How do you remove the lift gate door lock actuator on the 2001 Ford Escape?

Answer 1

10 Step Removal Procedure

1. If the rear lift window and door are locked, climb in the back and pull at the molded plastic at the top to remove the clips locking it in place.

2. Reach in and unlock the rear lift window by pulling down the rod that connects to it.

3. Once window is open, proceed outside the car and remove more of the plastic molding until you are able to reach inside and pull at the lower latch that locks the lift gate.

4. Once this is done and the lift gate is open, remove the screws at the bottom of the lift gate door (four screws I believe) to remove the entire plastic molding.

5. Remove the clips that retain three of the rods for locking the window and door.

6. Once the latchs are out of the way, remove the nuts on the right and left side of the latch assembly (2 on the right and 2 on the left). Once the latch assembly is out, you will expose the star screws holding the actuator in place.

7. Remove the two brass looking screws that hold the actuator in place.

8. Slide the black flexible boot on the actuator and slide the white plastic arm from the black actuator arm.

9. Remove the Electrical connector with a flat screw driver from the actuator.

10. Remove the actuator assembly from the latch assembly and try to get Ford to sale you one (Good Luck).

PS: Ford only sales the latch assembly ($150.00 or more) and not the $10 actuator. This is why the American car industry is going under (amongst other things).

You can find a similar actuator which requires some small modifications, but at least it will save you the $150.00 (plus labor) to have it installed. You can get it here for around $10.70 (plus 4.99 shipping).

http://www.Amazon.com/Omega-DS-2-1SQ-Door-Lock-Actuator/dp/B000PHKHBK