I have a 1998 Ford Explorer Limited. The passenger door electric lock is freezing and the door will not open. Once unlocked it works fine. Has had actuator replaced and isn’t the problem. Key won’t open it Remote won’t open it. Much patience with holding the electric unlock down and gently trying to use the handle inside. Outside handle is completely loose until it is unlocked then it will engage. The door handle has been replaced also because it broke from pulling on to hard when lock freezes. What sends the signal to the lock to each lock separately from the electric unlock button? It does not seem to be getting the signal to unlock. Help!! I’ve spent so much time/$ trying to get fixed. Any suggestions??

TurboTuscani

• 15 Answers
• Posted on Nov 21, 2008

SOURCE: 2003 Hyundai Tiburon Door Lock Problem

I had both doors with the same problem. I replaced the actuators and everything works perfect now.

SOURCE: 1998 Jetta Passenger Door Won't Unlock

I had a similar problem with my son's 1998 Jetta K2 4 door. I sprayed loads of WD40 into the locking area from the end of the door through the clip slot, worked the mechanism sprayed some more and finally it start working. My mechanic said these are very prone to moisture causing rusting on the moving parts.

Marvin

• 85242 Answers
• Posted on Mar 31, 2009

SOURCE: Drivers power lock will not unlock with remote.

the door lock actuator is defective, they get really hard to move when they go bad, that is why the difficulty with the key.

SOURCE: 2001 Ford Explorer Sport

Common problem on 2001 Ford Explores. The reason why your door handle doesn't unlock the door(can't be unlocked by remote either)is due to a broken spring located on the backside of the door handel INSIDE the door. True that your one(or two) of your small exterior springs on your door handle are broken(will cause your handle to flap) but this IS NOT YOUR PROBLEM. The door locks will work if there is a bit of tension holding the handle bracket up. I know it's hard to explain without pics. but here's the ONLY WAY TO FIX THIS. It's not that hard.......... Remove the door panel, only a few screws and a few more holding trim around exit handle then, pull out "snap in" clips on bottom. With a flashlight you'll see back side of door handle. To get to that area you'll have to remove one bolt holding a window frame. Do that(with window in up position) then slide down rail, out of your way. Now, get back to handle. With your light aimed at the backside of handle left slowly the door handle as normal, and you'll realize(while looking at the mechanism) that tension(pulling down of bracket) needs to occur in order for locks(manual and remote)to work properly. Trust me.....you'll figure it out. Once you do, get a spring(pen spring, 30 cent hardware store spring, any small spring!) and hook one end to bracket and the other end to ANYTHING(OUT OF THE WAY) below the door handle thus, causing SLIGHT tension. Try your locks...THEY WILL WORK! YEAH! Replace that one window frame bolt(try your window...just the make sure), replace door panel and your done. TOTAL COST: 30 cents or FREE(if you have a small spring) Ford dealers will charge $150 to $285! Yikes!

SOURCE: My passengers side sliding door

It sounds like the problem is a failed lock solenoid, which is mounted on the door latch. The solenoid can be replaced separately from the rest of the latch. What you're going to have to do is get the door panel off while the door is closed to access the latch. The panel is held on with push in fasteners. Once the panel is off then you'll need to reach back to the latch and force the lock solenoid to the unlock position with a screwdriver or pliers, whatever you can get it to go with. Once it's unlocked then you can open the door, remove the latch and replace the lock solenoid.
---------------- Click this link below for detailed procedure:---
http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2011/07/how-to-take-apart-passenger-side.html ---------- This should help.Thanks.Helpmech.