Topic: Door lock/release sticks
in Forum: C3 Interior
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This is a "some times it does it and some times it doesn't" although lately it is happening more often.
I lock the car using the power locks.
Then I try to unlock the driver's door with my key.
The lock turns, but the door won't open.
I can go over to the passenger side and open the door with the key, no problem.
Then I try the power lock switch to open the driver's door and sometimes the door unlocks and sometimes it doesn't. The solenoids fire OK, but it just won't open.
Today I took off the inside door cover on the driver's side to see what was binding or out of adjustment. Didn't see anything wierd, so I put it all back together. Tried the power locks again and sometimes it unlocked OK and other times it wouldn't open. I finally had to use a coathanger, flashlight and a lot of sweat and naughty words to get it to open.
Here is a picture of the mechanism.
What should I be looking for?
The inside door lever pivots and pushes the door open lever down, but not enough if I have just locked it and unlocked it.
I pushed down on the door open lever with a coat hanger and it finally opened.
I don't dare lock it now. And if I don't lock it, it works fine.
Is there an adjustment somewhere?
Is it the lock inside the door that grabs onto the post when you close the door?
I am baffled.
HELP!!!
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Lifetime MemberThis is not uncommon.
It is a matter of lubrication. Soak it down with WD-40 or something similar. Work everything until it is loose and functioning. Then spray a white grease and load up the unit and work it in completely.
GM actually recommends a slurry made from blending regular grease, white grease, and motor oil to create a slimey mess that will run in place, not get stiff when cold, and stays in place once there.
But a combo of the penatrant and white grease works well. A bit of red grease on top of that will make it last a bit longer.
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Cramerton, NC - USA
Joined: 8/22/2006
Posts: 1094
Vette(s): black 1982 coupe slate gray interior, 350 crossfire, 1985 fuel pump, Steeroids R&P conversion
Dave, Ive had the same problem and finally replaced the latch mechanism. I hope you dont have to replace yours but if you do I highly recomend either getting a used GM latch or buying a new GM unit..ouch $$$$. I replaced mine with a cheap repro and it does not fit right, yes it works but no comparison with the original quality and I had trouble adjusting the strike bolt so the door would line up when closed.
[QUOTE=Crossfire1982]Dave, Ive had the same problem and finally replaced the latch mechanism. I hope you dont have to replace yours but if you do I highly recomend either getting a used GM latch or buying a new GM unit..ouch $$$$. I replaced mine with a cheap repro and it does not fit right, yes it works but no comparison with the original quality and I had trouble adjusting the strike bolt so the door would line up when closed.[/QUOTE]
Agree with chip need to just replace the latch mechanism. I jacked with mine about every way I could
. Still no luck. Finially got a GM repro one from Eckler's works great. I have noticed they seem to have gone down in price since I bought mine though. They are pricey but well worth the cost and trouble of messing with it all the time. Just my thoughts, thanks.
. Still no luck. Finially got a GM repro one from Eckler's works great. I have noticed they seem to have gone down in price since I bought mine though. They are pricey but well worth the cost and trouble of messing with it all the time. Just my thoughts, thanks.sgm2004
not trying to change the subject but on my car, (no power locks), the passenger door opens fine from the outside but will not open from the inside; suggestions
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Mounds View, MN - USA
Joined: 5/24/2007
Posts: 1031
Vette(s): 70 LT1 coupe, 69 350 HP coupe, 69 390HP 427 coupe, 71 LS5 convert, 85 coupe, 93 coupe
First, the locks. You are both right. Quite often cleaning and lubrication does the trick, and sometimes a little bend to the lock linkage will take up the wear. And sometimes you need to replace the unit. We have found a replacement unit that seems to fit and work fine.
As for the door not opening, take the door panel off and look for a rod that has fallen off between the handle and latch. Usually a new keeper will get you going again.
Larry
As for the door not opening, take the door panel off and look for a rod that has fallen off between the handle and latch. Usually a new keeper will get you going again.
Larry
Thanks for the helpful hints guys.
I took the door panel off again, sprayed all the mechanism with "Gunk Engine Cleaner", wiped off all the excess I could reach and then sprayed it all with WD40.
It has never worked better.
We'll see how long that lasts.
I might even do the passenger side as part of preventive maintenance.
And of course now I know for sure that my anti-theft alarm doesn't work.
Just one more mystery to solve.
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I had the same problem with mine removed the latch mechanism soaked in gas and cleaned with gunk, lubed with oil then wd40 and white greasereinstalled then workrd great
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Easley, SC - USA
Joined: 4/14/2008
Posts: 39
Vette(s): Yellow 1980, L48,Auto, Matching Numbers, Everything factory original...for now.
How big a pain is it to remove the latch mechanism ? I sprayed WD40 in mine and it worked a little while not it's stuck again. I think the WD40 only lasts a little while and I need to get some white grease in there but I want to clean it good first. Don't want to have to get into the door again.
in Forum: C3 Interior
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