How do i Fix Dodge Dakota door lock?

Answer 1

I also have an issue with the rear door lock the auto lock does not engage and make an auful noise each time I hit the lock buttoon or is automatically triggered. I took the door panel apart but was not able to figure it out???

Mine failed the same way; for a week or two, it made a "clunking" noise when operated. Then it began making a loud, high-pitched buzzing noise. The electric door lock assembly is a one-piece unit and cannot be repaired, as far as I know. A replacement part from the local Dodge dealer cost me about $101 + tax, which is not unreasonable, considering the complexity of the part.

Here's how to remove and replace (R&R) it (these instructions are for the left rear driver-side door of a 2000 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab). It took me about two hours to disassemble (my first time), another another hour to reassemble everything.

Removing the Old Lock Assembly

1. Begin by removing the inside trim panel. This is one piece, held in place by 4 black screws: two phillips-head along the bottom edge, and two Torx-head, one under the hand grip, and one under the door release lever (you'll need to pull the release lever to see and remove it);

2. Gently lift upward and outward on the trim panel by the bottom edge and/or the hand grip and pull it away from door. It sits on 4 plastic "posts" that position it in the door.

3. You must disconnect the following BEFORE completely removing the trim panel from the door:

1) Disconnect the actuator rod from the door release lever by releasing the plastic locking clip holding it in place.

2) Disconnect the cable harness from the door switch. Depress the catch on the side and pull it out.

4. Carefully pull the trim panel away from the door, being careful to release the manual door lock and any other "obstructions". Don't force, don't rush. Investigate and resolve any resistance. Set the trim panel aside.

5. Remove the speaker, held in place by 3 gray phillips-head screws. Disconnect the cable from the speaker by depressing and removing the plug. Set the speaker aside.

6. Carefully pull away the dust shield, a white plastic film that covers the door cavity. It's held in place with a bead of non-setting "stickum". You can gently lift and remove it, working along the edge, starting at the top and working down the sides. It is not necessary to remove the entire dust shield, but doing so will provide better access to the door cavity.

7. Remove the lock actuator rod from the bell crank by releasing the plastic locking clip.

8. The door locking mechanism is a one-piece assembly that includes mechanical linkages (2) for opening the door from the outside and the inside, a child-safety lock-out, a manual

lock actuator, and an integral electric solenoid that locks and unlocks the door. You'll be replacing this complete unit.

9. You can acquire a replacement part (describing it as an "electric door lock assembly") from you local Dodge parts department. Or, you can locate and order a replacement part on the web, probably at a lower price. A genuine replacement part from my local Dodge dealer cost about $101 + tax.

10. The lock assembly is located at the edge of the door and is held in place by three Torx bolts. Remove these. They're set with thread-lock, so it may take some effort to break them loose.

11. Remove the plate covering a large hole above and to the right of the lock mechanism for better access. It's held in place by two phillips-head screws.

12. Before attempting to remove the lock assembly, disconnect the vertical actuator rod for the outside door handle by releasing its plastic locking clip. Also disconnect the other two actuator rods (one for the inside door release lever, the other for the manual door lock level) by releasing their plastic locking clips. It's cramped quarters, and helps if you have smaller hands.

13. Once the lock is free, you'll have to fish it out of the door, past the window track. It's a tight fit, but it can be done with patience. Dont' force it!

14. Once it's out, disconnect the cable assembly by depressing the catch and removing the plug.

15. You can obtain an exact replacement part from your local Dodge dealer or an alternate source. Compare the old and replacement lock assemblies to make sure they're the same one. Cosmetic details may differ, but the dimensions and positions of the levers, etc. should be identical.

Installing the New Locking Assembly

1. Connect the cable to the new lock assembly. Insert the plug into the socket (on the lock assembly) until it "clicks" into place.

2. Insert the new lock assembly into the door and position it along the door's inside edge. Secure it with three Torx-head bolts.

3. Connect the three actuator rods to the lock assembly by inserting the end of the rod and snapping the plastic locking clip into place:

- Vertical actuator rod that connects to the outside door release lever.

- Actuator rod that connects to the manual lock level bell crank.

- Actuator rod that connects to the inside door release lever.

4. Replace cover plate, held in place by two phillips-head screws.

5. Place the lock actuator rod into the two plastic guides that support it. Reconnect the end of the lock actuator rod to the manual lock level bell crank snapping its plastic locking clip into place.

6. Reinstall dust shield, being careful to align with speaker holes. Carefully press all along the edges to form a good "seal".

7. Reconnect the speaker cable to the speaker by aligning and inserting the plug until it "clicks". Remoung the speaker using three, gray phillips-head screws.

8. Position the trim panel in place and reconnect the actuator rod to the inside door release level using its plastic locking clip. You may need someone to help you with this, as it can be tricky to hold the panel and reconnect the actuator rod at the same time; there's not much room to work between the trim panel and the door.

9. Fish the manual lock level into its slot in the door trim panel.

10. Carefully line up the trim panel and gently press into place. Do not force it. Work with it to get it right.

11. Push the trim panel in and down and into place. It should completely cover the dust shield. Compare with the other door to get the right "fit".

12. Reinstall two Torx-head screws under the hand grip and the inside door release lever.

13. Reinstall two phillips-head screws along the bottom edge of the trim panel.

14. Test everything for proper operation: Outside door release level, inside door release level, manual lock/unlock operation, electric lock/unlock operation, electric window up/down operation, child-safety lock-out, remote control lock/unlock.