Ford Excursion :: How To Replace Driver Door Actuator

Beside the normal tools you will need a mirror, flashlight, very long needlenose pliers, and tin snips. There are 2 screws holding the driver door panel on, one is in the courtesy light at the bottom and the other is inside the switch compartment. You must also twist the light socket out, pop the cover off above the switches, pry the switch pod up at the FRONT and slide forward, and unplug the switches.

Now pull straight up on the panel and remove it after taking the light out at the bottom;

Tape the membrane up out of your way

You will need mirrors like these and very long needlenose.

Remove all the yellow plastic screws holding this aqua connector and it's wires and tuck it into the corner of the door.

Now you have a clear view of the actuator;

Try to pop this yellow plastic clip loose with your fingers and if not drill a hole above the oval hole and use a screwdriver;

Take the 3 screws out at the latch;

Push the plastic screws in holding the black cable and look through the oval hole to locate the green clip holding the rod to the door latch handle.

Cut the oval hole bigger so you can access the next steps;

Rotate the whole unit around until you can pop the green clip loose with a screwdriver by prying or pulling on the small side of the green clip and then locate the rod next to it (not mentioned in other posts), and disconnect it by using your very long needle nose to squeeze one side and a long screwdriver to pry the rod out;

Rotate the entire unit out around the window track, remove the wire harness, unplug the two other harnesses, and insert screwdriver under actuator before sliding it off.

Now you are ready to do the tin foil fix or just replace the actuator.