Toyota 4Runner door lock actuator replacement

This video walks you through how to replace front driver side door lock. The model in this video is a 2017 Toyota 4runner. This also works for 4runner in the Fifth Generation (2009 -2021).
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[@kevinnixx]

I did this exact process and it worked like a charm. I had to both the driver side and passenger side front door actuators. The hardest part for me was put the driver side door panel back on.

[@getsmart6765]

I appreciate not only the way you made sure there was excellent lighting and good camera angles to see everything (including putting the camera inside the door to show the set up), but that your narrative was methodical and organized. You didn't skip important steps and emphasized critical tasks. Awesome video - 2 thumbs up!

[@nukerog]

I'd like to add an important note if replacing the DRIVER'S side actuator that was not discussed, and this is VERY important: There is a relatively short horizontal upper post or rod for lack of a better term that comes out from the lock tumbler in the door handle and mates up with the actuator. So, when installing the new actuator you have to ensure the vertical rod is properly inserted into the actuator (as discussed). That you have to do first. Then, as you continue to raise the actuator into place, you have to guide the horizontal rod from the tumbler into the proper mating area on the actuator (if you go to exactly 9:19, for a brief instant while he's discussing the lower rod installation area, you can see for about a second the rounded area that the upper rod installs into in the very top right corner of the actuator. It's pretty dark, but that's it) There is a rounded raised lip around the mating area that will help you guide the rod into place. You have to do all of this by feel. The trick though is that you have to verify that the vertical rod remains properly inserted in the lower part of the actuator while you're guiding the upper horizontal rod into place. It's kind of tricky. The lower vertical one came out like 3 or 4 times on me while I was wrestling with the upper one. It's not hard, just tricky and requires a little trial and error. If you don't get that rod properly in place (like mine was when I took ownership of the vehicle), the door key will NOT unlock the vehicle at all. So, if your remote control battery dies, the only way you'd be able to get into your truck would be by using your key in the back hatch. But, great video! Thank you for your effort. You saved me a lot of trial and error!

[@randomdiy7260]

You my man deserve a gold star! Saved my skin. After I put everything back together I checked the key and sure enough it didn’t work. Had it not been for this comment I would have been SOL!

[@boatboatwcu]

This comment should be pinned at the top! Make sure you get that rod installed or things will not work properly. Glad I read this before I got started!

[@MrLarz1963]

YES! That horizontal bar/flange that goes into the top portion (gear) tripped me up as I couldn't get it seated and I recall what you mentioned and that's what I missed. Thanks for this, the original poster did a good job but this is a critical step that needs to be visually shown.

[@suzay21]

Same here. I was like what the heck suppose to go in that gear. Figured out by feel and all is good. I don’t think many videos of the driver side install mention that part. I believe that’s for the key hole cylinder to manually lock and unlock door. Or the door handle to open the door.

[@TOYguy-25]

👍Awesome! Thank you for the detail!

[@johnwagner6182]

Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!!! My dealership wanted $545 for each side,,, $1,090!!! I used your video and saved myself $970! Thank you VERY much!!!! Blessings to you for helping so many people!

[@barakatmo]

I’m happy to hear that and glad you managed to get it done on your own. 👍

[@WhatTh3Duck]

Perfect Description for this project. Easy, based on this video. Our touch sensor was not working and we figured it was the actuator. This solved the problem and the video made it simple. Thanks for the great description and tutorial

[@ttnguye8]

You saved me almost $1000 dollars by following your video. I did by myself and replaced both of the front doors. Again, thank you so much.

[@barakatmo]

Glad to hear and your welcome

[@johnwatz4955]

Changed one out w my daughter on her 4Runner & your video made it a walk in the park. Thank you! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@barakatmo]

Glad it helped. 👍

[@sle0617]

This video has saved me again! Last fall, my driver’s door lock actuator went out and this video helped me replace it. Literally, 2 months later, the passenger side went out. I ordered the part from EBay and it sat in the garage for 5 months until my husband and I spent 30 mins getting it done today. The hardest part was putting the door cover back on. I think that was 20 out of the 30 mins! 🙃 Thank you again!!

[@barakatmo]

I’m glad it all worked out 👍

[@lewisgurt1178]

Mine is bad on my 08 4runner right rear door😊

[@markyoung7232]

This video was a life saver!!! My wife’s drive side car door wasn’t locking and I was shocked at the price to pay someone to fix it. Then I found this video and the link to the EBay shop. Dude, you rock! Great video, great explanation, I appreciate the help! Update: door lock #2 replaced, now on my passenger side, and in 20 minutes!!!

[@barakatmo]

Glad to hear and I know exactly what you mean at first when you hear the cost to repair and then you see how easy it is to do it by your self 👍

[@christophermohn3047]

Thanks for your video, after watching, it literally took me less time to do the actual work. Great job!

[@lanceh3237]

Thanks for your sharing video i just fixed my front right passenger door lock. Your knowledge is very helpful ❤.doesn't take long Uninstall and reinstall them back

[@geistwulf]

Amazing step by step instructions. This video gives a near zero car care experience individual like myself the confidence to tackle this project. Thanks for video!

