1977 door locks
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 421
Likes: 27
From: Harrisburg PA
1977 door locks
Weird scenario...
With the key, I can Unlock driver's side, but not lock it;
With the key, I can lock the pass side, but cannot unlock it.
It has been this way for the three years I have owned the car.
Only thinking about it now, as I am replacing the door panels--may as well try to see if I can correct the issues while I am in there...
Thoughts?
Thanks
With the key, I can Unlock driver's side, but not lock it;
With the key, I can lock the pass side, but cannot unlock it.
It has been this way for the three years I have owned the car.
Only thinking about it now, as I am replacing the door panels--may as well try to see if I can correct the issues while I am in there...
Thoughts?
Thanks
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 148
Likes: 2
From: Lake Mary FL
I'm thinking it's the key. The only reason I'm thinking that is that on the drivers side to unlock you rotate the key clockwise. The same is true to lock the door on tthe passenger side. Of its not the original key it may have not been cut quite right. If it's the original perhaps it's worn. I have a 77 as well.
Also I have the original key on my Toyota and I have the same problem. The replacement key that I had made when the car was newer works fine on both sides.
Also I have the original key on my Toyota and I have the same problem. The replacement key that I had made when the car was newer works fine on both sides.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 421
Likes: 27
From: Harrisburg PA
I did lube the cylinder--was my first thought as well--tried some WD40, then some graphite...no luck with either...
As for the Key not cut right--that is an interesting thought/suggestion--only way to fix that might be new lock cylinders?
Both sets of keys do the same thing...one "might" be the original--it is definitely a bit worn looking, with the GM logos...the other set is definitely a re-cut...you are correct. though--they both work int he clockwise rotation, but will not budge, even slightly in the counter-clockwise rotation.
As for the Key not cut right--that is an interesting thought/suggestion--only way to fix that might be new lock cylinders?
Both sets of keys do the same thing...one "might" be the original--it is definitely a bit worn looking, with the GM logos...the other set is definitely a re-cut...you are correct. though--they both work int he clockwise rotation, but will not budge, even slightly in the counter-clockwise rotation.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 182
Likes: 14
From: Rangiora,New Zealand
I did lube the cylinder--was my first thought as well--tried some WD40, then some graphite...no luck with either...
As for the Key not cut right--that is an interesting thought/suggestion--only way to fix that might be new lock cylinders?
Both sets of keys do the same thing...one "might" be the original--it is definitely a bit worn looking, with the GM logos...the other set is definitely a re-cut...you are correct. though--they both work int he clockwise rotation, but will not budge, even slightly in the counter-clockwise rotation.
As for the Key not cut right--that is an interesting thought/suggestion--only way to fix that might be new lock cylinders?
Both sets of keys do the same thing...one "might" be the original--it is definitely a bit worn looking, with the GM logos...the other set is definitely a re-cut...you are correct. though--they both work int he clockwise rotation, but will not budge, even slightly in the counter-clockwise rotation.
Take the lock assembly out (not a hard job just fiddly)when you have the door panels off degrease it then ad new white lithium grease, it should be as good as a bought one
Cheers Dave
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 2,365
Likes: 428
From: Cape Girardeau Missouri
I did lube the cylinder--was my first thought as well--tried some WD40, then some graphite...no luck with either...
As for the Key not cut right--that is an interesting thought/suggestion--only way to fix that might be new lock cylinders?
Both sets of keys do the same thing...one "might" be the original--it is definitely a bit worn looking, with the GM logos...the other set is definitely a re-cut...you are correct. though--they both work int he clockwise rotation, but will not budge, even slightly in the counter-clockwise rotation.
As for the Key not cut right--that is an interesting thought/suggestion--only way to fix that might be new lock cylinders?
Both sets of keys do the same thing...one "might" be the original--it is definitely a bit worn looking, with the GM logos...the other set is definitely a re-cut...you are correct. though--they both work int he clockwise rotation, but will not budge, even slightly in the counter-clockwise rotation.
That sounds similar to my '79 when I got it. I definitely remember something like your problem even if I can't say for certain that it was the same. I do know however that the locks were very stiff and could barely be called "working".
The solution was disassembly, cleaning and lubrication. Now they work nicely even if it's difficult for big fingers to pull out the inside lock button on a '79. At least the power locks work fine now.
