How to Change the 2004 Nissan Frontier Door Lock Actuator

By 2004, the majority of the vehicles manufactured by Nissan contained power locks operated by a door lock actuator. The 2004 Nissan Frontier is no exception. The Frontier's lock actuator is contained behind the door panel. If the actuator begins to malfunction, the door panel must be removed to access the actuator. Replacing the Frontier's actuator is fairly straightforward and should only take an hour to complete.

Instructions

1

Open the Frontier's hood and use your socket wrench to disconnect the vehicle's battery.

2

Use a flat-head screwdriver to pry off the window crank. Pry off the cover from the door latch.

3

Use a socket wrench to remove the bolt from underneath the door latch.

4

Pry off the armrest cover with a flat-head screwdriver and remove the two bolts underneath the armrest.

5

Remove all of the metal clips from along the edge of the door with a flat-head screwdriver. These clips hold the door panel to the door.

6

Remove the door panel once all of the clips are removed to access the actuator.

7

Remove the four bolts from the actuator using a socket wrench and disconnect its electrical wiring connector. Disconnect the lock linkage with a flat-head screwdriver.

8

Remove the actuator from the door and place the new actuator onto the door. Reattach the bolts, electrical wiring connector and lock linkage.

9

Reattach the door panel and clips. Reattach the two bolts to the armrest and one bolt to the door latch. Reattach the armrest cover and door latch cover.

10

Reattach the window crank and reconnect the Frontier's battery. Close the hood.