Door lock issues
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Joined: Nov 2020
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From: Stuart, Fl
Door lock issues
I just had my 81' painted. Upon reassembly, I noted two issues with the door lock installation that maybe someone can shed some light.
The first is that I am able to lock but not unlock either door from outside using the key. It's as though there is not enough rotation capability in the quarter turn in one direction. This is occurring with both doors so I suspect it is something I am installing incorrectly. It appears the locks can be assembled 180 degrees out but only one direction ensures correct alignment with the inner lock assembly. Is there some type of adjustment available on the lock? There does not seem to be a lubrication issue as I had the regulators and track out and cleaned and lubbed.
The second issue is with the inner key assembly clip. It has an electrical attachment which I can only assume is part of the alarm system. The issue is that I can't see how it works. When the clip is installed, the button on the clip is pushed in, which allows continuity between two wires. However, there is nothing to ever allow the button to expand as it is permanently in a closed position when the clip is installed. Any ideas on how it functions?
Thanks for any insight.
The first is that I am able to lock but not unlock either door from outside using the key. It's as though there is not enough rotation capability in the quarter turn in one direction. This is occurring with both doors so I suspect it is something I am installing incorrectly. It appears the locks can be assembled 180 degrees out but only one direction ensures correct alignment with the inner lock assembly. Is there some type of adjustment available on the lock? There does not seem to be a lubrication issue as I had the regulators and track out and cleaned and lubbed.
The second issue is with the inner key assembly clip. It has an electrical attachment which I can only assume is part of the alarm system. The issue is that I can't see how it works. When the clip is installed, the button on the clip is pushed in, which allows continuity between two wires. However, there is nothing to ever allow the button to expand as it is permanently in a closed position when the clip is installed. Any ideas on how it functions?
Thanks for any insight.
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Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 578
Likes: 107
From: colo
I just had my 81' painted. Upon reassembly, I noted two issues with the door lock installation that maybe someone can shed some light.
The first is that I am able to lock but not unlock either door from outside using the key. It's as though there is not enough rotation capability in the quarter turn in one direction. This is occurring with both doors so I suspect it is something I am installing incorrectly. It appears the locks can be assembled 180 degrees out but only one direction ensures correct alignment with the inner lock assembly. Is there some type of adjustment available on the lock? There does not seem to be a lubrication issue as I had the regulators and track out and cleaned and lubbed.
The second issue is with the inner key assembly clip. It has an electrical attachment which I can only assume is part of the alarm system. The issue is that I can't see how it works. When the clip is installed, the button on the clip is pushed in, which allows continuity between two wires. However, there is nothing to ever allow the button to expand as it is permanently in a closed position when the clip is installed. Any ideas on how it functions?
Thanks for any insight.
The first is that I am able to lock but not unlock either door from outside using the key. It's as though there is not enough rotation capability in the quarter turn in one direction. This is occurring with both doors so I suspect it is something I am installing incorrectly. It appears the locks can be assembled 180 degrees out but only one direction ensures correct alignment with the inner lock assembly. Is there some type of adjustment available on the lock? There does not seem to be a lubrication issue as I had the regulators and track out and cleaned and lubbed.
The second issue is with the inner key assembly clip. It has an electrical attachment which I can only assume is part of the alarm system. The issue is that I can't see how it works. When the clip is installed, the button on the clip is pushed in, which allows continuity between two wires. However, there is nothing to ever allow the button to expand as it is permanently in a closed position when the clip is installed. Any ideas on how it functions?
Thanks for any insight.
The electrical attachment goes on the drivers side and when the key is turned it arms and disarms the lock. It should also have wires attached so that if someone tried to pull the lock out of the door it will set off the alarm
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 2,328
Likes: 724
From: Marietta GA
I agree they shop or whoever reinstalled the locks put them in the door backwards. Also the metal attachment (on the lock body) are
specific “passenger and driver,” you must make sure they are correct. Take both lock assemblies out and try the key with the metal attachment in your hand to ensure you have the correct on ( passenger/driver). The metal clip that holds the lock in is a pain to get back in. I used a large wooden paint stick to push it in. I will search for my photo. Make sure you have a ton of light, I used a few of the Free Harbor Freight LEDs placed inside the door. Good Luck.
specific “passenger and driver,” you must make sure they are correct. Take both lock assemblies out and try the key with the metal attachment in your hand to ensure you have the correct on ( passenger/driver). The metal clip that holds the lock in is a pain to get back in. I used a large wooden paint stick to push it in. I will search for my photo. Make sure you have a ton of light, I used a few of the Free Harbor Freight LEDs placed inside the door. Good Luck.
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Joined: Nov 2020
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From: Stuart, Fl
Thanks for the responses. Great stuff. Not sure what AIM stands for but I do have the original shop manual. Unfortunately, it does not address this issue.
Also, I will pull both lock assemblies back out and inspect. Not really sure what you mean by '180 degrees out' but will figure it out once I get them back in my hands.
I was unaware that the metal end arm attachment at the rear of the assembly was side specific but it makes sense. I agree that someone installed something backwards; possibly have the entire assembly in the wrong doors?
The diagram sent from Wilcox also makes sense now as my wiring harness was bundled so was unaware that the alarm consisted of two interconnected relays.
Thanks again for all the insight.
Also, I will pull both lock assemblies back out and inspect. Not really sure what you mean by '180 degrees out' but will figure it out once I get them back in my hands.
I was unaware that the metal end arm attachment at the rear of the assembly was side specific but it makes sense. I agree that someone installed something backwards; possibly have the entire assembly in the wrong doors?
The diagram sent from Wilcox also makes sense now as my wiring harness was bundled so was unaware that the alarm consisted of two interconnected relays.
Thanks again for all the insight.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 2,328
Likes: 724
From: Marietta GA
AIM is the Assembly Installation Manual that was used by the assembly line personnel at Chevrolet. You can find them on EBay or through any of the Corvette vendors, they are year specific.
