How to Replace Front Door Lock Actuator 2003-08 Dodge Ram
Created on: 2016-05-06
Watch this in-depth video on how to replace the front door lock actuator on your 03-08 Dodge Ram.
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step 1 :Removing the Door Panel
- Raise your window
- Remove the 10mm bolt behind the door handle
- Remove the door handle
- Remove the #3 Phillips screw from the middle of the door panel
- Remove the #3 Phillips screw from the sail panel
- Remove the two #2 Phillips screws from the bottom of the door panel
- Lift the door panel up and off
- Disconnect the window switch wiring harnesses
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step 2 :Accessing the Door Lock Actuator
- Disconnect the door latch rod retaining clip
- Remove the 10mm nuts from the latch mechanism
- Remove the latch mechanism
- Remove the four #2 Phillips screws from the speaker
- Disconnect the speaker wiring harness
- Remove the speaker
- Disconnect the mirror motor wiring harness
- Peel back the water shield
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step 3 :Removing the Door Lock Actuator
- Remove the two T30 Torx bolts from the inner window track
- Move the window track
- Disconnect the interior lock rod
- Disconnect exterior door lock rod
- Disconnect the exterior door handle rod
- Disconnect the interior door handle rod
- Remove the three T30 Torx bolts from the door lock actuator
- Pull the latch assembly out
- Disconnect the wiring harnesses
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step 4 :Installing the Door Lock Actuator
- Reconnect the door lock actuator wiring harness
- Insert the actuator into place
- Tighten the three T30 Torx bolts to the door lock actuator
- Connect the interior door handle rod
- Connect exterior door lock rod
- Connect the exterior door handle
- Connect the interior lock rod
- Insert the window track in place
- Tighten the two T30 Torx bolts to the inner window track
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step 5 :Preparing the Door Panel
- Press the water shield into place
- Reconnect the mirror wiring harness
- Connect the speaker wiring harness
- Insert the speaker into place
- Tighten the four #2 Phillips screws to the speaker
- Clip the retainer to the latch mechanism
- Tighten the 10mm bolts to the latch mechanism
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step 6 :Reinstalling the Door Panel
- Remove the door lock bezel
- Connect the window switch wiring harness
- Insert the door panel into place
- Insert the door lock bezel into place
- Tighten the #3 Phillips screw from the middle of the door panel
- Tighten the #3 Phillips screw from the sail panel
- Tighten the two #2 Phillips screws from the bottom of the door panel
- Insert the door handle into place
- Tighten the 10mm screw to the door handle
Tools needed
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No. 3 Phillips Screwdriver
Socket Extensions
Flat Blade Screwdriver
T30 Bit
No. 2 Phillips Screwdriver
10mm Socket
Ratchet
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Hi, I'm Mike from 1A Auto. I hope this how-to video helps you out, and next time you need parts for your vehicle, think of 1AAuto.com. Thanks.
In this video, we're going to show you how to remove and replace the driver's door lock actuator on this 2008 Dodge Ram. The process is the same for 2002- 2008 1500, as well as the '09 2500 and 3500s. We show you on the driver front door, but the procedure is pretty much the same for all doors.
You'll need a new Lock Actuator from 1AAuto.com, a 10mm socket and ratchet and extensions, #2 and #3 Phillips screwdrivers, flat blade screwdriver and a T-30 Torx driver.
Before we start the actuator, we want to make sure our window's rolled up so we have access to it.
Remove the 10mm bolt in the inside edge of the door handle. Remove the door handle from the opening. Remove the #3 Phillips behind the door handle, and in this top corner, two #2 Phillips on the bottom of the panel. Lift up on the door panel to release. Then we'll have to disconnect the two connectors from the window switch.
Disconnect your latch rod retaining clip. We press down on the retainer, move it out of the way, pull the latch rod out of the hold, and undo two 10mm nuts. Move the handle assembly from the door.
Remove the speaker. Remove the four #2 Phillips screws. Disconnect the connector from the speaker.
Move the foam out of the way to disconnect your mirror motor connector from the mirror motor. Use a flat head screwdriver to disconnect the harness retainer from the door. Peel back the water shield, set it to the side. Remove two T-30 Torx bolts. Move the inner window track out of your way.
Your door lock actuator is located here. Disconnect the retainer, the interior lock rod, exterior door handle rod, exterior door lock rod, interior door handle. Remove the three T-30 Torx bolts. Now, you can move the latch assembly, with the latch outside of the door skin. Disconnect the connector.
Here we have our old part from the vehicle and our new part from 1AAuto.com. As you can see, we have all the same connectors, the same clips. Flip it over, we have the same latch and mounting locations. It's going to bolt right up, direct fit, fix your problem.
Reconnect your connector, put your actuator back inside the door, line up the bolt holes, and install your T-30 Torx screws. Reinstall your interior door handle actuator rod. Reconnect exterior door lock rod, exterior door handle rod, and interior lock rod.
Move your lower window guide back into place, and line up and install your two T-30 Torx screws. Feed the wire harness back through the opening in the water dam, line up the corner, feed your interior door handle rod through the water dam. Press all that adhesive back onto the door.
Reconnect your mirror motor connector and the harness retainer to the inside of the door.
Reinstall the speaker, reconnect the connector, reinstall your four Phillips head screws. Reinstall your interior latch rod, clip the retainer into place, reinstall your two 10mm nuts.
Pop off the door lock bezel by pushing from the back. Reinstall your two window switch connectors. Line up the tabs in the door panel. Slide your door panel into place. Pop the door lock bezel back into place. Reinstall your four door panel screws. Hold your screw in place for the interior handle. Line it up and tighten it down.
Thanks for tuning in. We hope this video helped you out. Next time you need parts for your car, please visit 1AAuto.com. Also check out our other helpful how-to and diagnosis videos.
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