2012 Ram 1500 Door Lock Actuator/Latch Diagnosis and Replacement (2009-2018 similar)

In this video, I show you how I diagnose and replace a door lock actuator on the front door of a Ram 1500 pickup truck. This procedure should be similar for 2009-2018 models (but not exact). The exact vehicle in this video is a four door 2012 Ram 1500 Express 4x2 pickup with 5.7L Hemi engine.
Be sure to subscribe for more tool and car repair videos!
/ bigdog50001
/ bigdog50001
/ bigdog50001
Disclosure: This channel earns a small commission using some of these links - at no additional cost to you.
The Big Dog 50001 Automotive Channel Store can be found here: www.amazon.com...
Tools and Parts:
Door Lock Actuator (Front Right): amzn.to/2LstbuI
Door Lock Actuator (Front Left): amzn.to/34DYaeC
Autel Scan Tool (Updated Version): amzn.to/2A9ocsf
My Favorite Door Trim Screwdriver: amzn.to/2Agk0H3
Trim Tool Kit: amzn.to/30apRZc
OTC Test Light: amzn.to/32EEHIS
Liquid Electrical Tape: amzn.to/2Q1gf34
Window Holders: amzn.to/2NVWHus
Milwaukee M12 3/8" Ratchet: amzn.to/2Q5oLOH
Milwaukee M18 1/4" Hex Impact: amzn.to/2NVJ4va
208 Piece 1/4" Bit Driver Set: amzn.to/2NYbnZS
Want a free Big Dog50001 sticker? Send an email to [e-mail] requesting a sticker. Sorry, no international addresses.
Have something you would like to send to Big Dog50001?
Send it here:
Big Dog50001 Automotive Channel
P.O. Box 726
Cortaro, AZ 85652
2018 Epidemic Entertainment. All rights reserved.
Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of the Big Dog50001 Automotive Channel, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. The Big Dog50001 Automotive Channel assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video.
The Big Dog50001 Automotive Channel recommends safe practices when working with power tools, in on or around automobiles or other vehicles, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, automotive modules and systems, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video.
Due to factors beyond the control of the Big Dog50001 Automotive Channel, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not the Big Dog50001 Automotive Channel.

[@BigDog50001]

*Parts and Tools* This channel earns a small commission using some of these links - at no additional cost to you. Door Lock Actuator (Front Right): amzn.to/2LstbuI Door Lock Actuator (Front Left): amzn.to/34DYaeC Autel Scan Tool (Updated Version): amzn.to/2A9ocsf My Favorite Door Trim Screwdriver: amzn.to/2Agk0H3 Trim Tool Kit: amzn.to/30apRZc OTC Test Light: amzn.to/32EEHIS Liquid Electrical Tape: amzn.to/2Q1gf34 Window Holders: amzn.to/2NVWHus Milwaukee M12 3/8" Ratchet: amzn.to/2Q5oLOH Milwaukee M18 1/4" Hex Impact: amzn.to/2NVJ4va 208 Piece 1/4" Bit Driver Set: amzn.to/2NYbnZS The Big Dog 50001 Automotive Channel Store can be found here: www.amazon.com/shop/bigdog50001automotive

[@AlexCruz-mv1gj]

Having the same issue with my 2012 1500 and can’t thank you enough for this precise video. Your video should be the prototype for all how to videos on KZbin.

[@BigDog50001]

Thank you, I appreciate the comment!

[@user-kd6sm5pi6u]

Thanks for posting this video, I followed the steps as described and replaced PS actuator in an hour.

[@Jeff-jg7jh]

Just what I needed. This saves me three bills.

[@maineboywoods4586]

Thank you for taking the time to make this video. I did not want to buy a new lock actuator and get stuck with it, Im so glad you showed that test on the wires! Your video was perfect! I clean out the debris that settled at the bottom of my 2010 door and sprayed with a little rubberized undercoating while I had it all opened up. Put it back together and it works great! Thanks again! Im an old bodyman who just needed a little nudge on these new designs,lol.

