C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

1981 power door locks

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 25, 2010 | 12:48 PM
  #1  
gunner5's Avatar
gunner5
Thread Starter
Advanced
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 90
Likes: 1
From: Wharton, NJ
Default 1981 power door locks

I have a 1981 with power door locks, problem is the drivers side where you insert the key is electrical not mechanical. I have tested the lock, it gets juice when the key is turned to the left and right. But it will not unlock or lock the door, the power door lock switch inside the car works pefect. Ive checked for burnt out fuses.. Does anyone know if there is a relay specificly for this switch or if theres something im missing. Thanks for any help offered.

Frank
Reply
Old Apr 25, 2010 | 07:36 PM
  #2  
gbvette62's Avatar
gbvette62
Race Director
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 12,679
Likes: 3,130
From: Shamong, NJ
Default

The door key lock is not electrical. The lock is connected to the latch mechanism by a lock rod. When you turn the key left or right, the rod moves up or down, locking or unlocking the mechanism.

The electrical connection attached to the door lock is for the alarm. The alarm is armed and disarmed by the driver's door lock, on an 81.

The power door lock switches operate independently of the door key lock. I would guess that your problem has to do with the lock rod. It's probably either missing, bent or disconnected from the lock or the mechanism.
Reply




All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:34 AM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE