Door Lock Actuator - Rear

This procedure replaces the rear door lock actuator on a 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, restoring proper power lock functionality to the affected rear door.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear door lock actuator assembly × 1 — ACDelco 13579623 or equivalent
• Door panel retaining clips (assorted) × 1 — Replace broken clips as needed

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Raise all windows fully, especially the rear window being worked on
3. Open the rear door you are working on and chock it open to prevent movement
4. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 2 minutes before proceeding
5. Prepare a clean work area to place door panel components and hardware

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove door panel fasteners
   Remove the window switch bezel by carefully prying up with a trim tool. Disconnect the electrical connector from the window switch assembly. Remove the Phillips screw behind the door pull handle. Remove the Torx or Phillips screw located in the lower corner of the door panel near the latch. Remove any additional screws along the bottom edge of the door panel.
2. 2

   Release door panel clips
   Starting at the bottom rear corner, use a door panel removal tool to carefully release the retaining clips around the perimeter of the door panel. Work your way around the panel, gently pulling outward once clips are released. There are typically 8-12 clips around the panel perimeter. Lift the panel upward to disengage it from the window sill channel.
3. 3

   Disconnect door panel electrical connections
   With the door panel partially removed, reach behind and disconnect any remaining electrical connectors including courtesy lamp (if equipped) and door lock switch. Remove the door panel completely and set aside on a protected surface.
4. 4

   Remove water shield access
   Carefully peel back the plastic water shield just enough to access the door lock actuator area. The actuator is located at the rear edge of the door near the latch mechanism. Use masking tape to hold back the water shield if needed, being careful not to tear it.
5. 5

   Disconnect actuator electrical connector
   Locate the door lock actuator electrical connector. Press the release tab and disconnect the wiring harness from the actuator. Note the routing of the wiring for reinstallation.
6. 6

   Disconnect actuator control rods
   Using needle-nose pliers, carefully disconnect the lock control rod and the interior/exterior handle rods from the actuator assembly. These typically use plastic clips that slide off. Note the exact position and orientation of each rod connection for proper reassembly. Taking a photo with your phone is recommended.
7. 7

   Remove actuator mounting fasteners
   Remove the three mounting bolts or screws securing the door lock actuator to the door frame. These are typically 7mm or 8mm bolts. Support the actuator while removing the final fastener to prevent it from falling.
8. 8

   Remove old actuator
   Carefully maneuver the old actuator out through the access opening in the door frame. You may need to rotate or angle it to clear the interior door structures. Inspect the mounting area for corrosion or damage.
9. 9

   Install new actuator
   Position the new actuator into the door, aligning the mounting holes with the door frame. Ensure the actuator is oriented correctly with the control rod connection points accessible. Install the mounting bolts finger-tight initially.
10. 10

    Tighten actuator mounting bolts
    Using a torque wrench, tighten the actuator mounting bolts to specification. Ensure the actuator is properly seated and aligned before final tightening.
    Torque spec

    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect control rods
    Reconnect the lock control rod and handle rods to the new actuator in the same positions as removed. Ensure all rod clips are fully seated and secure. Verify each rod moves freely without binding.
12. 12

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Plug the electrical connector into the new actuator, ensuring it clicks into place securely. Route the wiring as originally positioned to prevent pinching during door panel reinstallation.
13. 13

    Test actuator function
    Temporarily reconnect the battery negative terminal. Use the door lock switch to test the new actuator operation. Verify the lock engages and disengages smoothly. Test both from the interior switch and the key fob. Disconnect the battery again before continuing.
14. 14

    Reinstall water shield
    Carefully press the water shield back into position, ensuring it adheres fully around the perimeter and all penetrations. The seal must be complete to prevent water intrusion into the door panel.
15. 15

    Reinstall door panel
    Reconnect all electrical connectors to the door panel including window switch and courtesy lamp. Position the door panel and engage the top edge into the window sill channel. Press firmly around the perimeter to seat all retaining clips. Reinstall all screws removed during disassembly. Reinstall the window switch bezel.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all door panel clips are fully seated before testing window operation
2. Verify no tools or parts were left inside the door cavity
3. Reconnect battery negative terminal and torque to specification
4. Verify water shield is properly sealed to prevent moisture damage

Verification

• Test door lock operation from interior switch - should lock and unlock smoothly without hesitation
• Test door lock operation from key fob - verify remote locking functions properly
• Verify all door handles (interior and exterior) operate correctly and engage the latch
• Test window operation to ensure no interference from door panel reinstallation
• Check for any rattles or unusual noises when opening and closing the door
• Verify door panel is secure with no gaps or loose areas

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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