Gen 1 door lock actuator fix? HELP!

I can't find any info. Pretty sure my actuators are going out. I hit the unlock button on my remote, go to pull the door open and the door locks half way open. It's very frustrating. This happens on the driver and passenger side randomly. I don't want to spend the money on new actuators because they are very pricey.

Does anyone have a write up on how to repair them? I've seen stuff on 2nd Gens. But nothing on first gens.

 

This thread *may* be of some use to you.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/1st-generation-tacoma-door-will-not-unlock-solved.469156/

 

If it's not the spring shown in that video, then you may be able to replace just the little motor in the actuator instead of the whole unit. I replaced the front passenger and driver actuators in a 2001 RAV4. I suspect the units for a 2003 Tacoma are very similar if not identical.

This video is for a 2005 Highlander, but the process is essentially the same.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWtPJQCtmX8

 

You can replace just the motors. Write up here about it.

 

I guess these power locks are a common problem for Toyotas. I have a 1st gen 2000 Tacoma driver side lock lock gets stuck in lock position more often recently. The lock activates but not all the way up. It locks fine the unlocking is the problem. Even with the key or manually pulling the handle or the know it doesn't unlock. Can that be the actuator? Because I should be able to manually unlock the door right? Any info on that?

 

first thing is take the door panel off and look at the retainer clip that holds the rod that goes from the interior door pull to the latch assembly. if it is broken or missing replace it. it seems that when the mechanism locks/unlocks the door if there is any slop in the rod assembly it does not fully unlock all the time. This was the issue on my double cab so I replace all four of them. while the panel is off you can squirt some lube on the interior of the latch.

 

Thanks I'll check that out. Buying a actuator at $200-$300 is ridiculous. Buying a replacement motor for $5 is great but I heard the Tacoma's have electrical contacts in a different place. Is that true?

 

I've been fighting with nearly every door component in mine for maybe a dozen years now, or I should say, putting up with her complaining about it (boomer humor). Both door handles have snapped and been repalced, at which time I fiddled and diddled with every moving part looking for the problem. Then someone smashed the window out so I was in there again. Now it's gotten to be unbearable, which brought me here. After hours of research and contemplation I think I have found the problem: Toyota put a bunch of cheap crap in the doors that wore out and/or stopped working at about 90k miles. They knew what they were doing. I mean, sure, they run forever, but how long will you endure being unable to open/unlock the doors or roll up your windows?

But seriously, I believe the problem is:

1. Some or all of the plastic bushings and clips get gummed up, with dust, specifically at factory lubricated points of contact, typically followed by: ​

2. well placed douchings of whatever can of spray lubricant is handy, both of which leads to: ​

3. accelerated wear from fine dust, as well as even gummier, more brittle parts. A little slop everywhere = won't fully lock or unlock.​

I'm waiting for someone to pull out one o them thar fancy pants new 3d printers, and "print" all of the cheesy plastic bushings and clips that wear out or break off.

 

In my case, both door lock actuators stopped working. Fully disassembled to find out that a little plastic helical gear in each had split. I didn't know how to source new ones, so I found these at Parts Express: https://www.parts-express.com/high-power-door-lock-actuator-2-wire--330-010

It takes some drilling, but several years later they still work great


Edit: oops, look at the dates