[@barakatmo]

Glad it helped out 👍

[@shaynar7436]

Thank you for saving us a ton of money on parts and labor. Also, it was much more convenient to do at home then making arrangements to get fixed somewhere. We changed the front driver and passenger door in less than 2 hours.

[@barakatmo]

Glad to hear 👍

[@boatboatwcu]

I just did this install following along with your video, so thank you for the great guide! I will point out that if you are going to do this install please see the comment from Roger Sherwood as it does explain a step that is slightly missed in the video. Other than that the install will take about 30-45 minutes even for the mechanically challenged.

[@bkproductions3569]

Thanks for the step-by-step. Can’t believe I had a 2006 4runner for 13 yrs and it never gave me issues. I buy a used 2015 and I am doing all kinds of repairs including this actuator. OEM parts are crazy expensive and I can’t believe Toyota quality breaks down so easily…

[@barakatmo]

Yea I’m not going to lie I am disappointed with that fact that this is becoming a common issue for the for the 4Runner. Literally the driver seat gave out on me and then a month later the passenger side stopped working.

[@bkproductions3569]

@@barakatmo I’m thinking this is something I’ll be expecting. My wifes mentioned we’re repairing ours to her friend who has a ‘14 and she said her driver side door just started acting up. Smdh. Oh well, when things break down it provides great content for KZbin DIY’rs! Thanks!

[@glumby0136]

Thank you! Took me 25 min to complete thanks to your video.

[@omarperez6613]

This was my second time doing this (pax side) this was a great step by step refresher video.

[@fernfolch]

Thanks man saved me from $400 spent. Bought a replacement for 60 bucks on ebay. Installed myself in 20 mins.

[@BDD_c2bn]

Awesome video. You weren't kidding about how hard it is to get the panel back on. Someone below mentioned that the part that clips onto the window sill comes off of the door panel making it much easier. I'll try that next time.... Also, for whatever reason, everything works now EXCEPT the manual physical key lock/unlock. Not sure why this would be unless there was a connection I am missing.

[@Datsun280zxman]

Great video, really appreciate your time to show us how to do it. I too bought the actuator on eBay as my first replacement from Amazon has been making weird noises and locking me out every so often.

[@robbyfergusontv]

Thank you very much for doing this video! It saved me money and time. I also appreciate the link to get the part cheaper. You're the man!

[@cbarrett241]

This saved me 500.00 dollars in labor costs from the dealer. I found the part for 34.00 Installed it in about an hour.

[@pittypat1607]

Thank you for this. Hopefully more people will do this instead of going to the stealership. I’ve heard prices anywhere from 500-1200. For anyone doing this at home, get a second set of hands to hold the inside rail away for you when installing the new actuator. The actuator will then fit right up to its location with no issues.

[@ochsmjkb21]

Thanks for the step by step instructions on this. I got mine swapped out easily.

[@codyrice2245]

This video saved me $400. Thank you!

[@benpowell9922]

Great job Bro!! The idiots at Toyota wanted to charge me $725 bucks to install one. I completed the job in 20 mins and 70 bucks. Thanks so more. More beer money!!!!

[@ralphiehigginsworth6015]

If you’re struggling to get the panel back on because the weather strip won’t fit…. 17:00 on the video…. The weather strip unclips from the door panel. Unclip it, then you can easily slip it into place on the window sill. From there, it will clip back onto the door panel once you push the panel back on.

[@abe9359]

I just replaced my passenger side actuator and this video was a great reference. I purchased my actuator on Amazon and my vehicle is a 2018 limited and now I can no longer touch the handle while having the keys on my person and have the door automatically unlock. Not sure if this also why I cannot manually lock the passenger door as it seems it doesn't fully engage but does lock when pressing the button that locks/unlocks all doors.. pros/cons of a $30 price tag vs $300

[@barakatmo]

Yes sir! Got be careful with the parts you buy. It’s not always the best option to go cheaper.

[@treydirks8247]

Excellent video as I followed your steps and was able to change out the actuator on my 2016 4 Runner Limited in about an hour. Appreciate you posting this as saved me $600! The only problem I have is now my interior lock doesn’t work but the key fob does lock, and the key will lock the drivers side door. Any ideas why the interior lock wouldn’t engage but the key fob and key will?

[@acstutson8455]

Great video. Thanks for taking the time to put it together

[@barakatmo]

No problem glad to help

[@amaalahmadbarakat1979]

Wow! Good to know I didn’t break my 4 runner. Same issue here

[@pixj7338]

To make life easier make sure the window is up and it's very easy to reach the door piece to set it. to make the key lock piece easy to set back in, remove the little plug on the side of the door and unscrew the key part. it pulls out and than slide it back into the actuator.Took me about 20 min to replace mine start to finish.

[@mastercircle]

You Rock man!! That video was perfect!! Thank you for doing that.

[@wsdmseekr1]

Great Tutorial! Thank you!

