Key doesn't unlock driver's door

[pavaojc]

Hello, I've been here for a few weeks looking around since it looked like I might get an Expedition. I did end up getting it, it's a 2000 XLT 4X4. Other than the rust on the bottoms of the doors and the lock actuators, it's almost like brand new.

I've read the threads on the actuators and a friend and I are going to try to replace the ones in the front. But I have another concern: the key doesn't unlock the driver's door. You can put it in and turn it, and nothing happens, so I'm guessing some linkage is off or broken. I'd really prefer not to have to open the door twice, once to fix the actuator and learn the other problem, and then a second time to fix the other problem. Anyone seen this before and know what it is? Thanks!

 

[FordandPolaris]

Well mine is broken like yours. The bar that leads to the key lock has small plastic connectors. My broken one is the one at the door handle, but yours could be on the other side at the locking mech. Pulling the door panel is not too hard once you have done it. Few screws and it lifts right off, so find the part you need and go to a dealership (very small chance you will find it on ebay) or find one from a junk truck.

I have not fixed mine yet so I cannot say how difficult it is. Hope you have a kid with small hands though...

 

[pavaojc]

Ok, thanks! I'll bring my ten year old when we do it.

Can you tell me where I could look up the grille LEDs you list in your mods? Thanks!

 

[FordandPolaris]

Ok, thanks! I'll bring my ten year old when we do it.

Can you tell me where I could look up the grille LEDs you list in your mods? Thanks!

Here is a link to a thread detailing what I did with the lights. If you need further help feel free to PM me or post on that. I like them a lot, really add an aggressive look to the front end.

http://www.expeditionforum.com/f39/raptor-grille-lights-20230/

 

[Jay87LX]

I have just had all my doors off, new locks, window regs, removing handles etc. If you have any questions fee free to PM me. I also have alot of parts left over. I have another thread going where I am painting and changing doors so all my stuff has come apart.

 

[Maverick1701]

my 97 has the same problem as all of y'alls. I have to use the keyless or unlock pass door first.

 

[pavaojc]

Thanks guys, I appreciate it!

 

[Jay87LX]

I took a pic of the inside of the door today the best I could
here id the back of the handle
You can see the black thing with the rod in it- that is what the key is turning and that rod goes down the to the latch- the rod above that is what opens the latch when the handle is lifted

 

[pavaojc]

Ok, now it makes sense. And I bet I know why the window makes the metallic noise, I'm guessing that lower rod is not connected to the black piece anymore and it's hitting that.

This looks a lot more accessible than I expected it to be, it's not really that wide open, right?

 

[Jay87LX]

You can get in there quite easily

 

[pavaojc]

Just ordered the front pair of actuators from 1aauto. When I have some extra time and I'm bored I'll take the old ones apart and see if I can rebuild them. If I'm satisfied with how that goes, maybe I'll rebuild the rear ones instead of buying new ones.

Thanks for all the advice guys!

 

[Jay87LX]

I have 4 I just pulled out of my old doors
They should be cheap enough to not even worry about trying to fix them no?

 

[pavaojc]

It was $60 for the front pair. The back ones work ok mostly. I figure if I can get in from the front before winter comes instead of being Joe Ghetto getting in the back and reaching for the front handle to open the door (because the key lock doesn't unlock it either), I'm happy. To be honest, if I could simply get the key to work that would be enough too, but I won't know if that can be fixed until I have time to pull that door panel.

To be honest, I'm cheap and I like winning. Getting the stupid junk part to work right would be personally satisfying. ;-)