driver side door lock messed up

I have a 2001 windstar sel. I just paid it off, and now it's acting up. Sometimes the remote door lock will not lock the driver's door. It will lock or unlock all the other doors, just not the drivers side. What's up with that? The only constant is that this acts up when it's hot and sunny outside (we live in FL). On an overcast or cool day, there are no problems.

Dealer said it would cost about $175 to fix. I forget what they said what was wrong...I just heard $175 and figured I could unlock the door manually for a long time for that kinda money.

If anyone knows a way to fix this cheaper, pls adv.

Thx.

There's your problem right there.. You paid it off!!!! Should have traded in for something else. ..kidding(sort of) Weather related door actuator problem.. hmmm. Sounds as though humidity isn't the factor and assumed maybe it was a relay acting up in moist conditions but, no?? You may have to pull off the panel on the door to access the motor and be able to view what's happening or not happening. (look up "actuator motor" problems bydoing a "search" at top left of this page) and check the actuator and what it is doing and the sound of plastic/neoprene gears not meshing (first sign) Then if not that, then try checking all connections and taughtness maybe when it heats up outside there is some stretching in the wiring harness connectors from the buttons on the door to the motor etc. If it's the actuator motor acting up by trying the key fob and the door panel relay knob.. then the motor should be replaced could be just a dead spot in it as well. I have taken out and replaced FOUR!! of these &$%@$# motors passenger door twice /drivers door and rear hatch .. By doing a search I had found a web page with info on how to get at it.. + wreckers costs are way way better then Fords You'll see!

.. By doing a search I had found a web page with info on how to get at it.. + wreckers costs are way way better then Fords You'll see!

Say PumpItUP... you won't happen to remember what that web site was that give you instructions on how to get to those actuators, would you? I'm having the same problem with my 2000 driver's side door lock actuator. I'm looking for parts somewhere (other than the stealer) and instructions on how to get the panel off and on "safely".

Thanks,
DB

I have a 2001 with both front doors doing the same thing.I took the passanger side off and they are a little tricky to get to. As far as the door panel it was easy 2 screws on the arm rest 4 screws holding the door panel on. plus the pop out covers for the top by the mirror and the door handel inside.I am going to try a universal actuator that i found on line it will be a couple of weeks before I try it because I need to find out more on the wireing of it. So far i should be able to leave everything in place and some how splice the wires to the new actuator and run the rod to the door lock rod all ready there.I did notice 2 plugs going to the old actuator so the problem will be finding the power to steal from it to make the new actuator unlock and lock It will take a little testing.Just hope i dont blow a relay or somthing.If this all works out.I will do my best to explain and post it back. Also if it works the total cost will be 27.00 for both actuators. Yes 27.00 thats why i need to research further before trying this. So far I do think it will work. I will post back when I get started and done with. Later,Gary

Say PumpItUP... you won't happen to remember what that web site was that give you instructions on how to get to those actuators, would you? I'm having the same problem with my 2000 driver's side door lock actuator. I'm looking for parts somewhere (other than the stealer) and instructions on how to get the panel off and on "safely".

Thanks,
DB

I did have the sitte in a previous forum question about actuatrs etc.. and may have to do a search specific..I'll look in the forum heer because someone had asked before for it.. it was for the passenger door but same thing only different. Wrecker wrecker wrecker.. don't even think of going to Ford.. I have replaced rear passengers twice and drivers and would have been $an insane cost from the dealer/stealer!

http://www.carstereohelp.com/stereoremovalFordRngrDrPanel.htm<<; this should help you out blessed 2 adopt2 good luck if not already repaired.

Already repaired it myself... left instructions for others under the "front door lock sticking" thread