Door locking issues (1998)

I have a '98 Xtra-Cab SR5 4x4. I have 2 issues with the door locks:

1. It has power door locks, but they don't work (I bought the truck a couple months ago, so Idk how long this has been a problem) When I press the button, it makes noise & the locks move a little bit, but it doesn't seem to have enough power to lock it. Does anyone else have this problem? If so, is it an easy fix?

2. Since my power locks don't work, I have to use my key to unlock the truck. My driver's side door has issues unlocking from the outside (with my old key & my new key) It only works if you wiggle it and fight with it. Does anyone have this issue?

Thanks!

 

Its a pretty basic issue that happens to many older vehicles.

There is a lever attached to motor/electrical compnent of the door locks. Some how over time, this lever has broken off, or come loose.

It's different on every vehicle, but it works the same way. Which is why you can see the door lock move a bit. The loose lever is striking the door lock, but since it's not attached, it won't push up on the lock.

I bet if you remove the door panel, and inspect the door lock mechanism, you'll see that something has come loose.

Removing the door panel is very easy. There's like two screws located by the door handle on the interior, and a push clip up by the side view mirror. Once those are off, the panel just pulls forwards, since it's attached to the door with a clips.