Help! Power Door Lock Not Working

[RonnieH]

When I try to lock the doors, the passenger door does not lock. It looks/sounds like the actuator tries to work, but the door does not lock. It will not lock with the key either.

Before I take the door panel off and troubleshoot, was hoping someone has experienced similar problem and can draw from their experience. Maybe it could be something as a lubrication issue.

If the actuator ultimately has to be replaced, has anyone had good luck purchasing one at a fair price, and if so, the supplier? I have not yet looked at prices thru Mid America or Eckler's, but my guess is they are not terriblly expensive, but I would still like to eliminate as many possible causes before going the route of a new actuator.

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[tmkassin]

If you are hearing the selonoid when you push the lock button and the key wont lock the door then it is probably the lock itself is gummed up. Take the panel off and see what is hanging up.

 

[gmjunkie]

Before you go too nuts,take the trim panel off the door,clean and lubricate the door latch and all moving linkage,Thats usually all it takes!!

PS.While your in there clean and lubricate the window regulator and tracks too,Your power window motor will love you for it!!

 

[RonnieH]

Thanks for the responses. Seems like you guys are thinking like me - most likely a lubrication issue. If I do need the actuator after all, Zip is not too far from me. However, every time I go there, I can't help myself and buy much more than originally intended or needed.

I am going to try and remove the door panel this w/e and look for some lube points.

 

[WhalePirot]

I am going to remove the door panel this w/e and look for some lube points.

It will be rather obvious, if not especially easy to see. The dirt imbedded in the old grease makes a paste-like glue on the interior door parts. I wiped, then used WD40 as a cleaner, followed by sparingly-applied lithium grease to refresh. The mechanism pivot points, sliders and any gearing are all targets for this tedious task, but Junk is right. Their operation is again like new and components will last longer when not fighting the sludge.

 

[RonnieH]

Thanks again. Makes very good sense to do a little P.M. while in there solving one problem.

 

[AV8R]

I have a 1990 coupe and the drivers door lock has progressively gotten harder to lock with the inner door lock switch or sliding it manually. Unlocking and opening the door is working ok. The passenger side has no problems locking or unlocking automatically or manually.

It might be the slides are getting sludge filled on the locking side, the actuator itself, or something else with the system. Spraying WD40 into the lock latch and switch slide had no effect.

If I have to remove the door panel, what is the right way to do this?

Merry Christmas