door locked shut.

[jonsflavette]

well, the restro continues. installed new door lock, drivers side. The connecting rod to the lock mechinisim that goes up and down will not engage, or travel. this where the lock pawl, and inside push/pull knob connect. It simply won't move, even with alot of muscle. Any ideas???? Inside door panel is off, and I have a clear shot (as clear as vette doors get at least) at all mechinisims, but the door is now locked shut! FRUSTRATED!!!

 

[mhc64]

Did you figure this out?

I'm in the same boat. I am working on replacing the door handle but the door is now locked shut. My door panel is also off and I can see everything. I have tried manipulating the machanism. Everything seems to move but the door won't open.

Any help would be greatly appreciated..

 

[Kritter]

Oh no, I just worked through the same issue. I checked the locking/unlocking open/close latch before shutting the door (lucky) because mine wouldn't unlock once locked. After loosening the screws that hold the door locking mechanism thingy (three screws on door jamb) I was able to disengage the lock normally.

I know you don't have access to the jamb to loosen those screws but it appeared that the door locking mechanism was binding against the door, maybe gunk, dirt was preventing the proper slippage required for the mechanism to work.

What I did notice was that there is a hole in the door-door jamb which would allow one to unscrew the striker with the door locked shut (from inside the door). Not much access to that area but in a jamb (ha no pun intended) you should be able to reach through the access panel at the bottom of the door and get to the striker (post that holds door shut) and unscrew it. Not sure of the size of the hole in striker or if it is alan wrench or star tool. Someone else can chime in by actually looking at their striker.

I left the screws slightly loose and locks now work. I couldn't find why the lock bound just got it to work with the looser screws.