Door lock issue

[Graham]

Hi all.

I didn't really know where to put this thread, it was a split decision between steering and drivetrain - since I'm the driver, or steerer and I can't get into my MU !!!

The drivers door lock sometimes refuses to unlock.
Symptoms - key bends if trying to open door from outside or trying to pull the locking knob from inside results in a sore finger & thumb.

I've managed to open it twice with a coathanger. It was then fine for a couple of days before happening again. Now the door panel is off and it happened again today so I was able to try and work out what's happening.
I found that a part of the locking mechanism isn't returning back to it's correct place, preventing the lock from being unlocked.
I think it's the same effect as if you pull the door handle and then try to unlock the door.

Has anyone had a similar issue and know how to fix it?

Cheers!
Graham.

[pig75]

Try some wd40 or similar on all the parts it worked on mine so far

[turnturn]

Mine does this occasionally as well.
I just flick/work the handle a couple of times and it comes right again for a while. Seems to work best if you lift the handle and let it go.

[JustinW]

I've had the same problem. I think its dirt washed or forced into the lock. I do find however that the new key I had cut works heaps better.

[Graham]

turnturn said:

Mine does this occasionally as well.
I just flick/work the handle a couple of times and it comes right again for a while. Seems to work best if you lift the handle and let it go.

Yes, this problem could be in the same area as mine, but WD40 may fix it if pulling the door handle can correct it for you.

In my case, it turns out there's a spring on the lock mechanism which had broken and I've finally fixed it!

This spring is supposed to pull a lever in the lock and without it, another lever would jam, preventing the door from being unlocked.

I replaced it yesterday and so far so good.
I ended up removing the whole lock from inside the door. Just 3 bolts were the latch is and disconnect 4 rods from the inside of the door. Only mild contortions required to remove it.

After tomorrow I'll be confident enough to put the door trim back on, it's only been a couple of months!

Ciao, Graham.