How to Fix a Door Lock Actuator on a 2000 Ford F-150

The 2000 Ford F-150 pickup, equipped with power door locks, uses a door lock actuator to emulate the mechanical motion necessary to physically lock and unlock the door. When you push the lock switch, it closes the lock circuit, which energizes the lock actuator. Once energized, the lock actuator moves a piston in or out, depending on the direction you push the lock switch, to lock or unlock the F-150's door. Each time the piston retracts into the actuator, it pulls miniscule amounts of debris in with it. Once enough debris enters the actuator, it will fail and require replacement. The process to replace the actuator is the same with each trim level and cab design for the 2000 Ford F-150.

Instructions

Open the F-150's door that houses the faulty door lock actuator. Close the window on the door.

Pry the inner door release handle trim bezel out from behind the inner door handle using the trim tool. Use caution, as the trim bezel breaks easily. Pull the bezel off and set it aside.

Pry the door lock and window switch bezel from the door panel using the trim tool. Unplug the lock and window switches from the wiring harness by pushing down on the retaining clip and then pulling each wiring harness down and away from the switch. Set the bezel aside.

Remove the hex head bolt -- revealed when you removed the switch bezel -- using a socket wrench and 8 mm socket. Set the bolt aside.

Remove the screws along the bottom of the door panel using a Phillips screwdriver. Set the screws aside. Lift the door panel up and off the door and set it aside.

Peel the clear plastic water shield off the door starting at the upper, trailing edge. Do not completely remove it; only peel it back far enough to grant access to the door lock actuator, located next to the door latch inside the door.

Unplug the wiring harness from the door lock actuator by depressing the retaining clip and pulling the harness off the actuator. Remove the hex head bolt holding the lock actuator to the door using the socket wrench and 8 mm socket. Set the bolt aside.

Rotate the door lock actuator to free the lock rod's end-hook from the top eyelet on the actuator. Pull the actuator out of the door and set it aside.

Insert the new lock actuator. Thread the lock rod end-hook through the eyelet on the new lock actuator. Bolt the new lock actuator to the F-150's door using the socket wrench and socket.

Plug the wiring harness into the new door lock actuator. Press the clear plastic water shield back into place. Lower the door panel back onto the door.

Reinstall the screws along the bottom of the door panel using the Phillips screwdriver. Reinstall the bolt behind the switch bezel using the socket and wrench. Snap the switch bezel and inner door release handle trim bezel back into place by hand.