Front Door Actuator Problem

[TA Dadeo]

Both driver and passenger door locks would not work properly. After pulling door panels, I discovered the electronic lock actuator that was to be attached to the inside door skin by a alluminum rivet was missing. The rivet is available at the dealership. Use a 1/4 inch drill to remove rivet and re-attach. Ya right !! The rivet gun to use is not a normal rivet gun. It cost me 98 bucks to have them re-attach the actuator to the doors. I feel this should be a safty issue if the looks don't work properly. I could manually lock door by pushing nob down but when I tried to use hand held keyosk or door combination the doors would not unlock or lock. Also, the doors would not lock when car was put in gear because actuator was loose.

I've looked at some new explorer's, Sport Trak and f-150s and they are still using same rivet. I just find it odd that both rivets broke on both doors about the same time. And the dealership was aware of this problem and fix.



Has anyone else had this problem? If so please call Ford and file a complaint !!!!

 

[Travis Munday]

This is the first that I can recall reading about this. Sucks that a simple part is so expensive to replace and can cause so much hassle. Although, I bet you could've saved some money by replacing the rivet with a store bought bolt and self-locking nut.

 

[Tom Higbee]

I believe I read about this before. I think they said they used a screw and nut to fix it the problem...

 

[Larry Phillips]

My driver's side door just did that to me. I can still lock it, but the rivet is missing, and the actuator jumps around in there.

 

[Kevin Palmer]

They have been like this for years.



Two fixes...



Drill out the existing rivet and replace it with a 1/4 inch nut and bolt.



Or,,, go to your local body shop after you have done most of the work your self, (removed the panel, drilled out the rivet etc etc). They will re-rivet it for less than $8.00 as a general rule...

 

[user 62394]

Same thing occurred on my Trac -- Both doors within a couple of months of each other. I asked the similar question here and, as others have mentioned, the best fix seems to be the nut and bolt option.



Quality is Job 1 -- or at least 5 or 6

 

[Fred]

So that must be what's wrong with my passenger side lock. I noticed it seems sluggish, sounds sloppy and didn't even work a couple times. I love this place! Thanks folks.

 

[Jimmy F]

So when you guys are saying to drill out the rivot.. it appears that the bolt portion is in the actual motor.. or at least the plastic part. Do you remove the motor from the door and then drill it out.. or do it while it is still in the door?



I have had this problem for a couple months and just finally took the door apart last night?



Thanks for the help.



Jimmy