how to test for a broken power door lock actuator

[withac]

Okay, sorry if this something like a double post, but when you ask a somewhat new question at the end of a thread it can get missed.

In my post asking about a power door lock problem it was suggested the actuator may be going out. Does anyone have some step by step directions on how to test it to make sure? I would imagine it's something I could replace myself but no sense picking one up if that's not the problem.

 

[JKmotorsports]

You can use a multimeter to check if you have voltage or not at the window and lock motors when you press the switch. The voltage will change polarity depending on the direction you press the switch. If you have roughly 12v at the motor(s) but they aren't working, then chances are you have a bad motor. If you don't have voltage or very low voltage, then there's a problem somewhere with the harness, switch, relay, or DDM (if an 03+ model).

 

[withac]

Thanks JK. I imagine they're pretty hard to miss. No time today but hopefully next week I can check it out. If I remember I'll take some pics and can maybe turn it into a post.

 

[withac]

HELP!

Okay, I need to hook a trailer brake up so I’m looking under the dash to see how to do it and I notice a factory wire bundle that is out of place. It looks like when the park brake is released it has been pinching this. I look closer and a white wire is cut all the way through and an orange one is skinned. They go to a plug in the dash side fuse panel labeled Retained Accessory Power Relay, I figure I have the solution to my drivers side power door lock/power window issue. I splice the white wire back to together, nothing. I cut the orange one where the insulation was worn off and splice it back together. Nothing. I check the fuses that have lock in the name nothing. There are several power door lock relays. There is only one Power Window Circuit Breaker. I figure since all the other windows work it can’t be the circuit breaker.

Okay, I pop the door panel. I pull the wire plug from the power window motor and test it with my multimeter 0.00 when I push the window button. I pull the plug from the door lock actuator and test it. If the lock button is cycled back and forth it might jump to .93 but if I just click it one way then the other I get .03

So, it looks like power isn’t getting to the window motor or the door lock actuator. I had a cut wire but fixed it and nothing. I can find no blown fuses. Could the wire have shorted and blown a relay? If so, how do you tell, I can’t even pull them out of the panel. Any ideas, I’m dyin’ here.

 

[withac]

Bump

 

[jpmaniac87]

What are some symptoms of a bad door lock actuator? Because when I use my power locks, it "tries" to lock the passenger door but unsuccessfully. I can lock it by hand and my power locks will successfully unlock it. Also, I've noticed that I cannot lock or unlock that passenger door with my key. Please help if anyone can. I know I've strayed away from the forum for a while, but I'm back.

 

[Copper&Black]

Quick way to test the door actuator/locking/latching unit, IMO, is to remove both door panels from the front and rear doors on the side in question. If it is the front door then attempt the lock, unlock the door while you are real close to the unit to hear or feel if it is attempting to move but can't etc... If it is dead then remove the REAR door's actuator and put it in place of the front door actuator as they are the same. If the actuator is indeed the problem then of course the rear door's unit should work in your front door...
Just a quick way to rule it out