[@BigDog50001]

Glad it helped! Thanks for the comment!

[@itisaporsche]

I did it! So proud of myself. Thank you for the video.

[@dougmorton9504]

Great Video!!! I just fixed my driver's side door on my 2013 Ram 2500 Big Horn. I utilized your video as a play by play guide while fixing it, and I certainly appreciate the time you took to make it! Thanks again, and Stay Safe!!!

[@BigDog50001]

Glad it helped, thanks for the comment!

[@BigDog50001]

Be sure to subscribe for more tool and car repair videos! kzbin.info twitter.com/BigDog50001 instagram.com/bigdog50001/ Disclosure: This channel earns a small commission using some of these links - at no additional cost to you. The Big Dog 50001 Automotive Channel Store can be found here: www.amazon.com/shop/bigdog50001automotive

[@miguelmigkustomz9010]

Awesome video. Thank you for the step by step throughout the entire removal and install as well as the testing phase 👍

[@BigDog50001]

No problem 👍!

[@Stacey-zg4km]

This was very helpful. I think I have this exact issue on my 17 ram 1500 5.7 hemi on the passenger side front only. I can tell the electronic part (wires are good) is speaking to the lock because if I assist it with my hand manually it comes up but with the remote or button alone it won’t lock or unlock. This video was very thorough & I think it gave me the confidence to try to do this repair myself. I’m a woman so I know mechanics are gonna try to rip me off by telling me it’s gonna be a 3 hour job. Now I know it should only take 39 min. An hour TOPS. To diagnose and repair.

[@BigDog50001]

👍

[@andrewconner7085]

Thanks for the help! Didn’t know about the window thing. I cut out the step where you take the panel completely off the wiring and just slid it out enough for me to exchange the actuator. Also for anyone looking, the 2500 is exactly the same.

[@rogerpeters2671]

My God, you are a patient man no way I’m gonna attempt that I’ll take it to the shop

[@Tac0312]

I never really comment on anything, however your video was a fantastic help for me. Thank you very much.

[@BigDog50001]

Thank you, I appreciate the comment!

[@taylorwade6804]

Excellent job man, really helped me understand what steps I'll have to take when I replace mine. Passenger front door actuator sounds like a machine gun and doesn't always lock.

[@BigDog50001]

Thank you I appreciate the comment, good luck!

[@robertnelson6191]

Great Video... was easy to follow. Because the window was disconnected, was expecting an op test that at the end. I'm certain it worked, but for some it may be necessary to run that test too. I was an Aircraft Mechanic for 28 years in the Navy and worked mostly hydraulics and pneumatics. Just about everything on the newer Aircraft ran off the computer so I was familiar with the mechanics of what was shown. The explanation of how to dissemble the outer and inner door panels was a great help. I have a 2015 RAM 1500 but thankfully no door lock problems. The Dealer did install a program to where you can't drive the vehicle if any of the doors are ajar. Now I have to rely on my mirrors when backing my utility trailer and pontoon boat. I use small sandwich bags to hold the hardware and small parts and then mark the bags as I take them apart.

[@BigDog50001]

Thank you for the comment!

[@bentontheissen6619]

Thank you for creating the video ! Sincerely appreciate it. In process of removing a bad actuator on a 2010 Dodge Ram 2500 Mega Cab. This has been very helpful.

[@10141957]

thanks so much for this,just finished the replacement took an hour.

[@BigDog50001]

Glad it helped, thanks for the comment!

[@justaguy427]

My 2012 Ram 1500 express does the EXACT same thing. Very annoying! Thanks for posting this video!

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks for the comment!

[@justaguy427]

Big Dog50001 Automotive I did the repair and used your video for some tips. Bought the Lyman suction cups and they worked great. Thanks for the video!

[@BigDog50001]

ImpartialTuber Good to hear you got it fixed!

