This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear door lock actuator on a 2014 Ram 2500 4WD with 6.7L Cummins diesel engine, including door panel removal and component access.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear door lock actuator assembly × 1 — Use OEM Mopar specification for 2014 Ram 2500
• Door panel retaining clips (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal to prevent electrical issues during repair
3. Open rear door fully and secure in open position
4. Roll window completely down before beginning door panel removal
5. Organize workspace and prepare container for fasteners and clips

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove door panel fasteners
   Using the appropriate Torx driver, remove all visible screws securing the door panel. Remove the screw behind the door handle bezel (T20), the screw at the bottom of the door pull handle (T30), and any screws along the bottom edge of the door panel. Carefully pry off the small trim cover near the side mirror mount if equipped to access additional fasteners.
2. 2

   Detach door handle and switch assembly
   Disconnect the interior door handle by removing the T20 screw. Carefully unclip the power window/lock switch assembly from the door panel by releasing the retaining tabs with a panel tool. Disconnect the electrical connector by pressing the release tab and pulling straight out. Let the switch assembly hang safely to the side.
3. 3

   Release door panel clips
   Using a panel removal tool, carefully work around the perimeter of the door panel to release all retaining clips. Start at the bottom corner and work upward, applying steady outward pressure. There are typically 8-10 clips around the panel perimeter. Listen and feel for each clip releasing. Once all clips are free, lift the panel upward to disengage it from the window sill retainer.
4. 4

   Disconnect door panel components
   With the door panel loose, disconnect any remaining electrical connectors including courtesy lights or speakers if equipped. Disconnect the door latch rod by carefully prying the plastic retaining clip away and lifting the rod from the latch handle. Remove the door panel completely and set aside on a protected surface.
5. 5

   Peel back vapor barrier
   Carefully peel back the plastic vapor barrier sheet far enough to access the door lock actuator assembly. The barrier is typically held by adhesive; work slowly to avoid tearing. Only remove as much as necessary to gain access to the actuator mounting area and electrical connections.
6. 6

   Disconnect actuator electrical connector
   Locate the door lock actuator electrical connector. Press the release tab on the connector and carefully pull it apart. Inspect the connector terminals for corrosion or damage. If corrosion is present, clean with electrical contact cleaner and allow to dry before proceeding.
7. 7

   Disconnect actuator linkage rods
   Using a wire pick or small flathead screwdriver, carefully disconnect the plastic linkage rods from the door lock actuator. Note the position and orientation of each rod connection for proper reassembly. The actuator typically has two connection points: one to the door latch and one to the lock cylinder. Work carefully to avoid breaking the plastic rod end clips.
8. 8

   Remove actuator mounting fasteners
   Remove the mounting screws or bolts securing the door lock actuator to the door structure. These are typically 8mm or 10mm fasteners. Support the actuator while removing the final fastener to prevent it from falling into the door cavity. Carefully extract the actuator from the mounting location through the access opening.
9. 9

   Install new actuator assembly
   Position the new door lock actuator into the mounting location, ensuring it is oriented correctly to align with the linkage rod connections. Install the mounting fasteners and tighten evenly. If module mounting bolts are used for the actuator, torque to specification. Ensure the actuator is seated firmly against the door structure without gaps.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect linkage and electrical
    Reconnect the door lock linkage rods to the new actuator, ensuring each rod snaps securely into place. Verify each connection by gently tugging on the rod. Connect the electrical connector to the actuator, ensuring it clicks into place fully. Verify the connection is secure and properly seated.
11. 11

    Test actuator operation
    Temporarily reconnect the battery negative terminal. Using the power lock switch or key fob, test the door lock actuator operation in both lock and unlock directions. Verify smooth operation without binding or unusual noise. Also test the interior door lock button. If operation is not correct, recheck linkage rod connections and electrical connector. Disconnect battery again before proceeding with reassembly.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reposition vapor barrier
    Carefully reposition the vapor barrier sheet to its original location, ensuring it seals completely around the perimeter. Press firmly around all edges to re-adhere the barrier to the door panel mounting surface. If adhesive has lost its effectiveness, apply new weatherstrip adhesive to maintain moisture seal integrity.
13. 13

    Reinstall door panel
    Reconnect the door latch rod to the interior door handle and secure with the retaining clip. Reconnect all electrical connectors including window switch, door handle switch, and any courtesy lights or speakers. Position the door panel carefully, engaging the top edge into the window sill channel first, then pressing firmly around the perimeter to seat all retaining clips. Install all Torx screws in their original locations and tighten securely without over-torquing plastic components.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all door panel clips are fully seated and the panel is flush with the door frame around entire perimeter
2. Verify all trim pieces and bezels are reinstalled and secure
3. Reconnect battery negative terminal and torque to 6.0 Nm (4.0 lb-ft) - do not overtighten
4. Test all door functions including window operation, lock/unlock from all switches, and interior door handle operation
5. Check for proper door panel fitment and absence of rattles or loose components

Verification

• Operate door lock from all control points: key fob, driver door switch, individual door button, and verify rear door locks and unlocks properly each time
• Test interior door handle operation to ensure linkage is properly connected and door opens smoothly
• Verify power windows operate correctly and all door switches function properly
• Check that door panel is secure with no loose clips, rattles, or gaps around perimeter
• Cycle locks multiple times to confirm consistent, quiet operation without binding or delay

More procedures for this vehicle