Door lock problem

cshaks · Postby **cshaks** » Thu Nov 27, 2008 9:46 pm

Hi all, I have a problem with the drivers door lock.
Yesterday I locked the car from the inside latch, then closed the door. On returning to the car, I could not open the lock.
The key turns all the way freely, but on trying the interior lock mechanism is seems as though it jams after moving about half way.
The only way I have been able to free it up is by jiggling the interior lock mechanism and trying the exterior door handle at the same time.

Has anyone encountered this problem before?

I tried searching the forums but all I found was problems with central locking...

Mine is a '95 NA8 with no central locking.

I haven't pulled the skins off the door yet to have a look...... (never done that on my car yet... any tips?)

Any help would be appreciated....
Cheers
Chris.

Juffa · Postby **Juffa** » Fri Nov 28, 2008 8:28 am

Might be a problem with the lock mechanisim. Something similar happened to a friends 5 and to one of mine. There is a small spring that had broken in both cases. I pulled the door skin off and ran my had along the inside bottom edge of the door and found the spring. Once I worked out where it had come from I twisted the end of the spring so it would stay put and then re-fitted it. I think it is just a wear and tear type thing, especially on a daily driver.

By the way I have read that it is possible to get the door skin off with the door closed. Have not tried it myself, but did see a few threads on the big forum.

If you need a hand I am also in Melb, in Chelsea.

J

trader · Postby **trader** » Fri Nov 28, 2008 9:53 am

I think Juffa is 99.9% right as I had the same problem. Rather than try to take off the door trim (I dont know how you do that with the door locked) lower the window and then with a torch you should be able to see the spring (20 mm long and 10mm dia if it is still intact - can look at the good door to see where it goes). Use a coat hanger wire and with a bit of experimenting you should be able to release the lock. The door trim has to be removed to get at it to replace (I was able to rebend mine and use it again).

Steampunk · Postby **Steampunk** » Fri Nov 28, 2008 11:13 am

I know this is not much help, but I have very similar problems with my 94 NA8.
Although I use my central locking remote 99% of the time, the few times I've tried locking/unlocking with the key, it feels like it doesn't "catch" onto anything to release the lock.
Keep us posted on the problem and the fix please.

cshaks · Postby **cshaks** » Fri Nov 28, 2008 5:07 pm

Thanks for the replies guys, I'll try to get out into the shed tonight and get the door skin off for a look see.
Here's the weird thing though, it seems to only happen if I lock the car from the interior door lock and close it with the exterior handle held out. If I shut the door normally and then use the key to lock it, the whole thing works perfectly.
Weird!
Anyways, I might get to it tonight, either way, I'll post up what ever I find.
Cheers
Chris

fattima · Postby **fattima** » Fri Nov 28, 2008 6:06 pm

Chris I had the same thing happen to me, could not work it out. I lubricated the lock with graphite and it came good, I'm still not convinced the lubrication fixed the problem as it felt like the mechanism was jamming further in the door. Anyway it has never happened again, having said that it will stuff up next time I drive the car :lol:

cshaks · Postby **cshaks** » Fri Nov 28, 2008 7:17 pm

fattima wrote:Chris I had the same thing happen to me, could not work it out. I lubricated the lock with graphite and it came good, I'm still not convinced the lubrication fixed the problem as it felt like the mechanism was jamming further in the door. Anyway it has never happened again, having said that it will stuff up next time I drive the car

All fixed now.... Bruce, if you are at the PI meet I will show you what I did if you like...
You guys were right, it was a broken spring.
It's the return spring for the interior latch mechanism, and without it the latch does not always return to the "home" position, thereby not allowing the lock cam to return fully home, which is why it had me stumped, as the problem seemed to be intermittent at first.
BUT, when you operate the exterior latch, the latch mech returns home, allowing you to unlock the door.
SO... if the spring comes off, flicking the exterior door handle a couple of times, could allow the lock to move enough to open and get the door open, allowing you to get the trim off the door, without having to try and remove it with the door closed....
By the way, that spring is in a PRICK of a spot to get to!

Cheers, and thanks again everyone for your help!

Chris

sabretooth · Postby **sabretooth** » Mon Dec 08, 2008 9:29 pm

That's the spring - it broke on mine too. The lock was fine so long as I used the central locking remote - but the moment I used the interior lock - game over.

cshaks · Postby **cshaks** » Tue Dec 09, 2008 3:56 pm

Thanks for posting the pic Sabretooth, that the one that went all right. Rebent the snapped end with a set of long nosed pliers and all was good. Couldn't find the camera to takea pic at the time though.
Cheers
Chris

Postby **Okibi** » Tue Dec 09, 2008 7:41 pm

Bunnings sell a collection of different types of springs, it may be better to get a whole new spring than trust one that's already broken once.

I've used Bunnings springs on my latches and they've been find for years.

cshaks · Postby **cshaks** » Wed Dec 10, 2008 4:08 pm

Okibi wrote:Bunnings sell a collection of different types of springs, it may be better to get a whole new spring than trust one that's already broken once.

I've used Bunnings springs on my latches and they've been find for years.

Thanks Dave, I'll have a look next time I'm there....
At least it is working now.....

Chris

goo · Postby **goo** » Fri Sep 10, 2010 2:05 am

Hey okibi, what's the length and diameter of the sprin to buy from bunnings? I think my drivers door has popped it's spring ...

Postby **Okibi** » Fri Sep 10, 2010 2:53 am

G'day Goo,

I haven't replaced the springs in my door with bunnings items (but i've done the soft top ones), they have a good range of springs just take your 1 good spring with you and match it.

cshaks · Postby **cshaks** » Fri Sep 10, 2010 10:24 am

Goo,
I've sold my car now, but its been nearly 3 years since the repair, I didn't end up replacing the spring. The old one was still working fine when I sold the car, and as far as I know, it still is. I was lucky enough that it was only broken a few millimetres from the end, so I could just re-bend a new tag onto it.

Chris