So today i replaced my driver side exterior door handle because it broke. Easy job, everything worked fine. Went to run some errands and all of a sudden the door bounces when you shut it, no matter how hard you slam it, it doesnt catch and lock. But when you have the door locked on the inside and shut it, it catches and locks. I dont know what that means, if the actuator is totally bad or something needs adjustment, i currently have wires from the window motor going into my engine bay so i can lock the door and close it and then lift the hood and touch the wires to the battery to make it go down.

Actuators are cheap, should i get a new one? How the heck to i install one i tried to take it out today and couldnt figure it out. Been searching for hours on google and here but havent found anything.

 

Picture of the actuator? If aftermarket, I have one I just pulled. If stock (yes, the passenger door locking actuator can be made to mount as stock in the drivers door), then post a WTB.

BUT, by your description, sounds like your problem is with the locking mechanism itself. I'd guess you locked the door latch rod in the plastic catch on the exterior door handle too high rather than where it was before you replaced the handle. So it's putting pressure on the loching mechanism not allowing to fully engage. When you lock it from the inside, it defeats that door latch rod action to the mechanism.

 

ooo yea i wasnt too sure where to attach that rod...should it be high or low on that clip? i didnt even think of that.

 

It should just clip on without putting pressure on the rod. Neither up nor down.

Same thing for the clip for the inside door lock. Push the lever that goes to the door catch towards lock, push the inside lock button down (it usually falls down when unclipped) and clip it on the rod where it aligns.

Don't think it's the actuator or anything like that.

 

i did both of those things today over a couple of times and it only worked with the door handle on and in the lock position. Ordered a new actuator, i havent figured out how to change lock cylinders yet, if i did that then it wouldnt be a problem but right now the key doesnt work.

 

When you say actuator, what part are you talking about? Cuz usually we refer to the actuator being the electric solenoid that locks and unlocks the door (which is usually just on the pass. side).

IMHO, don't overthink it. I'd be very surprised if something else broke, so it's probably just a bad adjustment.

edit:

 

Remove a couple philips screws to loosen the harness away from the back side of the lock cylinder area of the handle, pry off the C clip, and it slides right out. Take special note of the position and about the black dress washer that goes between the lock cylinder and the outside of the door handle.

It is a good idea to take it to your local lock smith and have any worn "keys" (interor slides) replaced now that it's loose and before you re-install.