How to Change a Door Lock on a 1997 Ford F150 Truck

Ford's 1997 F-150 truck offers several power options, including windows and door locks. The power door lock operation relies on a power door lock actuator that converts the electrical signal from the power lock signal to mechanical action that locks or unlocks the door. The actuator has a plunger inside that moves in and out of the actuator body to perform this mechanical function. Each time the plunger retracts into the actuator body, it pulls minute amounts of dust and debris in with it. This eventually leads to actuator failure.

Instructions

1

Pry the door lock switch -- housed in a lock bezel with the window switch -- out of the door with the working lock, using a trim tool. Pry the switch out of the door with the inoperative switch, using the trim tool. Unplug both switches from the wiring connectors.

2

Plug the known good lock switch into the wiring harness in the door with the inoperative locks. Activate the locks with the switch; if the lock responds, plug a new lock switch in the other door's wiring harness and snap both lock switches in place. If the lock is still inoperative, actuator replacement is necessary.

3

Unplug the lock switch from the door with the faulty lock and set it aside. Pry the inner door handle out of the door bezel, using a trim tool. Set the bezel aside.

4

Remove the hex-head bolt from behind the switch bezel, using a socket wrench and 8 mm socket. Remove the screws alongside the bottom of the door panel, using a Phillips screwdriver. Lift the panel up and off the door, by hand.

5

Disconnect the courtesy light from the door harness before moving the door panel away from the door. Remove the splash shield-retaining bar, using a Phillips screwdriver -- use care to prevent those screws from falling into the door.

6

Peel the splash shield back from the upper-trailing edge of the door panel to expose the outer door handle and door lack assemblies. Do not completely remove the splash shield.

7

Unplug the wiring harness from the door lock actuator, which mounts to the door latch. Pry the actuator off the latch, using the trim tool. Rotate the actuator to release it from the lock and inner door handle rods.

8

Remove the old actuator from the door and set it aside. Connect the new actuator to the latch and door handle rods. Snap the new actuator onto the door latch.

9

Reposition the splash shield. Reinstall the splash shield-retaining bar with the Phillips screwdriver. Plug the courtesy light back into the door harness and lower the door panel into place, guiding the inner door handle into position.

10

Reinstall the lower door panel-retaining screws with the Phillips screwdriver. Reinstall the inner switch bezel bolt with the socket wrench and socket.

11

Plug the door lock and window switch into the wiring harness. Snap the switch bezel into the door panel. Clean the panel with trim cleaner and a rag to remove any grease or dirt left behind from the repair.