DIY: Repair central locking actuator

[Dropz]

Yeh that'd fit

[Mr Bagus]

Got a motor off ebay - from USA, and took a while to arrive, and when I put it in (after putting old shaft and armature in) then the door locked when others unlocked and visa -versa.

I cut the 2 wires to the plug to the motor and soldered them onto the opposite wires - perfect! Guess there must be different motors out there...

[Dropz]

awesome

[lukey]

I ended up fitting whole new actuators - perfect, but a bit more expensive of course!

[tim_subaru]

Hi Tek,

Thank you VERY much for your writeup. I had trouble with my right back door failing on a 2005 Subaru Liberty which I have had from new.

So I used your method but had troubles with getting the lugs open on the motor, so soaked it in engine degreaser per one of the other posts. Performance was better for a while, then got worse.

I thought I might have to fork out $220 for a new actuator from Subaru, but before that I thought I would try one last time.

Tonight I took it all apart again and managed to pry the lugs open this time. I couldn't believe the amount of grease in there! Cleaned up and put all back together and now working 100%.

So thanks heaps for helping us all out with this excellent walkthrough.

Regards,
Tim

[motoboy76]

Gave this a crack today and worked like a charm....

[thiele]

Just about to attempt this x 4.

Great write up

Edit: we'll there's a whole day I won't get back! One of the most frustrating things that I have attempted recently! Especially the drivers Side lock mech.
The Central locking doesn't seem to struggle to open and close and sounds much better.
Of any one in Brisbane needs a hand with this, I'd be happy to help.

[diffo]

Did this today while having my windows tinted @ Car Tint in Melbourne (Rob Tait - great bloke & great tint job btw)
This little number worked an absolute treat.
Great info & walk through.
Thanks heaps

[Ric]

...
Edit: we'll there's a whole day I won't get back! One of the most frustrating things that I have attempted recently! Especially the drivers Side lock mech....

Why frustrating? Something which is difficult to do, but gives great results like this can be very rewarding.

[ix9]

Gave this a shot last night *sigh*

Bought a new Mabuchi motor off ebay, filed down the shaft (so one side was flat) and slid it into the screw-gear no problemo...NOW...

So far, I've had half-success

The door locks and unlocks perfectly - but as it does IT STAYS locked and cannot be unlocked via the inside latch!

Using the keys or the electric switch unlocks it perfectly, but its essentially a deadlock (hello ladies!) - the screw gear is holding pressure on the big cog wheel hmmm

Anyone come across this before?

[Dropz]

Did you attach the cable correctly or knock child restraint when putting it back in??

[HoFF]

Sounds like the child lock

[seanmau5]

Get yourself in on this viewtopic.php?f=46&t=17601 and pick up some brand new assemblies

[ix9]

Good thinking on the child lock, but nope thats not it

Its the front passenger door so it doesnt have a child lock.

With the motor in the assembly and me actuating it when its outside the door the white lever flicks left/right all OK but does not remain moveable after being actuated (like the other doors) which allows the door to be unlocked via the cable

Essentially it can only be locked/unlocked via the motor - not from inside the car

[Dropz]

then the cable is either not connected to the inside handle, or broken.