How to Replace a Windstar Door Lock

Door locks on the Ford Winstar can wear out over time. The driver-side door lock is especially prone to wear, as it is the one most often used. The door lock on this vehicle comes in two parts if it has power locks. The door lock, bolted to the inside of the door jamb, is part of the latch assembly. The power lock actuator is bolted to the door frame, and attached to the lock/latch assembly by a small actuator rod.

Things You'll Need

• Door latch/lock assembly
• Power actuator (optional)
• Screwdrivers
• Needle nose pliers
• Wrenches

Instructions

1. Begin by removing the door panel. Remove the plastic trim piece that hides the outside mirror screw, the screws in the arm rest and the screws at the bottom of the panel. Then unsnap the panel from the door. Unplug any power accessory electrical connectors, and set the panel aside.

2. Disconnect the power connector from the actuator and the actuator rod from the door lock assembly. It is held on with a clip that rotates to unsnap and allow the rod to be removed. You may need to use needle nose pliers to unsnap them.

3. Remove the actuator by unbolting it from the door frame. Lay it aside if you plan to reuse it.

4. Remove the door latch/lock assembly by unsnapping the latch rods and lock rods in the same manner as the actuator rod. Rotate the clips, and pull the rods from the assembly. Then unbolt the latch/lock assembly by removing the three large Phillips head screws attaching it to the door jamb.

5. Install the new latch/lock assembly with the three mounting bolts to the door jamb, and attach the latch rods and lock rod to the new assembly.

6. Reinstall the power door lock actuator by attaching the actuator rod and bolting it to the door frame. Then plug the electrical connector back in. Now is a good time to test the power locks, key lock and door latch. Make any corrections as needed.

7. Reinstall the door panel by snapping it into place, and reinstall the mounting screws and plastic trim piece.

8. Test the door lock and latch functions one more time, and you are done.