Driver Side Door Not Unlocking

[mplant1]

I drive a 2004 Ford Ranger. When I use the remote to unlock my truck, there is a grinding electrical sound, and the driver side door does not unlock. The passenger side does, though. Also, when I try to use my key to unlock the door, the driver's side door will not unlock with the key. I can open the driver's side door from the inside by using the handle, but the electric lock button will not unlock the door. It seems like the piece that pops up when the truck is unlocked has a hard time raising to unlock the door. Neither my boyfriend nor I can figure out what the problem is. If anyone could help with this issue, that would be great. I find that when I take my truck in for any problem, people at the dealership try to take advantage of the fact that I'm female and don't know much about cars. I'd like to have some idea of what is going on before I take it in anywhere to get fixed.

 

[5.0Flareside]

There should be a actuator I believe that does the electrical unlocking it, via key fob or unlock button.. Sounds like that actuator has gone bad..

But I'm not 100% cause I don't really mess with electrical much

 

[kiwi f150]

Chris is right - it is the door lock actuator and here is a link to get a new one which the parts bin have on special at $15.00 http://www.thepartsbin.com/catalog/...616+10336+4294962953&y=2004&mk=Ford&md=Ranger

Here is a youtube link with a video detailing the procedure to swap it out
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pOC51Q2khA

You never know you and your boyfriend might have fun fixing it together but failing that you'll at least have an idea of the process before getting a 'shop to fix it for you.

 

[dustybumpers]

Make sure the shaft that comes through the door panel isn't hanging up.
My Explorer was doing that, I took a finger nail file, and cleaned out the hole around it, and it works fine now