2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Power door lock switches work intermittently - keyless entry works - Help!

[HeavyHauler]

I'm having trouble with the power door locks in my 2001 Ram. Both the driver and passenger side switches only work intermittently, but the keyless entry on my older Viper alarm system never fails to lock and unlock the doors. Sometimes I can get the locks to function if I wiggle the switch back and forth.

I don't know much about the power lock system, but it seems that if the keyless entry is working then the actuators would still be good, correct? Could both switches have gone bad or should I look for another problem?

Thanks!

 

[jfluffy2]

It could be the master switch on the driver's door going bad

 

[BMelhuish]

It's probably just the switch. But I don't know what you mean by intermittent. Both of mine sorta did that. I could play with them, and they would work. Discount Auto has the switches at a very reasonable price.

 

[klcammie]

It's probably just the switch. But I don't know what you mean by intermittent. Both of mine sorta did that. I could play with them, and they would work. Discount Auto has the switches at a very reasonable price.

That's what I did when I had same problem. Switches aren't to bad and were easy to install. Seems water gets on the switches from the window, when rolled down .

 

[HeavyHauler]

Thanks for the replies.

New switches did not fix the problem, unfortunately. I suppose the next step is to replace the actuator since the motor is built into that. Will report back when I get the actuator in.

 

[seafish]

On 3rd gen trucks it is EXTREMELY common for the wires inside the loom between the pillar and door to break due to metal fatigue. Sometimes they do not break all the way through the insualtaiotn, but instead INSIDE the insulation, leading to intermittent contact. NOT sure about the fragility of the door wires on 2nd gen trucks, but it may be worthwhile to investigate before throng more parts at the problem.