Rep Power: 0

We have a 2000 and 2002 Civic and the actuators work, sorta, they're just sludged up and need lubricating. ( WD40? )

Is this feasible?

 
Rep Power: 209

Did you remove the door panel and shine a light on the actuator?
Just a plastic arm that moves. You could try a spray bottle with 90/10 mix of water/dawn dish liquid to clean it. After that use silicone spray lubricant.

More than likely the actuator is on it's way out and will need replacing soon.

 
Rep Power: 0

No, I haven't done that yet, but actuators are only about $18, so if I'm going to do all that, I may as well replace them.

Are they hard to get to?

 
Rep Power: 209

Depends on coupe or sedan, back or front doors; Youtube

Just a warning for aftermarket replacements.. Dorman brand parts usually suck and that's why they're inexpensive. Up to you though.. I pulled one from a local junkyard for $7 (OE) for my '97 (6th gen) EX coupe.
The 7th gen actuators are easier to replace.

 
Rep Power: 0

Thanks. Shoulda mentioned that I have a 2002 Civic Ex with Vtec engine, 4 doors. Unusual but I have one. Had to look for a long time but actually found one that way.

And the 2000 is a plain old LX but with a VERY awesome engine that actually has more pep and perk than the Vtec in the other car. Don't know how to describe it, but it does.

 
Rep Power: 307

On 01-05s I think the little DC motor gets weak.

They use a plastic grease to lube the gears, and case surrounding is pretty much sealed.

Other Honda units likely similar. (01-05 seems to be worst)

 
Rep Power: 0

What was that about 7th generation being easy to change?

I also need to change at least one in the 2000 Civic, though.

 
Rep Power: 307

The fronts are mounted to the latch assembly at the back edge of the doors. The latch comes loose with 3 screws, and there is linkage to release (plastic swivel clips) and remove linkages from latch.

 
Rep Power: 0

Argghhh. I'm having a problem with the rear drivers side one on the 2002.

From that link, it looks like these are expensive too.

What about the 2000 Civics ( 4-door LX )? Anyone know how difficult they are?

Because these don't seem like things that the average mechanic does, and if they do, it aint cheap?

 
Rep Power: 307

You want to make sure it is getting voltage before replacing (broken wire in door harness) Listen closely & watch lock **** while locking/unlocking to determine if voltage is reaching actuator.

This shows the location for rear actuator.

 
Rep Power: 209

If you want parts cheap go to U-pull junk yards. Another benefit of U-pull is that you get to practice on parts instead of the one's on your car.
Watch Youtubes on parts replacement.. it will take out some of the guess-work for you.

 
Rep Power: 517

I'd do them all day long if anyone were willing to pay for the service.

02, rear, maybe 45 minutes?
00, rear, maybe an hour?

 
Rep Power: 0

Mechanics around here get about $85 an hour. I don't know what the units cost though.

Now it looks like we need 2 replaced in the back doors of the 2002 and one replaced on the front passenger side of the 2000.