I need to remove and replace the front passenger door actuator on my TJ Advance.

I can get three out of the four control rods out of the end clips (on the interior lock and handle and the exterior lock), but I can't get it off the exterior door handle. It's hard to see and I've pushed and pulled and prodded but it won't move.

Can any one describe how to do it? A pick of clip it;s in would be very helpful too.

The door actuator itself is being a pain - it is getting power to lick and unlock, and has even fired a couple of times when I was fiddling with it 3/4 out of the car, but it won't work when it's in the installed position. I saw a couple of mentions on her about getting them going again but I can't see anything inside the motor housing that's out of alignment or worn.

This may not tell it all but I'm wondering if you undo the external handle this may give better visibility .

http://www.aussiemagna.com/forums/showthread.php?t=100303

I did a quick search for an image and looking at this one it suggests the rod is a simple right angle bend with that plastic retainer holding it. If this is the case then that clip rotates and pops off the rod, then it should just come straight out of the hole

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NTMzWDE2MDA=/z/1oAAAOSwEeFVEifW/$_57.JPG

I just realised the orange clip I'm looking at is the cylinder to lock the car but I found this image off an eclipse which has a resemblance to the magna.

http://www.megzuri.com/wp-content/uploads/x/x-nature-2007-mitsubishi-eclipse-inside-door-handle.jpg

If it's this style you can see it has that flap if that's pushed back it should separate it self then the rod pops out

Remove the 10 mm bolts holding the door handle in and pull the handle out and up slightly, you will then be able to see and undo the clip from outside the car.
Remember to do this first before sitting the handle back in place and putting the bolts back on reassembly.

The electrical switch on the back of the lock comes off easily, so be gentle.
Check it is seated correctly once the handle and rods are back in place.


Once you get that block out, you can open it up and clean the contacts and bend the copper sliding strip to give better contact.

If, when everything is reassembled things still don't go right, try bending the rod slightly, the rod from the solenoid to the lock mechanism, that is.

Thanks guys. It's very helpful to see the door handle locking clip closeup. I'll have another go at it today. Hopefully I can convince the contacts to work and not have to replace the whole thing.

It's all working and back together now - thanks very much for the help :-)