Replace driver side door lock actuator - 2003 Toyota RAV4

Take a close look at the wiring and connections at the drivers door switch.

The BCM - body control module is what controls the power lock's , disconnecting power can cause some functions to need resetting .
Have the BCM checked for DTC'S - diagnostic trouble code's , that would be my first step . Do you know what wiring diagrams are an how to read them ? Free wiring diagrams here
http://www.bbbind.com/free-tsb Enter vehicle info. Year , make , model an engine size . Under system click on body & accessories , then under subsystem click on power lock's .

Battery Disconnect or Replacement Problems


Driver Door Unlock Operation
When any of the door lock switches are placed in the unlock position, a ground signal is applied to the BCM through the door unlock signal circuit. Upon receiveing this signal, the BCM grounds the control side of the driver door unlock relay through the driver door unlock relay control circuit. Since the other side of the driver door unlock relay winding is connected to battery voltage, the relay is energized. This causes the contacts to close and complete the path from the DRV LKS fuse through the battery voltage circuit. Voltage is then applied to the unlock side of the driver door lock actuator through the driver door lock actuator unlock control circuit. Since the other side of the the driver door lock actuator is connected to the normally closed contacts of the door lock relay to ground, the driver door unlocks.
The driver door unlock function can also be accomplished by the BCM supplying ground to the driver door unlock relay control circuit by either of the following:
• A keyless entry unlock transmission
• A lock out prevention function

DTC B3130 00: All Door Unlock Circuit
DTC B3135 00: All Door Lock Circuit

Circuit/System Description
When any of the door lock switches are placed in the lock position, a ground signal is applied to the BCM through the door lock signal circuit. Upon receiving this signal, the BCM grounds the control side of the door lock relay through the door lock relay control circuit. Since the other side of the door lock relay coil is connected to battery voltage, the relay is energized. This causes the contacts to close and complete the path from the battery voltage circuit. Voltage is then applied to the lock side of the door lock actuators through the door lock actuator lock circuits. Since the other side of the all the door lock actuators are connected to the normally closed contacts of their respective unlock relays to ground, the doors lock.

Door Lock actuator ? Inside the door , have to take inside panel off ! There are videos on youtube showing how to replace the actuator on most make , model an year vehicles .

The door latch maybe the problem. That needs to work properly before the lock actuator will function properly.

You most likely have a worn out actuator on the driver side door. When you push the unlock button, the actuator is the device that actually moves the lock linkage rod up or down to operate the lock.
The actuator on the driver side door usually fails first because it is used more often than all the other doors. I had to have these replaced on my 2000 Navigator, and they cost me about 250 each to replace (the part is around 80-100 dollars, but the labor is relatively high).

The door lock actuator is stuck in the lock position you will need to slim jim it open meaning you will have to lose the door lock actuator on the driver sideor replace the door lock lock actuator

The actuator that locks the door is probably worn out. I would simply lock it manually .
If you desire to , you can replace the actuator by removing the interior trim panel and drilling the rivets holding the actuator in the door. Replace the rivets with small screw/bolt combos .

you may need to replace the door locking actuator, they do tend to go bad over times. does the driver side door lock automatic when using the lock button on the driver side. if you can lock and unlock the driver side door with a switch, my guess would not be the locking actuator, it might be in the remote locking module.

It sounds like your lock actuator is dead....ya need to replace the lock actuator.

Here's a great video that will show you how to replace your door lock actuator.">