Door Lock Actuator?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 189
Likes: 0
From: Los Alamos NM
Door Lock Actuator?
1996 CE LT1:
A couple of weeks ago I started having a problem with the power door lock on the driver's side only. Unlocking works perfectly, but when I hit the power lock to lock all the doors only the passenger door locks. I can see that the driver's side lock moves back, but it doesn't completely lock. I can manually lock it so I don't think the lock itself is broken.
I was able to get the power lock to work once today after manually locking it several times. Is it possible the actuator is bad? Maybe the lock just needs lubrication to make it easier for it to engage? Since it works every once in a while, I think it has to be something simple.
Any ideas?
A couple of weeks ago I started having a problem with the power door lock on the driver's side only. Unlocking works perfectly, but when I hit the power lock to lock all the doors only the passenger door locks. I can see that the driver's side lock moves back, but it doesn't completely lock. I can manually lock it so I don't think the lock itself is broken.
I was able to get the power lock to work once today after manually locking it several times. Is it possible the actuator is bad? Maybe the lock just needs lubrication to make it easier for it to engage? Since it works every once in a while, I think it has to be something simple.
Any ideas?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 189
Likes: 0
From: Los Alamos NM
I think I'll try AntFarmer's advice first. It's less expensive and won't do any harm. If that doesn't work I'll replace the actuator, actually probably do both doors at the same time.
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Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 14,621
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From: NEwhere Ohio
what is 'an actuator' ...? are you talking about the motor?
im having the same issue on my drivers side.
if you hit lock the passenger side locks, but the drivers side lock slide bar moves half way.
if you hold the power lock switch, the drivers side lock bar will usually move the rest of the way and lock it. however, sometimes ive had to manually lock it.
note this is only an issue when the car is OFF (12v).
if the car is running (14 volts), the power door lock usually works the first time.
im having the same issue on my drivers side.
if you hit lock the passenger side locks, but the drivers side lock slide bar moves half way.
if you hold the power lock switch, the drivers side lock bar will usually move the rest of the way and lock it. however, sometimes ive had to manually lock it.
note this is only an issue when the car is OFF (12v).
if the car is running (14 volts), the power door lock usually works the first time.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 17,982
Likes: 1,072
From: Lansing MI
Sure thing. Labor is free so if that doesn't do it then you will know for sure that its not a binding link rod or something, plus you wont be out anything.
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Race Director
Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Lansing MI
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 189
Likes: 0
From: Los Alamos NM
Lubricating the locking mechanism fixed the issue. Unfortunately I didn't have window sweeps available, but now I know how to get in there. As I started working on getting the door panel off I noticed that it doesn't look like it fits quite right at the front. The insulation seems to be uncovered on the top of the door near the front. Does that sound right?
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 17,982
Likes: 1,072
From: Lansing MI
Lubricating the locking mechanism fixed the issue. Unfortunately I didn't have window sweeps available, but now I know how to get in there. As I started working on getting the door panel off I noticed that it doesn't look like it fits quite right at the front. The insulation seems to be uncovered on the top of the door near the front. Does that sound right?
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 15,926
Likes: 578
Lubricating the locking mechanism fixed the issue. Unfortunately I didn't have window sweeps available, but now I know how to get in there. As I started working on getting the door panel off I noticed that it doesn't look like it fits quite right at the front. The insulation seems to be uncovered on the top of the door near the front. Does that sound right?
on my 94 I put two screws one front and one back on a slight angle to hook over the door frame to hold the pad tight works great and the screw is hidden by the sweep. 