door lock actuator ?

rlambert · January 19, 2018

2014 GMC sierra 1500 crew cab SLT . I need your help. when replacing the drivers door lock actuator how does the rod from the outside Key lock to the actuator come off? Do I need to remove the door handle to get this rod off? anyone have a video? I see a lot on the web but nothing for a 2014 and up and nothing for the drivers door.

and Last question is when is GM going to recall these and get it right?

thanks for your help.

Ed S · January 19, 2018

I think there is a video on YouTube about replacing these. It might have been on a Silverado but it's the same procedure. I too have an actuator failure on my 2014 Sierra drivers door. Of course barely out of warranty. Just quit working one day. YES! There should be a recall! Seems its a common problem from all I have read up on.

rlambert · January 22, 2018

Thanks Ed for the reply. All the YouTube video's I have found show all the other doors but not the drives door. unless its a older model. I have been able to talk to a GM tech and he says there is a clip that I missed on the top of that rod. I'm hoping to take the door panel back off today and see if I can get it.

tbarn · January 22, 2018

Yes, the outer door handle needs to come off.

rlambert · January 23, 2018

Tom ( Tbarn ) Thanks for the reply. I spend some time on this yesterday and I confirm what you are saying the door handle needed to come off and the Key lock needed to come out in order to get the rod off and on. I could not find any clip that the tech I talked to was referring to. The only clip I found was the one that holds the lock cylinder in the door. I had to take the door handle out to get to that clip.

I have the new actuator in and working properly. Now I just hope it last a long time as being trapped in your truck is no fun.

Ed S · February 1, 2018

Big failure rate on these. It's a safety item. GM really needs to issue a recall.

rlambert · February 3, 2018

I cant agree more with you Ed S

My truck has the full center console and when the door lock actuator decides not to let me out, I really feel trapped in my own truck. Nothing like a 280 pound guy trying to climb over the console to get out the other front door. LOL I'm sure people were looking at me like what the heck.

I have since replaced the door actuator and so far it been working 100% of the time. but for these to be going bad is just uncalled for.