Hey guys not too long ago my keyless remote went out on my jeep, so I had to start locking my doors by the electric switch on my driver's side controls. The driver's side door is now making a loud buzz when I go to lock up and the driver side door won't lock. (It sounds like a plastic gear that is stripped). Have any of ya'll had this problem? If so, what did you do to fix it?

 

bad actuator

 

I did some looking on the web and am not sure if I want to pay the 50-60 bucks for a new one. I'm gonna check with a couple junk yards to see if they have it. Have you ever heard of spraying it down with some CRC? Does it work?

 

I have tried to clean it, you will need to replace the actuator.

It make the funny noise because the plastic piece is stripped out usually.... Least that is the case in my parents Grand Cherokee.

Cleaning it worked for about a half a day before it conked out again. You could try it but you may be better off replacing the actuator itself. Taking the paneling off the door is the kind of task that you only really want to do once if you have to. I figured it was worth the cost of the actuator if you have it.

Also I know that I also replaced a window actuator on my parents as well, and It was riveted into the door panel. I don't remember if the actuator was or not but I think it was also riveted.

 

These guys know better than I do. Just wanted to mention two things. Where the wires pass from the body to the door they flex every time. (there by the hinge). I've seen the copper make a clean brake inside the insulation. You can feel that sometimes. (pulling, of course insulation stretches, and copper doesn't). Also not on a Jeep, the door being open in the rain mucked up the switch....

 

Do you replace just the wire? Is this an easy DIY?
If you replace the actuator, is that also an easy DIY?
I door trim pry bars, as well.