2 questions, 1 post. Remote Car Starter and Power locks.

So my 2002 Tacoma power lock feature does not completely work. On the drivers side, if you hit the power unlock, nothing happens. If you hit the lock, it works. Both unlock and lock work on the passenger side. I don’t have a fob for the truck at all and I’m assuming the previous owner ditched it because the unlock feature doesn’t work. I’m wondering if an aftermarket actuator would work. I believe these are made for mechanical locking vehicles but I’ve read of people using them in place of broken electrical locks. I also am wondering if anyone has installed a remote car starter as well and how that went. I’ll add a link to Amazon where I found the “frequently bought together” set for new actuators and remote start. I guess I’d have to get a key fob that would work with this too. Thanks for the help!

EDIT: Wrong remote start. Fixed.
Avital 4113LX Remote Start with Two 1-Button Remotes

Avital 4113LX Remote Start with Two 1-Button Remotes

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002KRJOX0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_8SG7zb5SSSRH9

InstallGear Universal Car Power Door Lock Actuators 12-Volt Motor (2 Pack)

$10 InstallGear IGDLA-2 Universal Car Power Door Lock Actuators 12-Volt Motor (2 Pack)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CZBQCR2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_8SF7zbVXK4EQC

Install Essentials 451M Dooor Lock Relay Module

$17 Directed Electronics Install Essentials 451M Dooor Lock Relay Module

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009SZHR4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_vTF7zbM17H7PK

 

I don’t have any experience with those systems, but it sounds like you should try to fix your existing problem first. It could just be dirty contacts on the switch. At the worst you could just replace the existing driver door lock actuator.

 

Yeah, the aftermarket alarm systems rely on your factory system to work.

 

Well that certainly would make more sense but the reason I’m not trying to replace my actuator is because I can’t find one for less than $150+ at least and I just don’t need it that badly to pay that much. That’s why I’m curious about the $10 actuators working in place of the OEM. I will look into cleaning it though this is the first I’ve heard of it.

 

I just realized the “car starter” I posted isn’t a car starter at all. Sorry about that.

 

So your driver side door won't unlock but it locks, that doesn't sound like an actuator problem. How did you come to this diagnostic solution?

 

Well I read somewhere that it was an actuator problem. I guess I didn’t look too far into it and I suppose it could be something else which would most likely be a better solution since I won’t pay that much to replace the OEM actuator with another OEM actuator. That’s why I was resorting to a cheap aftermarket actuator.

 

Does the passenger side switch unlock the driver side?

 

Yes it does

 

its not an actuator problem.

 

I would almost bet money the contacts are dirty on the driver side

 

Well I feel stupid but thanks for clearing that up for me. I should’ve looked into it more. How do I go about cleaning the contacts?

 

Remove the driver side switch and carefully take it apart down to the contacts under the button. Clean it up best you can and try. Sorry I've had to do but I have no pictures or write ups.

 

i was leading to that. Its best to troubleshoot issues before dumping unnecessary money.

 

Thanks guys. Doesn’t seem like it should be too difficult.

 

Well I took the switch completely apart down to the contacts and cleaned everything. Everything seems to function properly and nothing seems to be broken. However I put it all back together and my unlock function still does not work..

 

Check the wiring, time to put out the wiring diagram from the FSM and check to make sure the switch is sending out the 'unlock'. Switch itself could probably be bad

 

Can you try the pass side switch on the drivers side? That would narrow it down to the switch.

 

I don't think it'll connect to the harness

 

I have a driver side switch set if you are interested. I swapped mine to the 01-04 door panels. Functioned fine when I took it out.