Posted by Peter Florance on September 23, 1998 at 20:41:38:
In Reply to: Driver's door lock mechanism- Kaput posted by Cliff Robb on September 23, 1998 at 12:12:35:
: Well, after only 17 years and 146k miles, the locking mechanism on my drivers door has taken a powder. For the last few months, I have had to be careful not to pull up on the outside handle while the door was locked, or the lock would get jammed up & not unlock very easily. The other day it got worse. Now, if I lock the door from the outside with the key, it jams up & will not unlock with the key or by pulling up the inside knob. If I reach in from the rear door & push down the lock from the inside to lock the car, I can unlock with the key just fine. I have had the door panel off, but I am not sure what items are worn out & what I should replace. I am hoping I don't have to get a new lock with a different key. Can anybody tell me how to fix my lock? Thanks.
: -Cliff
Mine broke - it was the spring (2 turn coil with long legs that fit in holes in the lock part of the mech. As you raise and lower the inside lock button (or the shaft it threads on to) you'll see the hole the spring fits in. Look down at the bottom of you door to find the broken parts. Scotty's right, you can't get just the spring, Although you may figure out how to rig one.
But my mech was just bolted in. Came right out.
My mechs had also gotten really gummy, I soaked one in kerosene and relubed and it was ok, but I eventually replaced it.
Peter