99 Protege ES locks... help please

[AKAthebadguy]

Ok so I got a 99 Mazda Protege ES last week from my mechanic. He said if anything goes wrong in the first month he will fix it for me. It already has a new engine in it with 80k, new spark plugs, all belts, water pump, etc.

Anyways so yesterday I noticed that when I lock/unlock the doors with power locks the drivers door no longer locks/unlocks. It tries to move up or down but doesn't. I just received my remote today I got on ebay and setup went smoothly, but the drivers door does not work. It unlocks and locks with key but not with power locks.

After searching the forums and google I found out that most likely it is either the actuator or possibly the door lock motor. I didn't hear any noise described in people's post when it is a bad actuator. Are there any other possibilities besides actuator or motor? I saw someone say they fixed this issue simply by opening motor housing and cleaning it out. Is there a way for me to find out what the problem is without taking the door panel off? His shop is a good 30 minute drive and I would prefer to have the part to take to him beforehand so I do not have to make multiple trips. I probably won't be able to make it out until next week since I work everyday and he is not open on weekends.

Thanks,
Rich

 

[AKAthebadguy]

It's weird though because it will work here and there. I just went out to car to grab a paper out of glove box and used the remote and all locks opened and closed. I will try again later.