99 ranger power door lock problem

Hi,

I have a 1999 Ford Ranger XLT extended cab with PW, PL, Auto, 4.0L, keyless entry, etc... My problem is: the power door locks seem to not have enough power to push the locks up or down. The first try with remote or door button gets the best results, but rarely works. After the first attempt, the door lock mech... moves less and less until it barely wiggles when you hit the remote or on door button. It seems to me that the actuator that moves the stuff in the door may be loose or have lost power, but both doors do the same thing??? I also have a friend with a 99 Ranger who has the exact same problem. One other thing that may or may not be related, the door ajar light sometimes stays on even when both doors are closed tightly, sometimes it goes off after several minutes, and sometimes not. This can cause the battery to run down if not noticed due to interior light staying on. We have both removed the interior light bulbs to prevent this, but it is not a permanent solution.
Can anyone help me with this? Or even tell me how to remove the interior door panels without damaging them would be great. The Frord dealer wants $99 to check this problem out and then more to fix it.

REgards,,,LAkers

The main problem seems to be the "door ajar"light.You should be able to adjust the door striker to fix,this could also drain the batt.so there is not enough juice to operate the locks.Otherwise lubing the lock linkage might help.

Spray WD-40 into the door latch and open end close the doors. Do this 5-6 times. I had same problem on my Ranger. Seems that all Rangers and Explorers have the same problem. The switch is the problem, not the linkage. The dome light/door ajar switch is part of the door latch assembly. This is a common problem. Your problem is not lock actuator.

i sprayed wd-40 in my latch and no problems here!

Thanks for the tip on the "door ajar" light. The WD40 on the latch seems to have fixed that problem. However, my problem with the power door locks still exists. I'l post a new message with the details of that problem.... Thanks again...

LAters,,,LAkers...

I have a 99 and had the same problem. Tried the wd40, but no luck. The door panel is held on with a few screws and clips. Unscrew and then just lift the panel off. Disconnect the 2 wiring components, peel off the plastic cover and look inside the door.
Inside the door is the lock system. See if anything is loose. There is a metal rod sitting in a sleeve, which operates the lock. See if this rod is loose and just try adjusting the tension.
Not too hard, but dont attempt, unless your fairly comfortable in your skills. This should help.