Q: I have a 2007 Toyota Sequoia with a power door-lock problem. The left rear door sometimes unlocks with the power door locks, and sometimes it doesn’t. I really don’t know if the problem is in the master switch, the wiring or the door itself. Can you shed any light on this problem?
A: Actually, Toyota has recently had a recall on power door-lock switches smoking and burning out in particular models. Anyone with a Toyota should call your dealer to see if this recall may affect your car. A very simple way to test your power door lock would be as follows. Strip the inner door panel off the left rear door. With the window up, you should be able to access the plug going into the power door lock actuator. You can use either a noid light or a regular test light to monitor the power going into the actuator as you exercise the door lock with the power door lock switch or the remote. If the power is there, and the actuator is secure, try lubricating the lock/latch assembly with WD-40. Give it 20 minutes to a half hour to soak in. If at that time the problem still exists, then a replacement door lock actuator is available from the Toyota dealer.
Larry Rubenstein is a master technician who owns a North Shore service station. His column appears periodically on Tuesdays. Write to Larry at the Gloucester Daily Times, c/o Auto Scanner, 36 Whittemore St., Gloucester, MA 01930, or send an email to scanauto@aol.com.
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