[@markule32]

very detailed, simple, I enjoyed watching it done, as it is a potential problem for me. thank you very much, this video is noteworthy

[@BigDog50001]

👍

[@rchalupa16]

Perfect demonstration.... Got mine changed out rather quickly

[@BigDog50001]

Excellent, thanks for the comment!

[@franck6033]

Great video. My passenger door has the same issue. Im ordering the part tomorrow and I’ll be working on it as soon as I get it

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks for the comment!

[@trelics]

this is the best video, you did a great job, got me feeling like I can change mine!

[@BigDog50001]

I appreciate the comment, thank you!

[@sarmadtaha7495]

Thank you sir my doors lock have the same issue so I will fallow your steps to fix my doors .

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks for the comment!

[@mohamedali-zm4me]

What a clean work you have done, thank you

[@Spunky-iq8jm]

Better than another video that I saw.

[@BigDog50001]

Good to hear!

[@mdiebel897]

Awesome video, very informative, thanks for making this video and showing it for all the diy'ers!!

[@forthefunofit5487]

Excellent job on your explanation. Thank youl

[@user-jd4kp3lp9r]

I have 2014 ram 1500 diesel.rear windows not working both side.not going up or down.evrything else works fine.

[@BigDog50001]

A scan tool can help to see if inputs (pressing the window switches) are making it to the control modules, but if I didn't have a scan tool that could do that then I will usually just grab a test light and check for power/ground at the window motor (like I did for the door lock in this video).

[@jayelliott7769]

Very nicely done video - Great explanations with little wasted time. Hope you remembered to connect that mirror cable :)

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks for the comment!

[@AlexCruz-mv1gj]

Did anyone try this and have some water in the speaker area and some drip out after you pulled the middle plastic section out? We just had a big rain come through and I noticed that while I was using this video. Once again this video is really amazing got mine swapped in little time.

[@colleenthompson4069]

a sheet of craft magnet is a good thing to have when you remove lots of fasteners, etc. Just drop them onto the magnetic mat and they will be ready to put back in without losing any.

[@brisonpalmer6730]

Man that looks like a huge pain in the butt. Nice job getting it fixed and showing us how its done.

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks for the comment!

[@brianfalzon5007]

Thank you!, excellant video

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks for the comment 👍!

[@Zerkini]

The amount of effort to change something so simple is cray cray.

[@colind7678]

I just followed the video and it took me 2 hours. Not a problem.

[@Zerkini]

@@colind7678 could change the water pump, alternator, and have time left over in 2 hours. Not saying that it's not possible, just that it's unreasonably buried.

[@colind7678]

@Zerkini I have an office job. I haven't had any training in mechanical and took my time doing this. What I'm saying is that this isn't hard or really time-consuming. Anyone who has mechanical experience would likely get this done in no time. It really is very easy.

[@Zerkini]

@@colind7678 good for you? I'm not sure if you want a cookie or if you're just trying to pound on your chest or what the point of you trying to argue with me is.

[@colind7678]

@Zerkini The point is that you imply this job is difficult and time-consuming. Younimply that you have mechanicsl experience, so this job should be simple for you. But really, it's easy for any regular person. I am just correcting your misleading comment in case someone actually believes your BS.

[@daleregister7632]

You are the man

[@deseraenelson2518]

Do you have to remove the window or can I just roll it up.

[@bartearnest-if7kx]

I have a similar issue. The unlock button does not unlock any door. The passenger unlock button works for unlocking. The lock button is fine. Do i need to replace my actuator also. Thanks. Bart

[@xmradio11]

I had not seen any of the other videos on this showing the removal of the wiring harness from the door jamb. That looks to a lot more difficult than just unplugging everything from the inner door panel. It pays to watch all the videos on the procedure.

[@BigDog50001]

I showed the way the manufacturer teaches, I am sure there are other ways. Thanks for the comment!

[@kevinedwards4297]

Great video....Can I expect the rears to fail as well?

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks! There is a good chance they will.

