Door lock actuators are easy to fix. Pulling the inside door panel off is the hardest part and that is just a few screws and panel clips. Once the panel is off the actuator will be right there in your face. If you use a LR actuator it's a simple plug in replacement. Pretty much any aftermarket lock actuator like shops use when installing keyless entry on vehicles without power locks will work but you'll have wire them in. There are a number of people on this site who have gone that route and can help you figure out the wiring. Aftermarket actuators are a lot less expensive than LR parts.

 

As AK has mentioned, they are pretty easy as if the door panel as long as you are careful.
Might consider buying a good guaranteed use lock actuator from, http://www.roverlandparts.com/discov...tuators_1.aspx
We can walk you through this.

 

I need more than just someone to walk me through this process, I need someone to do it for me. I have had the parts on my shelf for about 2 months now and still haven't gotten around the replacing the actuators.

 

can the actuator be cleaned, or is it a "just replace it" deal. does it make a difference if it unlocks but doesn't lock, as opposed to locking but not unlocking?

 

My drivers door actuator went bad last spring, I lubed it and it still works today.
I just opened the door, sprayed penatrant/lube on it and worked it a couple of times and it is still working.
DO NOT use WD-40, it is NOT a lube, use Liquid Wrench or the like.

When the motor inside the actuator gets weak it cant push the lock up, gravity helps it pull the lock down.

 

Mine actually stopped working for the 3rd time this week. Mine seems to be a programing issue though. I take it to the dealer with the little bar code deal, my disco disappears behind the fence and emerges with working locks a few minutes later.

Brian

 

I just purchased my first disco, 2002 with a newly rebuilt engine. 3 of my doors don't lock or unlock using the console switch. My fob is also not working so no idea if that will unlock them. Do I need to replace all three actuators or is there something else I should try? I have ordered the shell for the fob as I have the one for the truck, it's just missing the buttons, should I wait and see if this resolves the issue before ordering actuators? Thanks!