MX5 Door Opening Problem. Help?

[emeseey]

G'day,

I have a problem with opening the drivers door on my 1989 mx5. I can get the door open from both inside and outside, however... from the outside you have to open the door handle while the key is completely turned and from the inside you have to open the handle while you are holding the lock completely across into the open position. I was wondering if anyone can tell me if I need to get a new drivers side door handle and mechanism or if it is just a broken spring or something. Help would be appreciated. Cheers Lochie

[daffyflyer]

Mine does this too, im told if you take apart the lock and put it back together all clean and freshly greased, it should work again

(that is if i understand the problem correctly )

[emeseey]

G'day, thanks for the reply... I did take it apart once and put it back together (didn't clean it so much) and it just made it worse haha. Basically the problem is the door opens but the lock must be held open when you pull the handle. I might try taking it apart again and grease it a bit. Its just sooo damb hot right now. Thanks

[Fuzzlet]

Or the trick I used to do. With the door locked, open the outside handle as far as it can, and then let go of it. Insert key/press keyfob to unlock door Common problem with the NAs

[Fatty]

it sounds like you have a similar problem to cshaks.. he was able to solve it by replacing a spring

read this as it might give you a few tips:

viewtopic.php?f=28&t=34043

[emeseey]

thanks heaps for everyones help... i had a read of that thread you posted up... went out to my car and i still have the spring! so i guess that eliminates that however my problem still exists tomorrow i will take the trim off and see what i can clean and grease. it just doesn't feel like its all there when i push the lock tab over to lock/unlock compared to the passengers side which feels fine. It kinda gets hard to push over and it springs back a bit the other way. even when i pull the door handle the lock tab thing retracts a bit. hmm

[emeseey]

well today i took the entire trim off to try and fix the problem. Could not find any loose or missing springs and after greasing and lubricating the mechanism still no luck Considering taking the car to a panel beater as i figure they would deal with door lock mechanisms all the time. Thanks for all the help anyway Lochie