Door Lock Actuator - Rear

Replace the rear door lock actuator on a 1972 Ford F-100, including removal of interior door panel, disconnection of lock rod linkage, and installation of new actuator assembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Door lock actuator assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification or aftermarket equivalent for 1972 F-100
• Door panel retaining clips × 1 — Replace any broken clips during removal

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Roll down rear door window completely to prevent accidental breakage
3. Disconnect negative battery cable if actuators are electrically powered
4. Gather replacement clips and parts before disassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove door panel retaining screws
   Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove the 3 screws securing the door panel: one in the armrest, one in the door pull handle area, and one at the bottom rear corner of the panel. Place screws in magnetic tray to prevent loss.
2. 2

   Remove window crank handle
   Remove the window crank handle by disengaging its spring-wire retaining clip (use a forked window-crank clip tool or a shop rag looped behind the handle to push the clip out), then pull the crank handle straight off. Store the clip safely as these are easily lost.
3. 3

   Remove door lock knob
   Grasp the door lock knob and pull straight up firmly to remove it from the lock rod. Some resistance is normal. If equipped with a threaded knob, rotate counterclockwise to unscrew.
4. 4

   Pry door panel from door frame
   Starting at the bottom rear corner, carefully insert the panel removal tool between the door panel and door frame. Work around the perimeter, gently prying to release the retaining clips. There are 6 clips around the perimeter. Apply steady pressure to pop each clip without breaking the panel.
5. 5

   Lift panel up and away
   Once all clips are released, lift the door panel upward approximately 1 inch to disengage it from the upper door frame channel, then pull the panel away from the door. Set panel aside on a protected surface to avoid scratching.
6. 6

   Peel back moisture barrier
   Carefully peel back the plastic moisture barrier sheeting from the door frame to access the lock actuator. Peel slowly to avoid tearing the barrier, which should be reused during reassembly. Only peel back as much as needed to access the actuator mounting area.
7. 7

   Disconnect actuator wiring harness
   Locate the electrical connector for the door lock actuator inside the door cavity. Press the locking tab and pull the connector apart. If connector is corroded or stuck, spray with penetrating oil and wiggle gently while pulling.
8. 8

   Disconnect lock rod linkage
   Using needle-nose pliers, remove the metal rod clips connecting the actuator arm to the door lock mechanism rod. Note the exact orientation and position of the rod connections for reassembly. There will be 1 or 2 rod connections depending on installation configuration.
9. 9

   Remove actuator mounting fasteners
   Remove the fasteners securing the door lock actuator to its mounting bracket (fastener size and count vary by the installed aftermarket kit; inspect to confirm before selecting a tool). Support the actuator with your free hand while removing the final fastener to prevent it from falling into the door cavity.
10. 10

    Extract actuator from door
    Carefully maneuver the old actuator out through the access opening in the door frame. You may need to rotate and angle the actuator to clear internal door structures. Use the flashlight to identify any obstructions.
11. 11

    Install new actuator
    Position the new actuator into the door cavity, aligning the mounting holes with the bracket on the door frame. Angle the actuator as needed to clear internal structures. Ensure the actuator rod arm is oriented correctly to mate with the lock linkage.
12. 12

    Secure actuator mounting bolts
    Thread the mounting fasteners (size/count per your aftermarket kit) by hand first to ensure proper thread engagement, then tighten securely with the appropriate socket and ratchet. Verify the actuator is firmly mounted with no play.
13. 13

    Reconnect lock rod linkage
    Reconnect the lock mechanism rod to the actuator arm using the metal rod clips removed earlier. Ensure the clips are fully seated and the rods move freely without binding. Manually test the linkage by moving the actuator arm through its full range of motion.
14. 14

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Plug the wiring harness connector back into the actuator until you hear or feel it click into place. Tug gently on the connector to verify it is fully locked.
15. 15

    Test actuator operation
    Reconnect the negative battery cable temporarily and test the door lock actuator function using the aftermarket door lock switch or remote installed with the kit. Verify the lock cycles smoothly in both lock and unlock directions without binding or unusual noise. Disconnect the battery again before proceeding with door panel reinstallation.

Reassembly

1. Press the moisture barrier back into position, ensuring complete adhesion to prevent water intrusion
2. Align door panel with upper door frame channel and slide down into position before pressing clips into door frame
3. Press firmly around all clip locations to fully seat the door panel
4. Reinstall window crank handle with C-clip, door lock knob, and all panel retaining screws
5. Reconnect negative battery cable and perform final operational test of door lock system

Verification

• Test door lock actuator from both interior switch and any remote key fob to confirm full lock and unlock cycles
• Verify door latch engages and releases properly with the interior and exterior door handles
• Check that all lock rods move freely without binding throughout their travel
• Confirm door panel is securely attached with no rattles or loose areas
• Test window operation to ensure crank handle is properly installed and functioning

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