2011 Ford Ranger Sport 4x4 manual transmission. Drivers door randomly locks.
Sometimes by hitting door panel, other times just by opening door, some times while driving, sometimes just sitting there with engine off. Its been twice for service on this problem and all I get is a $120 diagnosis charge and no repairs done. It has even acted up on the technician while he was testing the system but he could not nail the problem down. The truck has not been in an accident since I've had it from new, before that I don't know. Any one with any ideas, I am not paying anymore diagnostic charges. Door always locks, never unlocks randomly. Other than that the remote works well, the manual locks work well, the lock button works well. I only use the drivers lock and never use the passanger lock so I don't know if when the drivers door random locks if it would lock the passanger side also as its alway locked. Sometimes it goes for weeks on end with no problems then it will trip alot for a day or two or a week, random.
HELP! Ford can'td fix it, can you?

 

well, it could be a problem with the switch that locks and unlocks the doors, or the wiring going to the switch, or occasionally you are picking up an electronic signal that locks your doors.

 

The fact it does it when drivers door panel is hit or door is opened or closed would mean the issue is in that doors wiring, so I would focus on that area.

The common place for door controls to get intermittent issues is where the wires go from door to body.
This is where the wires can rub together and get shorted as they are flexed each time door opens and closes.

You need to remove the drivers side kick panel and door panel.
Rubber boot can be slid back from either side but it is often hard to see all the wires in the confined space.
I would physically move wires around and try to get door to lock(make sure door is unlocked), see if you can localize a bad wire.

Best method would be to unhook all the wiring in the door and remove the door so all wiring is exposed, yes PITA but you would find the problem.
It could be a wire in the door, rubbed by window opening and closing, and just out of view inside door.


It could be wireless entry related but if physically hitting the door can cause it then I wouldn't think it was a module issue.
Some newer vehicles have automatic door locks when put into gear or if speed goes above 10mph, but again that shouldn't be effected by physical contact with the door.

Just to test for now, always unlock both doors(you said it only Locks not unlocks) while driving, see if the random lock effects both doors, if so then it could be a module issue, if only drivers door locks then I would pull off the door and check all the wires.

 

Hi there I'm having the same problem did you manage to find out what caused it? Cheers

 

Hardwood Laker, just wondering if you fixed the problem? I am having the same issue with my 2011 4X4. I replaced my drivers side door switch & it worked for one day, then went back to locking its self when I open door from outside & inside. It’s driving me nuts!!!