Replace the rear door lock actuator on a 2012-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK by removing the interior door panel, disconnecting the actuator linkage and electrical connector, and installing a new actuator.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear door lock actuator × 1 — Mopar 68110597AB or equivalent
• Door panel trim clips (if damaged) × 5 — Mopar 6503598AA

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Lower rear door window completely to access upper door panel fasteners
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 2 minutes to allow electrical system to discharge
4. Gather all tools and new actuator before beginning

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove door panel screws and handle
   Remove the Phillips screw behind the interior door handle. Pull the handle bezel forward to release it from the door panel. Remove the T30 Torx screw inside the door pull pocket. If equipped, remove the small Phillips screw at the bottom rear corner of the door panel near the latch.
2. 2

   Disconnect window switch
   Using a trim tool, carefully pry up the window switch module from the armrest. Disconnect the electrical connector by pressing the release tab and pulling straight up. Set the switch assembly aside.
3. 3

   Release door panel clips
   Starting at the bottom rear corner, use a trim panel 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 8-10 clips around the panel edge. Lift the panel upward to disengage it from the window sill channel.
   ⚠Clips break easily when cold. Apply gentle, even pressure and avoid prying from a single point.
4. 4

   Remove door panel
   Once the panel is lifted free from the window channel, tilt the bottom outward and set it aside. Carefully peel back the plastic moisture barrier at the rear lower section of the door to access the lock actuator area. Only peel back enough to access the actuator without fully removing the barrier.
5. 5

   Locate and access the actuator
   Using a flashlight, locate the lock actuator mounted on the rear lower section of the door frame. The actuator is a rectangular plastic module with linkage rods attached and an electrical connector. Take a photo of the linkage rod positions before removal.
6. 6

   Disconnect electrical connector
   Press the locking tab on the actuator electrical connector and pull it straight away from the actuator. You may need to wiggle it gently while maintaining pressure on the release tab.
7. 7

   Disconnect linkage rods
   Using needle nose pliers or by hand, carefully disconnect the lock rod and unlock rod from the actuator. The rods attach to the actuator via plastic clips that rotate or slide to release. Note the orientation and position of each rod - typically one rod connects to the door latch and another to the lock cylinder.
   ⚠Do not bend or deform the metal linkage rods as this will affect lock operation.
8. 8

   Remove actuator mounting fasteners
   Remove the three T30 Torx screws or 10mm bolts securing the actuator to the door frame. Support the actuator with one hand while removing the last fastener to prevent it from falling into the door cavity.
9. 9

   Remove old actuator
   Carefully maneuver the actuator out of the door cavity through the access hole. You may need to rotate it slightly to clear internal obstructions.
10. 10

    Install new actuator
    Position the new actuator in the door cavity and align the mounting holes with the door frame. Thread in the three mounting fasteners by hand first, then tighten evenly in a cross pattern to secure the actuator firmly to the door frame.
11. 11

    Connect linkage rods
    Referring to your reference photos, reconnect the lock linkage rods to the new actuator. Ensure each rod snaps securely into its clip and verify proper engagement by gently tugging on each rod. The rods should not pull free with moderate pressure.
12. 12

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Plug the electrical connector into the new actuator until you hear or feel a distinct click indicating the locking tab has engaged. Gently pull on the connector to verify it is secure.
13. 13

    Test actuator operation
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Using the key fob or interior lock switch, test the lock and unlock functions several times to verify proper actuator operation before reinstalling the door panel. Listen for smooth actuator operation without grinding or binding.
    ℹ️If actuator does not operate, verify linkage rods are properly connected and electrical connector is fully seated.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall moisture barrier and door panel
    Press the moisture barrier back into position, ensuring it adheres properly to the door frame. Align the door panel with the window sill channel and slide it down into position. Press firmly around the perimeter to engage all retaining clips. Reinstall all screws in reverse order of removal, reconnect the window switch, and verify the door handle operates smoothly.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all door panel clips are fully seated before operating the door
2. Verify interior door handle opens the door smoothly without binding
3. Check that window switch module is flush with armrest surface

Verification

• Test lock and unlock function using key fob from outside the vehicle - actuator should operate smoothly
• Test lock and unlock using interior door lock switch - verify immediate response
• Manually operate the interior door handle to ensure proper latch operation
• Open and close the door several times to verify door panel is secure with no rattles
• Verify window switch operates properly and all door panel components are properly seated

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