Power Door Lock Actuators

[pgackerman]

Howdy,

I now have keyless entry in my 1987 GT.  But, the door lock actuators are weak.  It takes three clicks to unlock the drivers side and many, many more for the passenger side.  OK, I haven't found the number, but the lock moves a bit with each click.  The obvious solution is replacing both actuators.  But they're about $50 each from AutoZone or The Fiero Store.  So my question is...

Is there a way to bring door lock actuators back to life?

[Roger]

Remove the interior door panel. Spray each connection point of ALL THREE locking mechanisms.
The lock rod connections from the outer lock to the door latch.
The lock rod connections from the interior lock lever PLUS the plastic guide that it passes on its way to the door latch.
Then the lock rod connections from the lock motor to the door latch.
Finally, the door latch itself. The locking mechanism on the latch is at the top and the side closest to the outer door panel. Just soak the entire latch. For good measure spray some inside the lock cylinder(thru where you insert the key).

Be careful removing the door panel. The plastic connectors and the panel itself are very old and tend to crack/break/disintegrate easily.

I do not recommend WD-40 for this. PB Blaster followed by White Lithium Grease gives excellent results.

[TopNotch]

Another option is to replace the stock actuators with generic aftermarket actuators. They are MUCH stronger, and will lock and unlock your doors soundly.

[pgackerman]

Roger - I've removed the driver's side interior door panel when the exterior handle (mostly) broke off.  I'll try the lubrication route before forking over the money for new actuators.

TopNotch - which generic aftermarket actuators fit?  The Fiero mounting points didn't appear to match with the less expensive actuators.

[TopNotch]

Actually, I haven't replaced stock actuators with generic ones, but I did put some in a car that didn't have power locks. Here's how I installed them (Picture taken from the outside of the door, with the skin off).

[Roger]

Try checking out these . . .

http://www.fierosails.com/DoorHardware.html

[pgackerman]

PB Blaster did it!

Both actuators are working.