Stuttering door lock actuator 2003 RAV4

[Sean]

I have a 2003 RAV that had a dead door lock actuator. I fixed it with an actuator motor I purchased on eBay to drop into the OEM assembly and all was well for about 2 weeks. Since then, the lock mechanism has developed a bit of a stutter when unlocking. It does work other than the annoying sound.

Here’s a video:

Any ideas on the cause? I’d really prefer to not have to take everything apart again unless I have an idea of what’s wrong.

Topic

[college man]

well we know power and ground is good.The bad news is the actuator is most likely at fault.
You may want to send the actuator back and pick up a OEM actuator.

[Sean]

To be clear, it is an OEM actuator, but I replaced the motor inside with one I purchased online. Like this:

http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/gJYAAOxyRuJTlyGo/s-l1600.jpg

Does the sound indicate gearing or the motor?

[Author]

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