Door Latch Actuator installation?

Tiny
2010MKS
  • MEMBER
  • 2010 LINCOLN MKS
  • V6
  • TURBO
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 59,000 MILES
I am attempting to reinstall my new Drivers Front door Latch actuator. I had to break off some of the plastic parts to get the old one out. The service manual says to remove the lock cylinder and exterior door handle. I was able to remove handle, but I cannot find the "Tab" I am suppose to push to release the cylinder. I have everything out of the car but the cylinder lock rod. I can neither turn the new DLA in such a way as to connect the lock rod which has two 90s at the top and bottom, nor remove the lock cylinder to get help that way.

I spent three hours with two different expers on another site trying to remove the lock cylinder. I was told the tab was invisible, at 12 o'clock, only accessed from the interior side, must remove the torx screw the manual says NOT to remove to access it, it was a spring, a clip...

Everyone says if I pry it out of the plastic holder one or both of the ears will break. Needless to say, I am clueless what to do next. Please help.
Monday, February 2nd, 2026 AT 12:11 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,860 POSTS
Yep, these can be tough, the tab to help release the cylinder is at 9 o'clock from the outside and 3 o'clock from the inside. Check out the images (below). Please upload an image or a short video in your response, so I can see what's going on
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Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026 AT 4:07 PM
Tiny
2010MKS
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Thank you for your reply. Those graphics are from the service Manual but are not much help. I am attaching photographs from my car. BTW, the torx screw into the lock has fallen out (I was advised to loosen it eight full revolutions). Do I need to reinsert it?
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Tuesday, February 10th, 2026 AT 11:53 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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So the line, "I had to break off some of the plastic parts to get the old one out" concerns me, so is the lock out now trying to o back in or is the lock still trying to be removed? Let just remove the entire outer door handle so you can get a good look at the lock tumble. Here is how, just one screw. Check out the images (below). Once removed please send me an image so I can get a better look at the issue.
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Wednesday, February 11th, 2026 AT 9:03 AM
Tiny
2010MKS
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  • 4 POSTS
"the old one out" refers to the door latch actuator. The handle is loose, only attached by the wires on the forward end (driver's door handle). The picture is the one I sent you earlier. The lock is not out nor is anything broken off on it or the cylinder lock rod.
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Wednesday, February 11th, 2026 AT 12:33 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Th lock rod should unclip form the door latch actuator, can you please give me more images of what the problem is?
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Thursday, February 12th, 2026 AT 8:28 AM
Tiny
2010MKS
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I figured it out. Take a pick and enter at the nine o'clock position from the outside. There is a long tapering metal piece at that position which the arrow points to in the sketch above. Pull it towards you while pulling the lock cylinder with the key inserted. Voila! Thank you for your help.
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Thursday, February 12th, 2026 AT 12:04 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Glad you could get it fixed, thanks for letting us know. Please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help. Ken
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Friday, February 13th, 2026 AT 8:37 AM

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