[FunkZ]

Two years ago I replaced both rear door lock actuators, they started to act up intermittently around the same time and thanks to this site the problem was easily diagnosed and corrected. They've worked great ever since. Then a few months ago the front passenger door started doing the same thing, and I replaced that actuator as well, and again problem solved.

But now the front passenger door is again not opening from the outside. It's not the cold or ice, the car is garage kept. I don't believe it's the micro switches, as with my passive entry enabled, I can hear the other doors unlock whenever I pull on the outside handle. And the door opens fine using the inside handle. It just won't open from the outside.

So does the actuator need replaced again? Or could it be something else?

 

[HurstGN]

There are 2 microswitches. One performs the unlock, the other energizes the actuator, so it can still be the switches. Lookup the youtube video to test the switches. You basically open the door, remove the interior panel, and unplug the door handle. Then use a multimeter to verify continuity of the switches when pulling on the door handle. Easy enough to do before spending money on parts.

When mine went bad, I discovered there is a little play in the door handle mechanism, and if I pulled out and up a little on the handle, it would sometimes open the door. It was a workaround till I got the switch assembly mailed and installed.

 

[FunkZ]

Ok so where is everyone ordering their replacement switches from? I checked Rock Auto and not finding it, unless they're listed under a different name?

 

[alphadg21]

Did my passenger door a few months ago when it stopped working. I had similar symptoms to you. I pulled on passenger door handle, other doors would unlock, but passenger door wouldn't open. I ordered from GM Parts Direct. The two parts for me were called HANDLE BASE and HANDLE, OUTSIDE. I highly recommend replacing the gaskets to make sure you have a good seal on the outside.

Note: the inside door handle *should* always open because it's a mechanical connection, not an electrical one. Pulling the handle physically moves the lock actuator to the unlocked position. At least that's how it works on my '13.

 

[HurstGN]

Back in the day, I sourced mine from Amazon.

 

[FunkZ]

Just as a follow-up/FYI to this thread, I finally got around to fixing this. Found and ordered a replacement part from Amazon World Parts Direct for $50 for my front passenger door. Great video on how to replace on YouTube

Based on the search on GM part numbers for 2009 these differed with or without remote start. I would think the actual difference is with or without passive entry, but possibly all cars with remote start also had passive entry?

25979141 - right remote start
25864474 - right no rem start
25979140 - left remote start
25864473 - left no rem start

 

[tinman]

Lol, 6 months later!

 

[Long]

Still need to do this.
Not high on the priority list.

 

[FunkZ]

Lol, same. The times I had a passenger I just had to open the door for them from inside. They're used to waiting on me anyway cause I never use the fob to unlock so if they beat me to the car they still have to wait for me to open my door first.

Sent from my SM-J727V using Tapatalk

 

[Long]

Lol, same. The times I had a passenger I just had to open the door for them from inside. They're used to waiting on me anyway cause I never use the fob to unlock so if they beat me to the car they still have to wait for me to open my door first.

Yep, same.
Kind of a PITA right now, but less work than taking the door apart.

 

[Long]

Ordered the part today from a reputable seller on Ebay.
GMPartsDirect had a good price of around $42, but a whopping $15+ for shipping...uh, no thanks.

Maybe physically having the part on hand will get me moving on fixing this.

 

[HurstGN]

I'll bet Mrs. Long can motivate you!!

 

[Rickster424]

I just had this start on my driver's door today. Thanks to this forum, at least I have an idea how to fix it. I do think it's the microswitches because I can hear the actuator working when I pull the handle, it just doesn't release the actuator. Right now it seems to be working some of the time, but it's damned annoying!

 

[Long]

I'll bet Mrs. Long can motivate you!!

Yes, yes she can--
But what does that have to do with fixing my car?

 

[Long]

Fixed my passenger door after work today. Bad microswitch(es).
Davedogcaddy's vid is a must for anyone attempting a door handle replacement.
$45 through a GM dealer out of New Mexico via Ebay.