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79' - Electric door locks

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Old Apr 2, 2020 | 12:11 PM
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Default 79' - Electric door locks

Hi,

Both electric door locks on my 79' do not operate (nothing happens or heard). Also, when I use the key to unlock both doors, it takes so much effort and it seems like the key is going to break. What do I need to replace? Actuators? If so, I see prices all over the place.

Thanks in advance.
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Old Apr 2, 2020 | 12:43 PM
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It was very common for people to disconnect the connector to the door lock switch, especially after having locked the keys in the car.

Solution: remove door panels, check to see if door lock disconnected. If not contacts may need to be cleaned. Test that connector has power.

Regarding using key to unlock doors: there is 41 year old grease in the lock and actuators. Clean them both and re-lube with white lithium grease.

Both items have been discussed in other threads.
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Old Apr 4, 2020 | 12:01 PM
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Originally Posted by jvmagic
Hi,

Both electric door locks on my 79' do not operate (nothing happens or heard). Also, when I use the key to unlock both doors, it takes so much effort and it seems like the key is going to break. What do I need to replace? Actuators? If so, I see prices all over the place.

Thanks in advance.
Lube you're locking mechanism and check the switch ground wires on the door. Both the grounds have to be good to allow either door to unlock/lock.
Craig
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Old Apr 4, 2020 | 03:03 PM
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https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...questions.html

around post 10

as above remove panels check switches..must have both switches connected to work..
can fix most..
move the locks clean and lube ,,while there consider new window cushions and cleaning lubing door handle too..my wife can now open door..
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Old Apr 4, 2020 | 08:48 PM
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Considering you feel like you'll break the key when unlocking your ONLY course of action is to remove, clean and lubricate the entire mechanism! Use white lithium grease on the arm pivot points. You can clean out the big lock mechanism with WD-40 and then lubricate with a machine oil. Use graphite to lubricate the lock cylinder.

The lock actuators will probably be shot. Look for Doorman brand replacements from general suppliers as they are still common parts.

While you're in there I suggest you completely recondition the window mechanism.

With some searching you'll find excellent instructions on how to do this.
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Old Apr 5, 2020 | 03:44 AM
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Originally Posted by SwampeastMike
The lock actuators will probably be shot. Look for Doorman brand replacements from general suppliers as they are still common parts.
Over 40 years, moisture finds its way into those door mechanisms and the plastic that protects the actuators (an electro-mechanical device) erodes and then the plunger mechanism that "pops" the door lock corrodes and locks up. As Swampy, states, time to remove the door panels, clean, lube and restore the entire lock mechanism.
With some searching you'll find excellent instructions on how to do this.
Here's an article that describes the process of restoring the power door lock mechanism including replacing door lock actuators. It's a fun project and quite satisfying.

http://www.hunt4cleanair.net/Article...lockrepair.pdf
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Old Apr 5, 2020 | 10:15 AM
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☝️
also see this video..not a vette but helped my fix my originals perfectly..how about some pics of your discoveries? As you go..
i agree very satisfying


Last edited by interpon; Apr 5, 2020 at 10:15 AM.
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