Electric Door Lock Quit - 97 XLT 4dr

[Just Me]

Anyone with tips on how to diagnose a balky power door lock actuator (front
passenger side) on a 1997 XLT 4 Door? How about what the cost of a new one
is?

I just noticed yesterday that it was not locking when the rest of the doors
automatically locked when I started driving. I pushed it down and it
releases OK, but when the interior buttons are pushed, or when the remote is
used, it won't actuate the lock.

I can remove the door panel and replace it, but thought I'd check first to
see if I was missing anything.

Thanks,

Dave

[SizzleMP]

The only thing you can do to verify it is the actuator is to put 12V to it and
see if it works. But in all probability, it is the door actuator that is bad.
It's not hard to replace. I have not changed one on an Explorer, but I have on
several of my Ford vehicles in the past few years, so the procedure should be
the same.
The door actuator is usually held in with rivets ( not sure about the Explorer)
drill rivets out and use bolts and nuts to install.