Door Lock Actuator - Rear

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of a rear door lock actuator on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 with the 5.0L Coyote V8 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear door lock actuator × 1 — Motorcraft SW-6618 or equivalent OEM
• Door panel retaining clips (if damaged) × 5 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 2 minutes to allow airbag system to discharge
3. Open rear door to be serviced and secure in fully open position
4. Lower rear window completely to provide access to door panel fasteners
5. Prepare a clean workspace to lay door panel face-down without scratching trim

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove door panel fasteners
   Remove the Phillips screw inside the door pull handle recess. Remove the T30 Torx screw behind the door latch release bezel. Carefully pry off the small triangular trim panel at the front upper corner of the door panel near the mirror.
2. 2

   Release door panel retaining clips
   Using panel trim removal tools, start at the bottom rear corner of the door panel and work around the perimeter to release the plastic retaining clips. Pull the panel outward firmly but evenly to disengage all clips. There are typically 8-10 clips around the perimeter.
3. 3

   Disconnect electrical connectors
   Lift the door panel up and away from the door frame approximately 2 inches to clear the window sill. Reach behind and disconnect all electrical connectors including power lock switch, window switch, and courtesy light if equipped. Note connector orientations and release tab locations.
4. 4

   Remove door panel moisture barrier
   Carefully peel back the plastic moisture barrier from the door frame starting at one corner. The barrier is typically attached with butyl adhesive. Avoid tearing the barrier as it must be reused. Only peel back enough to access the lock actuator area at the rear edge of the door.
5. 5

   Locate and access door lock actuator
   Using a flashlight, locate the door lock actuator mounted at the rear lower section of the door frame behind the latch assembly. The actuator is a rectangular module with a rod linkage connecting to the door latch mechanism.
6. 6

   Disconnect actuator electrical connector
   Press the release tab on the actuator electrical connector and pull straight out to disconnect. The connector is typically gray or black with a sliding lock tab that must be lifted before the connector can be removed.
7. 7

   Disconnect actuator rod linkage
   Locate the plastic rod clip connecting the actuator rod to the door latch mechanism. Use wire retention clip pliers or a small flathead screwdriver to carefully pry the retaining clip off the rod end. Disconnect the rod from the latch lever by pulling it straight out of the socket.
   ⚠The plastic rod clips are fragile and may break; have replacement clips available if needed
8. 8

   Remove actuator mounting fasteners
   Remove the three T30 Torx screws securing the actuator to the door frame. Support the actuator with one hand while removing the final screw to prevent it from falling inside the door cavity.
9. 9

   Remove old actuator
   Carefully maneuver the actuator out of the door frame through the access opening. The actuator may need to be rotated or tilted to clear internal door structures. Take note of the actuator orientation for installation of the new unit.
10. 10

    Install new actuator
    Position the new actuator in the same orientation as the old unit. Insert it into the door frame and align the mounting holes. Thread in all three T30 Torx mounting screws finger-tight, then tighten in a crossing pattern to ensure even seating against the door frame.
11. 11

    Connect actuator rod linkage
    Attach the actuator rod to the door latch lever by inserting the rod end into the socket until it clicks. Install the plastic retaining clip to secure the rod connection. Manually cycle the door lock mechanism to verify the rod is properly connected and moves freely.
12. 12

    Connect actuator electrical connector
    Plug the electrical connector into the new actuator until it clicks. Ensure the connector lock tab is fully engaged. Temporarily reconnect the battery negative terminal to test actuator function before reassembling the door.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Test actuator operation
    With the battery reconnected, use the interior door lock switch and key fob to verify the new actuator locks and unlocks the door properly. Listen for smooth operation without binding or grinding noises. Disconnect battery negative terminal again before final reassembly.
14. 14

    Reinstall moisture barrier and door panel
    Press the moisture barrier back into position ensuring all edges are sealed properly. Reconnect all door panel electrical connectors. Position the door panel onto the door frame, hooking the top edge over the window sill first, then pressing firmly around the perimeter to engage all retaining clips. Reinstall all screws and trim pieces.
15. 15

    Final battery reconnection and testing
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal and torque to specification. Test all door functions including power locks from inside switch, key fob, and driver's door master lock switch. Test power windows and verify auto-up/down function; recalibrate if necessary by holding window switch up for 5 seconds after full close.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all door panel clips are fully seated before driving to prevent rattles
2. Verify moisture barrier is completely sealed to prevent water intrusion into door cavity
3. Check that door panel fasteners are tight but do not overtighten to avoid cracking plastic

Verification

• Test door lock function from all sources: interior switch, key fob, and master lock switch
• Listen for proper actuator operation without grinding, clicking, or binding sounds
• Verify door latches and unlatches properly with interior and exterior handles
• Confirm all power window functions work correctly including auto features
• Check for proper door panel fit with no gaps or misalignment

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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