[@johnwatz4955]

Great job, very helpful, gives me the confidence to one myself. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@inscoredbz]

What is it, about a two hour job? How tight are the three actuator screws? I've seen older cars that I had to use an impact driver (the can you hit with a hammer) to break them loose.

[@sanaanhamza4217]

Thank you for the great video.

[@michaelhuschle8864]

Great video, very helpful, thanks so much!

[@nimatarson5835]

I was looking at another video on the same repair, and someone had posted that this is a known problem by Toyota. I called Toyota motor sales and explain that I have been a loyal Toyota customer and they agreed to pay for the full repair costs for both the passenger and driver side replacement. They had quoted $1200 for this when we took the car to the dealer. so depending on your facts consider contacting Toyota about this problem. Again, there’s enough out there on the Internet to make clear that this is a continuing problem on Toyotas.

[@barakatmo]

It should be triggered as a recall. I agree it’s been know as a common issue on the 4Runner and I wonder if it is a supplier issue back during that time

[@phonzoee]

Dude! Thank you! It was easy! ✌🏼

[@elmer11100]

Great video, just wondering did your handles to open the door seem stiffer or seemed like it was not as smooth? Maybe need to break it in?

[@barakatmo]

I didn’t notice any difference and I don’t believe the actuator impacts the handle in that form. The two rods when you were connecting them did they look damaged to you?

[@cbarrett241]

nope, go back and check the installation

[@brendaparker1710]

Hello! Both of my front door locks won’t open with the fob. The back doors will unlock. Is it normal for both to go out at the same time since each door has its own actuator?

[@barakatmo]

Unfortunately yea mine driver side gave out first and then my passenger after couple of weeks after went out.

[@bhoyt4530]

Was your lock not working just with the electronics, or was it unable to lock/unlock when you manually switch it using the switch that's a part of the handle? My door will unlock if I manually do it. The key fob and the electronic unlock switch on top by the window switches won't unlock it. Just asking because I'm trying to figure out if it's my actuator, or an electrical problem.

[@barakatmo]

That’s what happen to me as well it can unlock and lock manually but when you use the key receiver it won’t lock or unlock. My advice is you should replace it unless you are okay with manually locking or unlocking it 👍

[@MightyMilitaryMachinery]

Is the rear door similar? I’d rather ask prior to unbolting everything lol.

[@barakatmo]

That’s a good question, I want to say no but I’m not sure. Let me know what you find out

[@bunttom9007]

Thank you!

[@justinrangel3027]

helpful thanks!

[@hardflipsal]

very helpful!!

[@79jwhite]

I'm going to be doing this on Saturday afternoon. Just with a lot more swearing and busted knuckles.

[@barakatmo]

It happens to the best of us man! Best of luck!

[@79jwhite]

Thanks for the video. The only problem I had was that window rail at the end. I had to pull it to the right a little and then up. Door is working properly. Good stuff!

[@AnilKumar-gq1zo]

Did the one you buy support touch to lock sensor on the outside handle?

[@barakatmo]

I don’t know if this does support it, the model I have is a basic 2017 sr5 4Runner

[@C_Lo_Mean]

There’s a second rod that runs horizontally that needs to go into that cross slotted space.

[@jdelaney9325]

Yeah, reinstalling the door panel literally was the hardest part. Didn’t help that it was 95° in the Shade either.

[@AnilKumar-gq1zo]

Replaced my actuator and the door locks now but the external handle doesn’t open the door and the key mechanism doesn’t work either. Did I miss reconnecting anything, please help!

[@barakatmo]

That’s interesting I’m not sure why this would happen. When you say it locks does it also unlock using the key remote? Did you make sure you connected the rods correctly to the actuator ? See video at 11:30 min

[@christinacapetillo7792]

Does anyone have the link to the ebay site to purchase the part?

[@barakatmo]

I posted it in the description section

[@BigBluePile]

For even cheaper, you can just replace the electric motor inside that assembly....

[@AnilKumar-gq1zo]

Does the door handle touch to lock sensor work with this actuator?

[@barakatmo]

I don’t see why it won’t work. This was for a 2017 4runner. We dont have the handle touch to lock.

[@abe9359]

It did Not work on mine..

[@boondockSNT87]

What tool will I need to get the three screws out of the door/actuator?

[@barakatmo]

Get one one of those multi-bit hex screwdriver and that should do the trick for you

[@CPozos]

It's a T30 Torx bit.

[@cbarrett241]

T-30

[@cbarrett241]

If i'm not too late T-30

[@scottymac713]

Toyota knows these will fail 100%, they should repair free of charge, my 4 runner was broken into because I wasn’t aware they weren’t locking, until after the break-in, I knew I locked the doors and discovered the 2 front door locks were not functioning.

[@barakatmo]

I agree with you 100% I heard that this is common in Toyota 4Runner and I’m surprised they didn’t address the issue. Also I’m carious when will the new model comes out. They need a serious remodel inside and out.

[@scottymac713]

@@barakatmo from what I’ve read the new model interior will be more like the highlander.

[@cbarrett241]

I replaced the driver's side that lasted twenty years--2003 4runner