How to Fix the Door Lock on a 2002 Dodge Stratus

The Dodge Stratus model run began in 1995 and continued until 2006. The power door lock actuators are an integral part of the vehicle's door latch mechanism. Replacing the door lock actuator is a simple procedure; the largest degree of difficulty consists in reaching the door actuator rods on the actuator. The power door lock actuator is specific to its location, so make sure to specify on which door the actuator is intended for installment.

Instructions

1

Place the window in the up position. Pry up the small square screw cover located in the bottom of the inside door handle, using a small screwdriver. Remove the Phillips screw found beneath the cover. Lift the screw cover square plug located in the center of the door handle cover with the small screwdriver, then remove the screw located beneath it with a Phillips screwdriver.

2

Remove the three Phillips screws on the bottom of the door panel. Insert the common screwdriver between the door panel and the door and pry up all the trim fasteners on all three sides of the door panel. Lift the door panel up slightly, to dislodge the top of the panel from the top doorsill.

3

Move the door panel away enough to reach behind the panel and detach the door handle rod. Swing the plastic retainer off the rod and withdraw the rod from the back of the door handle. Unplug all the electrical connectors. Peel the moisture shield forward to gain access to the rear opening in the door.

4

Remove the rear window channel by removing the two 10 mm nuts securing the channel, then remove the channel to gain better access to the inside of the door. Unplug the electrical harness to the door lock actuator. Remove the three rods to the door lock actuator. Operate the door lock button to see which rod you need to remove. Swing the plastic retainer off the rod and pull the rod out with the needle-nose pliers. Remove the inside door actuator rod, which can be seen clearly running from the handle to the actuator. Remove the key lock actuator rod, which is the last one on the inside rear of the actuator.

5

Remove the three number 30 Torx bolts that secure the door latch to the back of the door. Lift the door lock and latch mechanism out of the door. Install the new door lock and latch mechanism. Install the three number 30 Torx bolts and tighten them securely.

6

Install the rods into the holes they were extracted from and swing each plastic retainer over the rod, then push down gently to snap them on the rod. Connect the electrical connector from the door lock to the harness. Install the window channel over the wheel on the bottom of the window and align it with the two holes in the door. Insert the two 10 mm nuts and tighten them with a socket.

7

Place the moisture shield back into position. Hold the door panel close to the door and plug in all the electrical plugs. Place the door handle rod in the door handle arm and swing the plastic retainer over the rod. Snap it in place. Align all the trim fasteners with the holes in the door and push them in.

8

Install the screws in the bottom of the door grab handle, as well as the screw in the front of the door handle. Tighten with the Phillips screwdriver. Push the little square covers over the screws to conceal them. Install the three Phillips screws in the bottom of the door panel.