Looking for threads on this subject I didn't find anything recent pertaining to these models so I thought I'd start another. If this is redundant I apologize.
The right front door door lock actuator on my Yukon started being erratic recently, sometimes locking/unlocking, sometimes not, requiring flipping the slider by hand. After reading up on it on these forums I figured I probably had a cooked actuator motor. I pulled the lock out and separated the electrical section from the actual lock mechanisim. Turns out I have the "anti-theft" option which meant I had to order a complete assembly instead of just the actuator itself. From RockAuto this was around $100. Being cheap I though I'd try to sort out what was working and what was not. I applied 12v to the two-pin connector and found the actuator motor drove the locking rod inward on one polarity and the other direction when voltage was reversed. This is the plastic rod with the rubber shoe on the end. Movement was not great but it seemed to be smooth and no smoke or odors occured so I figured it was likely ok.
I have a small 2.5 qt. ultrasonic cleaner I got from Harbor Freight that I use for lots of little stuff like this so in it went. I should state here that this is not a caustic soda bath, just strong detergent like Simple Green in water. After a few minutes it cleaned up pretty well and I dried it out with air, spray-lubed the whole thing with some stuff that evaporates leaving a heavy residue of lube. I reinstalled the electrical section on the lock mechanisim and tested it again with 12v to the two-pin connector and it seemed to work. As a final check, I hooked the lock up to all three of the connectors from the door switch panel and it performed flawlessly.
I guess the moral of this story is don't give up on stuff without trying to restore it a bit, it could save you a fair bit of change. Of course, you may in fact have a cooked part but test it first before you order anything.
The right front door door lock actuator on my Yukon started being erratic recently, sometimes locking/unlocking, sometimes not, requiring flipping the slider by hand. After reading up on it on these forums I figured I probably had a cooked actuator motor. I pulled the lock out and separated the electrical section from the actual lock mechanisim. Turns out I have the "anti-theft" option which meant I had to order a complete assembly instead of just the actuator itself. From RockAuto this was around $100. Being cheap I though I'd try to sort out what was working and what was not. I applied 12v to the two-pin connector and found the actuator motor drove the locking rod inward on one polarity and the other direction when voltage was reversed. This is the plastic rod with the rubber shoe on the end. Movement was not great but it seemed to be smooth and no smoke or odors occured so I figured it was likely ok.
I have a small 2.5 qt. ultrasonic cleaner I got from Harbor Freight that I use for lots of little stuff like this so in it went. I should state here that this is not a caustic soda bath, just strong detergent like Simple Green in water. After a few minutes it cleaned up pretty well and I dried it out with air, spray-lubed the whole thing with some stuff that evaporates leaving a heavy residue of lube. I reinstalled the electrical section on the lock mechanisim and tested it again with 12v to the two-pin connector and it seemed to work. As a final check, I hooked the lock up to all three of the connectors from the door switch panel and it performed flawlessly.
I guess the moral of this story is don't give up on stuff without trying to restore it a bit, it could save you a fair bit of change. Of course, you may in fact have a cooked part but test it first before you order anything.
