Auto Door Lock Issue 2003 Tundra access Cab

Greetings all,
I'm having a door lock issue on my 2003 Tundra Access Cab. When using the fob from my alarm remote, only the passenger side locks and unlocks. On the driver side, I can see the small lock lever on the inside of the door move slightly, but not enough to either unlock or lock the door (depending on it's current state). I can also hear the lock actuator functioning (it sounds just as strong as the passenger side actuator, if that matters). It exhibits the same behavior if I use the lock/unlock button on the inside of the door. I can manually lock and unlock the door using the lock/unlock lever near the door handle, as well as lock/unlock the door from the outside using my key.

Does this sound like a linkage issue?

 

I’ve had this happen on previous vehicles when the door is not adjusted properly and there is tension on the latch where it meets the strike.

I’ve also seen it when the latch is gummed up.

I’ve also seen it on customer cars when the actuator is dying a slow death, and less commonly when linkage isn’t working properly.

Sadly, I’d memory serves, you can’t lock the doors with the door open, a safety feature, else I’d tell you to test with the door open.

First step I’d take to diagnose is to lean my body weight into the door, forcing it inward, then tap the button. Does it lock?

 

Thanks, Shifty,

Sadly, I tried your suggestion and the lock behaves the same whether the driver door is wide open or whether I have my full weight forcing it inward. I can hear the actuator cycling, but the door does not lock/unlock and the manual lock lever inside only travels about 1/8" as I cycle the lock with either the remote or the lock switch on the door.

 

The door actuator @Shifty mentioned above is what you're needing to look into IMHO.
Either the actuator or actuator motor is dying a slow death or the 2 rods that affect the outside door handle need attention or the cable that affects the door button needs attention.

As seen in pic below, the white tipped cable at door button is what moves the lock/unlock button.
In any case, removing the door card for better inspection is where I feel you are.
Plenty of you tubes in how to accomplish all that and can offer unless you find one your self.

video but

This is an 04 Tundra but should be very much similar to your 03.

 

Thanks, Bubba. Will try this.

 

While you’re in there, clean, then lube.