C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Power locks...'sorta' work

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Old Sep 22, 2010 | 06:33 PM
  #1  
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Default Power locks...'sorta' work

In my 93, I can't lock or unlock both doors with the button or key fob. The passenger side will UNlock with the key fob, and almost lock via the the switch. The driver's side lock tab on the inside will move a little, but it's more like a little nudge... It's just enough to tell me that there's juice in the system.

So I'm wondering if this stuff just gets gummed up and can be restored with some simple cleaning and lubrication, or do I have to buy some new parts?

I'm going to tear into it soon, I just figured I'd ask first. Thanks!

-Mike
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Old Sep 22, 2010 | 07:37 PM
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Clean and lube.

If that doesn't work, then new solenoids.

In order to do it right, you need to take the door panels off to get
to the mechanism.
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Old Sep 23, 2010 | 08:10 AM
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MOST likely, like most of C4's the little plastic slide with the red or grey (depending on year) indicator warps over time and gets bound up in the slide mechanism. If you doorpanel has EVER been off on the sticking side, the slide rod going to the slide was bent, almost 100% of the time that happens, Take the door panel off either way, bend the slide rod CAREFULLYto close in to the door, IF you bow the rod, it will be worse than it is now, its kinda of a trial error and is pain, but this is the usual suspect , either way, once the door panel is offer, you can test the lock actuator. its a 15 minute job if you have taken door panel off before and are familiar.
Good Luck!
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Old Sep 23, 2010 | 09:29 AM
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Originally Posted by Keystring
Clean and lube.

If that doesn't work, then new solenoids.

In order to do it right, you need to take the door panels off to get
to the mechanism.
Pull the door panels off and clean/lube all the moving parts of the lock system. Mine did the same thing, I cleaned it and it's all good now. I was amazed at how much dust build-up was behind the door panels.
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Old Sep 23, 2010 | 09:53 AM
  #5  
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Originally Posted by corvette95
MOST likely, like most of C4's the little plastic slide with the red or grey (depending on year) indicator warps over time and gets bound up in the slide mechanism. If you doorpanel has EVER been off on the sticking side, the slide rod going to the slide was bent, almost 100% of the time that happens, Take the door panel off either way, bend the slide rod CAREFULLYto close in to the door, IF you bow the rod, it will be worse than it is now, its kinda of a trial error and is pain, but this is the usual suspect , either way, once the door panel is offer, you can test the lock actuator. its a 15 minute job if you have taken door panel off before and are familiar.
Good Luck!

Yuppers. This is almost always the case.
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Old Sep 23, 2010 | 11:00 AM
  #6  
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Originally Posted by corvette95
MOST likely, like most of C4's the little plastic slide with the red or grey (depending on year) indicator warps over time and gets bound up in the slide mechanism. If you doorpanel has EVER been off on the sticking side, the slide rod going to the slide was bent, almost 100% of the time that happens, Take the door panel off either way, bend the slide rod CAREFULLYto close in to the door, IF you bow the rod, it will be worse than it is now, its kinda of a trial error and is pain, but this is the usual suspect , either way, once the door panel is offer, you can test the lock actuator. its a 15 minute job if you have taken door panel off before and are familiar.
Good Luck!
I agree. Also, the end of the rod that goes into the little plastic piece you see under the door handle sometimes don't get put together correctly after the door has been off. Ask me how I know.. Then the rod is actually moving but it clinched up by the plastic piece and not fullly engaging or disengaging the lock mechanism...
Good Lock......
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Old Sep 24, 2010 | 09:47 AM
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I had the same problem. Cleaning and lubing didn't help.
My solenoids were "tired".
I bent up some new links about 1/4" shorter.
That was about 2 years ago. Locks are still working fine.

Last edited by Joe B.; Sep 6, 2012 at 09:03 AM.
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Old Sep 24, 2010 | 11:58 AM
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You need to read up on how the PKE works (owners manual), you cannot lock the doors with the fob keys, you can only unlock the drivers side with the fob keys.
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Old Oct 25, 2010 | 11:59 AM
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And how do the door panels come off? I seem to be stuck ive got all the clips and the screw by the door handle, it looks like there is 1 behind the light but I can't get that Piece out :/ im kinda at a loss right now.
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