Power door locks - replacing actuator

[rwljpl]

My power door locks have never worked
I figured since as was taking the doors apart to refresh the vent windows, I’d look into it
There is no actuator at all in the drivers side - the bracket is not even there
There is an actuator on the other side but I don’t know if it works
I searched this forum and YouTube but cannot find a good DIY guide to installing the actuator - anyone have something like that they can point me to? I’m especially interested in how to connect the actuator to the lock rod

 

[eskimomann209]

If I remember correctly the actuator just kinda pops into the rod.... I’m having a hard time remembering. As for the lock actuator it just hangs on the inner door panel skin thing. Two bolts go thru the panel and into the actuator.

 

[EvilGenius]

I can't speak for the inside connection, as I took mine apart a while ago and don't remember exactly how they go. This picture shows where on the door shell the actuator bolts to.

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[Matt69olds]

The smaller square box actuator works by switching polarity on the 2 wires. They were used in the later trucks probably starting around 82 model year?

The earlier actuators have separate coil windings for the up and down function, and ground thru the mounting bracket. Those older actuators are heavy and very reliable. They definitely lock and unlock the doors with a solid clunk when they cycle!

Pretty sure the later actuators are the same from left to right, you just flip the mounting bracket around. They are also the same part from 82 to the early 90s in just about every GM car or truck. Should be easy to find a replacement.

 

[rwljpl]

So what’s the best way to install? Bolt actuator in, then connect to the rod? It’s tight in there!

 

[Matt69olds]

That’s the only way to do it. The linkage is bent in such a way that it won’t go in with the actuator bolted in place.

 

[Camar068]

That’s the only way to do it. The linkage is bent in such a way that it won’t go in with the actuator bolted in place.

Thanks @rwljpl and @Matt69olds. I expect to be doing this soon on the replacement doors I have.