Winstar Keyless Entry irregularity

[Robert Kerbe]

I have a 2000 Windstar, when using the keyfob or the switch on the front doors the front door locks normally do not lock/unlock. The rear doors lock/unlock everytime. I don't know if its electrical or mechanical?

[PumpItUp]

Have you heard any unusual sounds like a scraping noise when using the fob? Also, during opening or when you accuate by using the inside drivers/passenger controls do you hear the same noise/s? I have a 96' Windstar and have had to replace both accuator motors because the neoprene gears were worn out and not accuating the door lock mechanism anymore. Wrecker time and picked up (1 year apart) new motors and replaced myself by taking the inside door panel off and refitting the new/used one and NP anymore! Fords fix /costs for a new motor and replacing was going to be $398.00 + Taxs.. dohh! Cost me 1 hour and a beer + the $10.00 for the part from the wrecker!

[Robert Kerbe]

Don't hear a scraping noise just the usual lock/unlocking noise.
When lock/unlocking the doors with the FOB or the switch, alot of the time the locks will only move half way (seen by looking at the rod that sticks out of the doors next to the window). When locking the doors and the rod moves half way, pulling the outside door handle will cause it to go the rest of the way down.

[PumpItUp]

Have you been locked out of the vehicle in the recent past and a unlocking bar been used to gain entry? Just a question if someone was attempting to gain entry with this device they could have pushed /knocked off one of the neoprene holders for the accuator bars from the handle to the latch and it now cannot make the full and correct motion to open./close the door. You best try to look into taking that /either inside door panel off which is quite easy if you've never done it before.. just being careful of the plastic panel screws that "will break" if excess force applied. But, normally just pop off. Find all the fitting screws first and if you think it's too tight somewhere on the panel, you may have missed one in the area. I believe two at the bottom of the door one behind the arm rest and the toggle control panel, once popped off and may have to unplug from wiring harness. Then just lift up and over the door latch /lock button and away. Then the plastic dust shield to be pulled back in the latch area and then investigate the problem.. You will have to reconnect the harness for the door lock to test of key fob it..look for a neoprene connector that hs become dislodged or the accuator bar popped out of it's hold! If no problem there ..check the door lock mechanism accuator motor. and watch it's movement. I still tink it's the motors as I had both go within short order and had to replace . Wrecker time, because Ford is way too expensive and the motor fits universally between both doors,. One headache is fitting a large hand into the door panel and unclipping the motor from it's metal clamp. This was the teadious part and had to lose one rubber dust cover that fits over the motor to make it work.. tight fit is all! Good luck.