Driver's door lock not working

Post by **simonc** » Mon Aug 31, 2015 7:42 am

Hi gents,
Strange thing happened this afternoon with the driver's door locking mechanism. I'd been cleaning it this morning, all was well and after I'd popped out for some fags, came back locked it (via the key fob as usual) and left it.
I needed to pop out again a few minutes ago and pressed the fob to open the door (it made the sound and I heard a thunk as the lock released) but the driver's door wouldn't open.

I got in the passenger side and tried the manual unlock (up and down switch) which didn't work either.
I gingerly opened the lock tab hoping it wouldn't break which thankfully it didn't but now the door is permanently unlocked even though the passenger lock is working.
Can anyone help me with this please? Thanks, as ever, Si.

Post by **ek9sid** » Mon Aug 31, 2015 7:45 am

I'm interested in this also as mine does that from time to time. Although after a day or so of using the key, the remote fob starts working again. I haven't figured out the cause or the conditions for this to happen yet though.

It has got me in the habit of double checking the door handles every time I leave the car (not in the garage).

Post by **simonc** » Mon Aug 31, 2015 8:42 am

Hi Sid, interesting you've gotten the same issue.
I also wanted to add that nothing else electrical has gone wonky, the interior light works, the puddle lights work and the dash is lit. Don't know if it's relevant but thought I'd add it just in case.
Hope one of the gurus can help us out fella.

Post by **ek9sid** » Mon Aug 31, 2015 9:23 am

Exactly the same for me bud

was going to do some testing when I got chance but I'm afraid that, with it being an intermittent fault, it may prove to be a waste of time.

89 UKDM BA4 4WS (resto job!) · Post by **wurlycorner** » Mon Aug 31, 2015 5:08 pm

Is it from an after market alarm fob that it doesn't unlock? If so, they normally work by having an extra solenoid fitted that is clamped to the existing standard lock rods (the mechanical links between the door handle, door lock tumbler, internal door lock lever etc)
If the extra solenoid isn't set up correctly (or if they move) then they don't properly act on the original rods and won't properly throw the lock.
The original key lock tumbler and internal door lock lever are normally entirely unaffected though and using them won't damage anything.

Unusual that the oem silver 'lock' switch didn't work though (I assume that's what you mean by the unlock up/down button?). That is normally unaffected, because it uses the original central locking solenoids (which are inside the original door locks).

Have you got any pics of the inside of the door with the door card off (from any previous work)? That would confirm what's fitted.

Post by **simonc** » Tue Sep 01, 2015 5:20 am

Hi Iain, thanks for the reply.
Unfortunately I don't have any photos but I've dropped it with Jason this morning as we needed to do a couple of cosmetic things so he thinks he knows what has happened.
I'll ask him to take a couple of shots that may be of help to Sid.