The APDTY 120298 door latch and lock actuator motor is a direct-replacement rear left (driver-side rear) component for 2007-2009 Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Tahoe, and GMC Yukon vehicles. This integrated assembly controls both the locking mechanism and the mechanical latch that holds the door closed, addressing common failures where rear doors won't lock, unlock electronically, or open from the inside handle.
Key Takeaways
- APDTY 120298 replaces rear left door latch actuator motors in 2007-2009 Escalade, Tahoe, and Yukon (2007 New Body Style only, not 2007 Classic)
- Supersedes GM OE part numbers 15896626, 15785128, 20783857, 25873488, 25876389, and 25945736
- Fixes doors that won't lock/unlock with key fob or power switches, or that won't open from inside
- Integrated latch and actuator assembly—replaces the entire unit for reliable operation
- Installation requires door panel removal; child safety lock position must be noted before removal
Buy APDTY 120298 directly from APDTY
What Does the Door Latch & Lock Actuator Motor Do?
The door latch and lock actuator motor is a single integrated assembly that performs two critical functions in modern vehicles:
- Latch mechanism: Mechanically holds the door closed by engaging the striker pin on the door jamb. When you pull the inside or outside handle, the latch releases to open the door.
- Lock actuator motor: Electrically locks and unlocks the door when you press the key fob, use the door switch, or trigger the central locking system.
In 2007-2009 GM full-size SUVs (Escalade, Tahoe, Yukon), these two components are combined into one replaceable unit. When the actuator motor fails, the door may still latch closed but won't lock or unlock electronically. When the latch mechanism fails, the door may not stay closed or won't open from the inside handle, even if the lock moves freely.
What Are the Symptoms of a Failed Rear Left Door Latch Actuator?
A failing door latch and actuator motor on the rear left (driver-side rear) door produces distinct symptoms:
- Door won't lock or unlock: Key fob and door switches have no effect on the rear left door, though other doors work normally. You may hear clicking or buzzing from inside the door panel as the motor attempts to move.
- Door won't open from inside: The interior handle pulls but the door doesn't unlatch. This is especially common after the latch mechanism's internal plastic gears strip or break.
- Door won't stay closed: The latch fails to engage the striker, causing the door to pop open while driving or to require slamming to latch.
- Intermittent operation: The door locks and unlatches sporadically, worsening over time as internal components wear.
- "Door ajar" warning stays on: The instrument cluster or message center indicates the rear left door is open even when it's fully closed, because the latch switch is faulty.
These symptoms typically worsen in cold weather, as moisture infiltration and temperature cycling accelerate wear on the motor and plastic latch components.
Which Vehicles Does APDTY 120298 Fit?
APDTY part number 120298 is engineered for the rear left (driver-side rear) door on the following vehicles:
| Year | Make | Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007* | Cadillac | Escalade | New Body Style only (does not fit 2007 Classic) |
| 2008–2009 | Cadillac | Escalade | All trims |
| 2007* | Chevrolet | Tahoe | New Body Style only (does not fit 2007 Classic) |
| 2008–2009 | Chevrolet | Tahoe | All trims |
| 2007* | GMC | Yukon | New Body Style only (does not fit 2007 Classic) |
| 2008–2009 | GMC | Yukon | All trims |
Important: 2007 models transitioned mid-year from the "Classic" platform to the "New Body Style" (GMT900). This part fits only the 2007 New Body Style and later. Verify your vehicle's production date and body style before ordering. For other door positions (front doors, right rear door), different APDTY part numbers are required.
This part replaces GM OE part numbers 15896626, 15785128, 20783857, 25873488, 25876389, and 25945736.
APDTY 120298 Specifications & Features
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| APDTY Part Number | 120298 |
| Position | Rear Left (Driver-Side Rear) |
| Component Type | Integrated Door Latch & Lock Actuator Motor Assembly |
| Condition | Brand New |
| Replaces OE Numbers | 15896626, 15785128, 20783857, 25873488, 25876389, 25945736 |
| Fitment | 2007*–2009 Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon (New Body Style) |
| Installation | Direct bolt-in replacement; requires door panel removal |
This assembly includes the complete latch mechanism, lock actuator motor, and integrated wiring connector for plug-and-play installation. No programming or relearning procedures are required after installation.
How Do You Install a Rear Door Latch Actuator?
Replacing the rear left door latch and actuator motor requires basic hand tools and attention to detail. This is a general overview; always consult a factory service manual for your specific vehicle:
- Disconnect the battery: Remove the negative battery cable to prevent accidental power window or lock operation during the repair.
- Remove the door panel: Unscrew or pry out trim fasteners, disconnect window and lock switch connectors, and lift the panel off the door frame. You may need to disengage clips along the panel perimeter.
- Peel back the vapor barrier: Carefully remove or fold back the plastic moisture barrier to access the latch assembly inside the door frame.
- Note the child safety lock position: Before removal, observe whether the child safety lock lever (on the latch edge) is in the locked or unlocked position, so you can set the new latch identically.
- Disconnect the actuator connector: Unplug the electrical connector from the latch assembly.
- Disconnect mechanical linkages: Detach the rods or cables that connect the interior handle, exterior handle, and (if equipped) keyhole cylinder to the latch. Note their routing for reassembly.
- Remove mounting bolts: Unbolt the latch assembly from the rear edge of the door frame (typically three bolts). Maneuver the assembly out through the access hole in the door frame.
- Install the new APDTY 120298 latch: Position the new assembly, align the bolt holes, and torque the mounting bolts to factory specification. Reconnect all mechanical linkages and the electrical connector.
- Test operation: Before reassembling the door panel, reconnect the battery and verify that the door locks, unlocks, and latches properly from both inside and outside handles and via the key fob.
- Reinstall the door panel: Reapply the vapor barrier, reattach the door panel, reconnect switches, and secure all fasteners.
Safety note: Always disconnect the battery and verify no power is present before working inside a door. Keep fingers clear of the latch mechanism during testing, as it can pinch with significant force.
Frequently asked questions
Will APDTY 120298 fit my 2007 Tahoe if it's a "Classic" model?
No. This part fits only the 2007 New Body Style (GMT900 platform) Tahoe, Escalade, and Yukon. The 2007 Classic uses a different latch design. Check your vehicle's build date and body style before ordering.
Do I need to program or code the new latch actuator after installation?
No programming is required. APDTY 120298 is a direct plug-and-play replacement. Once installed and the battery reconnected, the door lock system will operate normally without any relearn procedure.
Can I use this part on the front doors or the right rear door?
No. APDTY 120298 is specific to the rear left (driver-side rear) door position. Front doors and the right rear door require different part numbers with distinct mounting configurations and linkage designs.
What if my door won't open from the outside but works from the inside?
That symptom typically indicates a problem with the exterior handle linkage or the handle itself, not the latch actuator. Inspect the linkage rod and the exterior handle mechanism before replacing the latch. However, if the door also won't lock or unlock electronically, the latch actuator is likely the cause.
The APDTY 120298 door latch and lock actuator motor restores full function to the rear left door on 2007-2009 Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Tahoe, and GMC Yukon vehicles (New Body Style). By replacing both the latch mechanism and the lock actuator in one integrated assembly, this part solves the most common rear door failures—doors that won't lock, won't unlock, or won't open from inside—without the complexity of separate component replacement. If your rear left door is showing any of these symptoms, replacing the latch actuator with APDTY 120298 will restore convenient, reliable operation. Order today and regain full control of your vehicle's door system.