Door lock/Dome light issue

[Pathy415]

OK so my drivers door lock won't lock/unlock with the remote but I can still do it manually with the key or by hand(flipping the open/lock switch right next to the handle). In addition, the dome light doesn't turn on when I hit the unlock button on the remote but I can still turn it on manually with the switch from the inside or if I open a door it will turn on.

I have the exact same(lock/unlock) issue with the rear passenger door on the drivers side but I bought the car with that existing issue. The issue I mentioned above just happened like a day ago.

Anyone have any thought to what it might be?

Thanks!!

[Towncivilian]

For your light issue, check the door switch. Be sure it's not damaged. My driver door switch took a dump and I'm having the same issue with lighting when I unlock the car or open the driver door. No lights.

The lock issue seems like a malfunction of the door lock actuator. Take off your door panels and see if there's any visible wiring faults or other issues.

[Pathy415]

I took the panel off the passenger door a few weeks ago but I couldn't find anything broken wires. I couldn't take off the actuator, is there some special way to do this?

[Towncivilian]

Not sure, I never took anything more than a passing glance at my actuator. What gave you trouble? I'd think the only things involved would be disconnecting the lock rods, wiring harness, and unscrewing some 10mm bolts or nuts.

[Pathy415]

Well it seemed as if the lock rods were part of the actuator. It didn't look like I could separate the lock rod from the actuator. The websites I've gone on sell the actuator separate from the lock rod. Maybe I didn't check hard enough the last time I pulled the door panel off. It's more of a nuisance than anything but it would be easy to forget to lock the door manually after getting out from the car.

I checked the door switches and they're fine.

[locke1064]

How did you make out with this? Did you replace the actuator? I have same issue but not looking forward to figuring out how to get the whole assembly out of that tight space. The actuator replacement website looks like just the actuator can be removed, but not sure how to do this.

[Pathy415]

I actually haven't fixed it yet but I'm pretty sure it's the actuator. You have to take interior the door panel off to gain access to it. It's not that bad, there are a few screws that attach it to the door frame but you have to be careful when pulling out the panel, I suggest using a trim removing tool to pull it apart. Something like this: http://www.amazon.com/No-Scratch-Tools- ... B000LNBLTK

I'll take pictures if I ever get to doing this.

[goldsy]

I had the same issue with my 2001 Pathy. Power locks worked fine, just not with the remote and no dome light. Turns out is was just a fuse. If memory serves, it was fuse #24 inside the truck. It's a 7.5 amp. Doesn;t hurt to look if you haven't already.

[Pathy415]

Fuse looks good so I think it's the actuator. I forgot to update the fact that for some reason the drivers door is working fine along with the dome light (just started working again without any intervention). The problem door is just the rear passenger (drivers side) door and I'm almost certain its the actuator. Just need to stop being lazy and fix it.

[DAiNiUS]

Did anyone change their door lock actuators recently? How common is this problem among Pahfinders/QX4s?

When I bought my QX4 a couple of years ago, the drivers door actuator wasn't working. Just a few weeks ago the rear drivers side door lock actuator started acting up and gave up on me two/three days ago. It's not a HUGE problem, but still a PITA.