Temporary workaround for bad driver's door actuator
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Three Wheeling
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 87
Likes: 17
Temporary workaround for bad driver's door actuator
You probably know this workaround already (and if so, are wondering why the Forum allows such clueless people like me to be members), but if not, this might buy you some breathing room until you can afford the time and money to fix your driver's side lock actuator properly...
I'm waiting for the heat to retreat a bit here in the desert, but it's gotten to the point where I can no longer ignore the fussy lock actuator for the driver's side door of my 2006 LR3. Locking the doors with the key fob sets the alarm OK, but while all of the other doors lock just fine, the driver's door can still be opened from the outside at will (which then triggers the alarm). Even pushing the the manual lock latch on the inside of the door does not lock the door, which means the "push the driver's side latch while leaning in from the passenger side, shut the passenger door, and lock with the key fob" workaround no longer, well, works.
I can't believe I didn't think realize this before, but here's a way to get your LR3 secure even with a bad actuator on the driver's door:
1) Locking without alarm set: With the driver's door open, lean in and push the central master locking button. Shut the driver's door, remove the cover for the driver's side emergency door lock opening, then use the key blade in the lock to turn about 1/8th turn counterclockwise until you hear that satisfying but very subtle locking thud.
2) Locking with alarm set: With all doors shut, remove the cover for the driver's side emergency door lock opening, then use the key blade in the lock to turn about 1/8th turn counterclockwise until you hear that satisfying but very subtle locking thud. Click the key fob to lock the rest of the doors and the tailgate. (Note: you can also shut the doors, use the key fob to lock all doors and set the alarm, then use the key blade to lock the driver's door manually).
If this is something you are going to do more than once a month, I suggest that you take that cover off and put it in a secure location inside the vehicle where (a) it won't be damaged or tossed away accidently and (b) you won't forget where you put it. The little tabs on the cover that hold it in place on the door handle are probably made of the same material as the broken parts of your actuator, so it's best not to repeatedly stress them by yanking off the cover every time you park the truck.
Now to fix the actuator...
Nick in Palm Springs
I'm waiting for the heat to retreat a bit here in the desert, but it's gotten to the point where I can no longer ignore the fussy lock actuator for the driver's side door of my 2006 LR3. Locking the doors with the key fob sets the alarm OK, but while all of the other doors lock just fine, the driver's door can still be opened from the outside at will (which then triggers the alarm). Even pushing the the manual lock latch on the inside of the door does not lock the door, which means the "push the driver's side latch while leaning in from the passenger side, shut the passenger door, and lock with the key fob" workaround no longer, well, works.
I can't believe I didn't think realize this before, but here's a way to get your LR3 secure even with a bad actuator on the driver's door:
1) Locking without alarm set: With the driver's door open, lean in and push the central master locking button. Shut the driver's door, remove the cover for the driver's side emergency door lock opening, then use the key blade in the lock to turn about 1/8th turn counterclockwise until you hear that satisfying but very subtle locking thud.
2) Locking with alarm set: With all doors shut, remove the cover for the driver's side emergency door lock opening, then use the key blade in the lock to turn about 1/8th turn counterclockwise until you hear that satisfying but very subtle locking thud. Click the key fob to lock the rest of the doors and the tailgate. (Note: you can also shut the doors, use the key fob to lock all doors and set the alarm, then use the key blade to lock the driver's door manually).
If this is something you are going to do more than once a month, I suggest that you take that cover off and put it in a secure location inside the vehicle where (a) it won't be damaged or tossed away accidently and (b) you won't forget where you put it. The little tabs on the cover that hold it in place on the door handle are probably made of the same material as the broken parts of your actuator, so it's best not to repeatedly stress them by yanking off the cover every time you park the truck.
Now to fix the actuator...
Nick in Palm Springs
Rock Crawling
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 315
Likes: 83
From: Helsinki
A kind reminder to get that latch actuator module fixed ASAP. You’re not going to be happy pulling the door card off when the door refuses to open.
Also, on the older vehicles I warmly recommend attempting to open the door while it is closed and locked. I had 2/4 door latch actuators broken and my youngest daughter noticed it by accident (door opened, alarm went off, etc.). We now try the doors once per month or so.
Also, on the older vehicles I warmly recommend attempting to open the door while it is closed and locked. I had 2/4 door latch actuators broken and my youngest daughter noticed it by accident (door opened, alarm went off, etc.). We now try the doors once per month or so.
Rock Crawling
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 315
Likes: 83
From: Helsinki
I think the nice things with forums is that there are people from all kinds of backgrounds and most seem to be interested in maintaining their vehicles and parting advice. 6 years ago I couldn’t change the cabin air filter, today I do that and a bit more 😂🙈
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