Power Door Lock getting stuck
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,858
Likes: 7
From: Santa Maria CA
Power Door Lock getting stuck
Passenger door lock gets stuck. I have to hit the switch fast several times to get it to lock.
I did a search on the topic and came up with the following replies:
Bad power lock switches
Damaged voltage feed wire to the switch
Lack of lubrication of mechanical parts behind door panel.
Are these all the probable causes? Any other suggestions from those who have fixed this issue? I took the door panel off and could not find anything wrong comparing it to the other side what works. I don't see why it would be the switches if the driver's side works fine with either one.
What I've noticed.
It takes less times hitting the switch with the engine running than off.
It makes no difference if I use the passanger or driver's side switch.
It only get's stuck when trying to lock, but never when unlocking.
It still get's stuck with the plastic slide piece removed.
I'ts only the passenger side.
Click below for video.
Any suggestions? The Shop Manual does not cover this issue.
I did a search on the topic and came up with the following replies:
Bad power lock switches
Damaged voltage feed wire to the switch
Lack of lubrication of mechanical parts behind door panel.
Are these all the probable causes? Any other suggestions from those who have fixed this issue? I took the door panel off and could not find anything wrong comparing it to the other side what works. I don't see why it would be the switches if the driver's side works fine with either one.
What I've noticed.
It takes less times hitting the switch with the engine running than off.
It makes no difference if I use the passanger or driver's side switch.
It only get's stuck when trying to lock, but never when unlocking.
It still get's stuck with the plastic slide piece removed.
I'ts only the passenger side.
Click below for video.
Any suggestions? The Shop Manual does not cover this issue.
Last edited by 86PACER; Feb 12, 2006 at 10:35 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,789
Likes: 8
From: Myrtle Beach SC
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
I have the same problem but it was fine before the last time I had the panel off.I noticed on mine the switch is pretty tight to slide so my guess is I fubared the re install.I plan on pulling it again and lubing what I can and hope for the best.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 146
Likes: 0
Cleaning you locks
On my 84, I had to take the door panel apart, and really really clean the whole locking mechanism. After time, they tend to "gum up". If the solinoid is strong, this isn't usually a problem. As it becomes weaker over time, the dirt tends to make it do what you discribe. Just a thought. 
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
The lock solenoid is probably slow, maybe gummed up with old grease. Does it work with the keyless? A slow solenoid takes a longer pulse to make it work. Some of the keyless systems have the option of longer signal pulses.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,858
Likes: 7
From: Santa Maria CA
It's been hanging up like this on and off even before the keyless. Keyless or door switch make no difference. It's not a problem, more of a nuisance. I'll try cleaning out the gunk as suggested.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,858
Likes: 7
From: Santa Maria CA
It will still stick wether I hold the lock long or do a short hit. Shorter quicker hits like in the video, work better than long ones. Still I can never get it on just one.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 363
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville, Fl
My driverside door did this for about two weeks after I replaced the power window motor.
My guess is that when I took the door apart I bent the rod that guides the sliding piece (the one that tells you wether or not your door is open) towards the outer skin of the door and this caused it to rub against the plastic.
I grabbed the switched and forced it back and forth manaully and it eventually straightened out enough to were I didnt have to take the door apart again.
Works great now.
My guess is that when I took the door apart I bent the rod that guides the sliding piece (the one that tells you wether or not your door is open) towards the outer skin of the door and this caused it to rub against the plastic.
I grabbed the switched and forced it back and forth manaully and it eventually straightened out enough to were I didnt have to take the door apart again.
Works great now.
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Drifting
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,747
Likes: 0
From: Port McNicoll Ontario
Mine does it too on the passenger side only. I want to get keyless entry installed but won't bother if I need to be in the car to visually confirm that the passenger door is locked.
Sorry, No answers here.
Sorry, No answers here.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 95
Likes: 0
From: Kansas City MO
i had the same issue with our 87 a few years back, don't know if it's the same problem as yours. the manual slide switch was getting hung up. if you ever had that slide off it has a clip that pushes onto the rod. the plastic was worn and getting jammed. i bought a new slide swtich from GM and problem gone.....
