03 Chieftain Electric Door Lock Update

**Petro** · 03-18-2010, 07:04 PM

I had an opportunity to remove the electric door lock actuator in the entry door. It was attached to the door lock lever with a stiff wire. The door lock on that door now works manually. I tested the actuator and it is dead. I can't move the plunger so I suspect it overheated. I tested the module by using a test light on the door post contacts. I get a light when using the key fobs in both the lock and unlock modes. It appears the main module under the dash cover is working properly.

I called David at Lichtsinn Motors yesterday and he advised the switch by the entry door is no longer available because the door lock system is manufactured by SCS Frigette and they are out of business. I was able to rejuvenate the sticking switch by spraying WD 42 in the switch and it tested out OK so I lucked out on that. Lichtsinn had a supply of actuators in stock so I was able to order 2 as the driver door lock is froze also. I will have to take off the driver door panel when I get back home to WI. It appears to be a difficult job because that door panel holds the HWH jack control, electric mirror control, electric sun visor controls, and electric window control. I am hoping that when the actuators are replaced the system will be back to normal again.

Don

smlranger · 03-18-2010, 07:11 PM

Don, we gotta love these things as much as we have to tinker with them. My neighbors see me working on mine and tell me it must be my hobby within my hobby

Daysu47 · 03-19-2010, 08:49 AM

Don, if I remember right I took my door panel off to do the samething as you. The panel comes off pretty easy and all the controls are attached to the panel. I don't recall any major difficulties.

Good luck,

PDI · 03-21-2010, 08:09 AM

last year I had the same problem. The switch by the entry door was sticking. The dealer replaced the switch and replaced the actuator's. To tell you the truth, If it goes again. I'll just use the keys.

**Petro** · 03-22-2010, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PDI

last year I had the same problem. The switch by the entry door was sticking. The dealer replaced the switch and replaced the actuator's. To tell you the truth, If it goes again. I'll just use the keys.

Thanks for the reply. My DW said the same thing. The switch is no longer available so we will use the key fobs also.

Don

Clay L · 03-22-2010, 09:36 AM

I had heard that they were out of business and also saw a post that indicated they were now open. I did a search and found this site that sure looks like they are up and running. You might want to call their 800 number and see if they are.
At the bottom of the web page above they show an electronic door opener.