So I replaced one of my failing automatic door locks with a universal $7 Ebay actuators. It works perfectly fine and all. Except when I have to manually lock or unlock, there is a bit of friction. Also it doesn't have the tock-tock 'snap' like before. Now it's just an unsatisfying heavy, mushy feeling when I lock or unlock with the plunger.

I have 2 more locks to fix. I wonder if anyone know of a universal lock solenoid which has less friction?

 

Hi,
Did you resolve this issue ? Can you provide any pics from your installation efforts ? What part did you use and where did you get it ?

Thanks for any help !!

Sammydad1

 

There are few write ups on that:
http://www.clubxb.com/forums/showthread.php?t=42073
http://www.clubxb.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41891

 

Hi,

Well I did my driver's side rear door lock actuator today....I also went with the universal actuator off ebay.... I followed one of the DIY write-ups listed above.... It was a big help and quiter accurate, tho for my 2005 xB, I had to adjust the location of the supporting piece because the door panel has an indentation where the arm rest sits....

In moving the support strip upwards I also had to cut away that piece of foam on the back of the door panel...as is mentioned in the DIY,....

Also, I positioned the small part that connects the two actuator "bars" so that when you tighten down the set-screws, the part rests against a flat part of the door metal....have to see if they stay tight, as the DIY writer had problems with them loosening.

In hindsight, it might be good to spray on some silicone lubricant to the actuator bar where it goes thru the small white support bracket...

Odd thing is that now the passeneger door actuator seems to be working now, where before it was very intermittent....maybe its getting a full electrical pulse now when you hit the locks....I got a two pack of actuators so i have one extra for the moment....

Very glad I did this fix.... Even with the small outlay for the screws and washers needed that the actuator kit doesn't supply (Qty:2, #6 x 32 1-1/2 inch, matching washers & nuts - to attach the actuator to the support strip, & Qty:2, #10 x 5/8" self-tapping hex screws - to attach the support strip to the door frame).... I saved probably $190 doing this myself versus a scion factory repair.

 

if you want a repair that is better than adding the other actuator because of the added friction from having to move the ebay actuator, then this original lock motor replacement may be for you!
http://www.clubxb.com/forums/showthread.php?t=42073

why do you have to manually lock/unlock your doors if the power locks work?