[@joseramos-yt2do]

my part # reads 931-085 for a 2009 dodge ram laramie. It says it fits my vehicle. I dont want to take it out of its not the right one. They say that it should be the same for 2009 to 2012, but yours say 931-081 for right front? BTW awesome video, very detailed....thanks

[@garbageman1983]

Mine moves a little but not enough to lock and unlock,but when I lock them from the remote they all lock but I can’t get 2 of them to UNLOCK

[@BADD400]

Great video BD

[@BigDog50001]

Appreciate the comment!

[@kkohn1996]

My problem is, i need to change the wiring harness i left the window open furing a major rain storm it started on fire melted the switch and harness

[@scottrus9945]

Do you know how to get the inner panel off of a 19 ram, drivers rear door thanks there is 2 tabs up by the latch that I can't figure out

[@christophermoeller8221]

I am having the same issue you had, however the difference is my door unlock button works but the door lock button does not. Also, passenger side all doors (including drivers side) lock and unlock. Do you think it could be the same fix? Thanks!

[@tonywestvirginia]

Mine was dragging. I lubed it and it has been working ever since.( Fluid Film spray lube )

[@BigDog50001]

Fluid film to the rescue!

[@JA-ux7dd]

I have an intermittent problem on a 2013 RAM 2500 6.7 diesel, i can never tell when we are going to go through a period of not funct ioning.

[@DanRasar]

Great instructional video! !

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks!

[@robertogarza1536]

Mines strange cause I can lock on the passenger side all the doors but if I try to lock with the driver side it does nothing and have replaced the switch and still nothing

[@WikedWips]

Great vid, would you happen to know where the plunger/switch when you close the door it turns off the lights in the truck?

[@WikedWips]

I think its the purple wire I'm guessing

[@douglaslemeresr1984]

Is there a way to disconnect the door locks ? Bought a used Mountaineer and only have 1 key ! I started the car and shut the door to let it heat up and the doors locked with it running while i was scraping ice off ! another key is over $100 , i just don't have it ! Thanks for your time !

[@damionwaller3176]

Great video!!!

[@shark4948]

Hey man, Great video. Thanks for all the info. I have a question for you if you ever see this haha. At right about 8:50 in the video there is a plug right below your red probe. Do you know what that plug is for? Mine was unplugged and taped over and I didn’t see any receptacle there to plug it into. Thanks for any info.

[@adriancardona2839]

I got a question I got a 2011 ram 1500 slot and the remote buttons don’t work , when I get inside the truck the unlock button works and unlocks the whole truck ,,,, the problem is the lock button don’t work , what might be the problem the programming or if I just fix the control

[@andreashley3651]

My panic button on my key fob was pressed accidentally on my 2004 Dodge ram truck and it locked all of the doors when I went out to unlock it all the doors unlocked except the driver's door and it is stuck in the lock position I have to open the back door reach my arm in pull up the lever and it opens perfectly but it will not open from the outside with the latch or the key what can I do somebody help please

[@swift__]

I have an 09 ram 1500 sport.. I replaced the batt and alternator because it wasn’t running.. but the door locks don’t move or make any locking/unlocking noise?? Would that be the same issue as yours?? I don’t have a scan tool? Thanks for the info👍🏻

[@swift__]

Also I just ran out and checked, my passenger side does lock and unlock. So that would mean the driver side actuator is shot??

[@BigDog50001]

There is a good possibility it is but it would need testing of course.

[@christopherpinto884]

Good video bro 👌🏻👌🏻 , What scanner is that and model ?? Thanks

[@BigDog50001]

Thank you. I used an Autel Maxisys MS906 in this video.

[@nonamefounder]

Nice. How are you liking the Daytona

[@BigDog50001]

No Name Found Thanks, no complaints so far on the jack.

[@JohnYoshii]

Awesome video. What was the electrical connector you used? I have the standard test light with the clip to ground but not sure what the piece you used in between was. Thanks for sharing.

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks. Those were piercing probes that I used. They put a small hole in wire for testing. Have to make sure to seal them up after (which I did).

