I have a 1997 F-150 4x4 and the driver side door lock stopped working. It sounds like the locking mechanism is still functioning but it's not moving the lock itself. My question to the forum is how do I remove the door panel to get to the lock to see what's going on. Does anyone have a detail of how this is done? Also what should I look for once I have the panel off?

Thank you
-Phillip

 

For some fairly good instructions to pulling the door panel :

http://www.kwmuth.com/techsupport/pdfs/21000360.pdf

This is the instructions for installing the signal mirrors, but step one of this is to remove the door panel to get to the mirror bolts on the sail panel on the mirror.

As to what to look for, take a look that the linkage between the actuator and the door lock are still together ( nothing is loose in the door ) and see if when you operate the door lock, that the locks moves or if something is binding.

Q1. When you use the unlock function, I am guessing the pass side works correctly ? ( you made no note of this one way or the other ).

A common problem with the older MYs is the actuator stops working, and only cycles the lock half way up ( or nudges it a bit ),
Q2. is this what you are seeing happen ?

 

Yes the passenger lock works fine. As for the lock in the driver side door, the manual lock doesn't move at all. It appears that it's disconnected from the actuator. Thank you for the link to the instructions.

-Phillip

 

Very simple to remove. Remove the trim piece to the rear of the window. It just snaps into place. You will see one screw there. Remove it. Then remove the plastic trim piece around the door handle. Remove that as well. Then lift up on the door panel and it will snap out. If you want to disconnect the switch panel on the arm rest, that snaps in place as well. Can't say the door power lock actuator is as easy to take out but it does come out. You might wan't to save up some four letter words before taking this task on, especially when re-installing it.....Good luck....Bill.