'07 Focus driver's door won't lock

[Klutch9]

This past Friday, the front driver's side door wouldn't lock. Whenever I hit either the lock or unlock button, either on the key fob or on the switch on the door, it would just make this jammed sound. I can't lock it manually with a key, either. It just kind of 'bounces' off where the lock position would be. I tried lubing the gear set in the lock itself, and I took the door panel off and lubed the hinges as much as I could, but much of it is sealed.

It made some improvement, because now it doesn't make the jammed noise when I hit 'unlock', but it still does it when I hit 'lock'. The door still can't be locked manually, either. Any ideas?

 

[Jimmy9190]

I don't know much about Fords at all but it sounds to me like you have a bad door lock actuator. The actuator is what makes the buzzing sound when it goes bad. If your car is like a lot of others nowadays the actuator is an internal part of the door latch assembly. You may be able to replace it, or Ford may only sell the entire latch assembly as a unit. The parts guys at the Ford dealer can tell you for sure. Maybe check online or Ford forums, there is probably a lot more info on it out there some where.

If you are interested in trying it you may be able to disconnect the factory actuator and install an aftermarket door lock actuator if your door lock assembly has rods that connect the different components. A lot of modern door lock systems are cable operated, so I have no idea how that would work on a Ford.