[@tjvermillion5888]

what if it looks like its trying to lock but cant

[@saulcarrasco6279]

Why doesn't Ram make this issue a recall since lots of us seem to have the same issue.

[@tommiestaples6047]

Can you tell me the model of diagnostic tool that you used? I'm trying to do some troubleshooting and thought that tool was amazing.

[@tommiestaples6047]

Never mind, I found my answer in the comments below. Thanks.

[@mariaelmeier3927]

I got a 2005 ram 1500 alt quad can and the passenger side rear lock actuator is bad. Any difference there with that model and year I should be aware of?

[@BigDog50001]

It is a different generation so it is not exactly the same but the procedure is fairly similar.

[@eXoTiKoNe1]

My key fob locks and unlocks my drivers door fine, but my key doesn’t unlock the driver door. Any idea how to fix it?

[@BigDog50001]

I wouldn't know without looking at it, but I would probably start by looking at the rod that goes from the door lock/latch assembly up to the door key cylinder and make sure it is moving up and down properly when the key is turned (you can see the rod where it connects to the orange clip at about 20:40 in the video). If the rod is disconnected/bent etc or if the door lock/latch assembly itself is bent or broken, then what you describe can happen.

[@viajes80]

I’m having this issue in a 2019 longhorn 😅

[@BigDog50001]

Sucks to have issues on that new of a vehicle!

[@acypooder1]

I,have the same year 2012 Ram my key fob for about a year now dose not lock or unlock, I know the circuit board is working because Ive tried starting my truck with just the shell of the key fob and it will not turn over so there is a signal being sent .. I’ve cleaned the key fobs circuit board ,replaced the battery still it won’t lock or lock or panic ,but it dose start , ,, for the last week the truck electric lock and unlock dose not work I have been using the to un lock and then climbing in to unlock the passenger door , which is a pain because the truck has a 6”BDS LIFT , You gotta any suggestions I can try before I take it to the Steelership and they start the robbery at $300 for new key , so that bill will inflate quick just walking in the door , maybe a fuse ?

[@BigDog50001]

Sounds like you probably have more than one issue going on, an issue with the keyless entry system and an issue with the power door locks. A test light like I showed in video can verify whether power/ground is getting to locks and can give direction. You could try checking fuses, that is never a bad idea, but if one is blown then the cause needs to be found (they generally do not blow without reason). Sometimes the FOBIK transmitter gets out of sync with the vehicle which will not allow it to unlock (but it should still lock by pressing lock button on FOBIK). Pressing the UNLOCK button multiple times in a row (roughly 8 or more times) will usually sync the FOBIK to the vehicle (listen for locks to cycle to confirm). There are multiple components that could be an issue: the FOBIK, the door lock actuators, TIPM, door control modules and all wiring in between. Unfortunately, a good scan tool, a test light, a wiring diagram and possibly some reprogramming (and a bit of knowledge on how the system works) is most likely what is needed to fix it.

[@acypooder1]

Big Dog50001 Automotive ok thanks for the fast response , I appreciate I will start with the power light to assure power/ground , I’ll try to sync the fob and I will check for any blown fuses ,after that it’s off to the dealership thank you

[@faridjahed]

Nice video , how much for each actuator and part # would be appreciated

[@BigDog50001]

Parts numbers are at 23:35 of the video. Sorry, I do not remember what the cost of them were. Thank you for the comment!

[@littlejohn6694]

Lifters and Cam both have failed. Guarantee it.

[@metalhead1136]

So for any basic mechanic like me do not try this 4 hours later and it's still not apart fml

[@BigDog50001]

Have patience and watch the video a couple times. You should be able to get it done.

[@Dnelms11]

Awesome video. One of the best step by step videos I've ever used on U tube. Completed the task without issue. Only problem I had was NAPA sold me the wrong part. Had to go to Autozone to pick up the Doorman model. Lucky for me you even showed the part number 931-080 because they couldn't find it in their system. If anyone else calls on Autozone and they can't locate it by that part number, then give them their own SKU... that's what I had to do. SKU # 764335.