lock on the door edge.

Step 5: Remove Door Lock Fasteners

Remove the fasteners securing the door lock itself at the edge of the door opposite the hinge.

At this point, the only thing connecting the actuator to the door is the cable that runs to the interior door handle. This door handle is held in place by a pinch tab, and can be removed by gently prying off.
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In two images, our expert detaches the actuator from the door handle cable and the wiring harness and removes the old assembly from the vehicle.

Step 6: Remove Your Old Actuator

Maneuver the actuator to the opening in the door until you can slip the other end of the interior door handle cable off the actuator. Once that’s done, detach the wiring harness and carefully lift the actuator out of the door.

On this vehicle, the actuator and latch assembly will need to be removed from the door handle mounting assembly, and then the new actuator can be installed to the mount while it is still off the vehicle.
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Our expert uses a screwdriver to remove the upper and lower mounting screws.

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Step 7: Remove Your Mounting Screws

Use a Philllips screwdriver to remove the lower mounting screw, and a star bit or screwdriver to remove the upper mounting screw.

On the other side of the assembly, use a flat blade screwdriver or trim tool to release the retaining clip near the top of the latch.
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In three images, the door lock rod clip is lifted and the lock rod is removed from the old actuator assembly.

Step 8: Remove the Door Lock Rod

Using a pick or flat blade screwdriver, release the door lock rod clip from the rear of the latch and actuator assembly. This will allow the rod to slide out of the back of the latch.

There may also be a second rod that connects the handle to the latch, and this can be separated by pulling it from the back of the assembly. There may be a retainer that needs to be removed, and in some cases, a replacement retainer will be included with the assembly.
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The lock rod is installed into the new actuator.

Step 9: Reinstall the Door Lock Rod

Insert the lock rod into the new actuator and latch assembly, and secure it with the new clip if one was provided.
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The door handle rod is reinstalled onto the new actuator.

Step 10: Reinstall the Door Handle Rod

Insert the door handle rod and the new retainer, if provided, through the eyelet on the new actuator and latch assembly. Align the new actuator with the clip on the mount and secure it in place.
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Our expert uses the Phillips screwdriver to reinstall the mounting screw into the new actuator.

Step 11: Reinstall the Actuator Mounting Screws

Replace the Phillips and star screws you removed earlier using the appropriate screwdriver or bits.
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Install Your New Actuator and Latch Assembly

In two images, the new actuator is installed into the vehicle and reconnected

Step 12: Reinstall Your New Actuator

Move your new actuator into position and reattach the wiring harness.
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Our expert reattaches the door cable to the new actuator and snaps the interior door handle back in place.

Step 13: Reattach the Door Cable and Door Handle

Reattach the other end of the cable to the actuator then snap the door handle back into place.
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In three images, the door lock fastener and door handle is reinstalled.

Use the fasteners you removed earlier to secure the door lock at the edge of the door opposite the hinge. Put the two gaskets back in place outside of the door where the door handle mounts.
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Our expert uses a screwdriver to secure the exterior door handle from the inside.

Step 14: Secure the Door Handle

Press the door handle back in place and reattach the trim piece. Secure the exterior door handle from the inside with the two fasteners you removed earlier. If you removed a rubber seal to access the back of the door handle, you can replace it now.
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The insulation and sound-dampening components are replaced inside the interior of the car door.

Step 15: Replace the Insulation

Move the insulating material back across the inside of the door, and use two-sided, waterproof tape to reattach it if the factory adhesive isn’t keeping it in place.
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In three images, our expert replaces the door panel and the rest of the trim that was removed in the beginning of the tutorial

Put the door panel back in place, starting at the top. Secure the door panel with the fasteners you removed earlier. Reattach any wiring harnesses and reinstall any trim pieces.
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Additional Resources

How to Replace an Interior Door Handle

How to Replace an Interior Door Handle
How to Replace a Starter

How to Replace a Starter
Vehicle Troubleshooting Techniques

Vehicle Troubleshooting Techniques

Learn how to replace a bad power door lock actuator with our detailed instructions and a step-by-step video from O’Reilly Auto Parts. This video demonstrates how to replace a power door lock actuator on a 2003 Ford Focus, but procedures may vary by vehicle. For exact replacement specifications, repair instructions, and more, consult your vehicle’s service manual.


The automotive repair work depicted in this series is performed under the direction of the manufacturer of the product featured. Prior to undertaking any of the demonstrated repairs on your vehicle, we suggest you consult with a certified mechanic or another professional who can adequately advise you of the proper repair or remedy required. O’Reilly Automotive Stores, Inc. and its affiliates (“O’Reilly”) disclaims any responsibility for injury or damage resulting from a viewer’s attempt to recreate the repairs shown in this series.