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My driver's side door lock wont work for some reason when I use the key in my '91. I can get it to open if i use the keyless or the passenger side automatic lock to unlock it, but just sticking the key in wont do it. Can anyone tell me how difficult it is to replace the cylinder in the door to get it to work? or maybe how much it would cost to have it done by a professional (i want one key to open both doors, so they need to be keyed the same).
Does the key turn in the lock? If it does the problem is that the rod to the lock has slipped out. Just pull the door panel and replace the rod.
Jerris
yeah it turns, it just doesnt unlock. do you think i need to replace the rod literally, or just reposition it correctly? I would go check to see if it was broken or just slipped, but Im at work right now.
There is a door lock pawl that connects the rod to the key cylinder. It sounds like your rod has come disconnected from this pawl and thus the key cylinder. If all the parts are there you should be able to reconect it and be done. If not, then you'll need to order replacements.
NOTE: I am not 100% sure of this and I don't have my Helms manual with me right now. I just think I remember this being the way it works.
Try getting a new key made first. Really... G.M. is known for this issue.
Beats taking the door panel off huh?
If he needed a new key the key would not turn in the lock. Dont waste money on a ney key if the one you have works and turns the lock.
yeah it turns, it just doesnt unlock. do you think i need to replace the rod literally, or just reposition it correctly? I would go check to see if it was broken or just slipped, but Im at work right now.
thanks for the help guys,
CJ
The rod has probably just slipped out of the plastic piece that holds it into the hole. Take off the panel and have a look, if the plastic retainer is broken you can get then from NAPA or Pep Boys, they are not specific to the Corvette and are cheap.
I agree with Jerris. The parts are probably there (may be in bottom of door), just need to assemble correctly. I have pictures of the lock and parts if you need them. SAM
...or another possibility is that the c-clip has come off the back of the lock. This clip holds the el. sw. for the alarm as well as a tab that joins the lock to the rod that others are saying may have come off.
A new key will achieve nothing, and I don't think lube will either..
I am sure you will need to remove the trim, and then you can visually see if it is either the rod in question, or a missing c/clip...Either way, there is not much room in there, so be patient...
If he needed a new key the key would not turn in the lock. Dont waste money on a ney key if the one you have works and turns the lock.
yeah it turns, it just doesnt unlock. do you think i need to replace the rod literally, or just reposition it correctly? I would go check to see if it was broken or just slipped, but Im at work right now.
thanks for the help guys,
CJ
The rod has probably just slipped out of the plastic piece that holds it into the hole. Take off the panel and have a look, if the plastic retainer is broken you can get then from NAPA or Pep Boys, they are not specific to the Corvette and are cheap.