Door Lock problems...

[Orange '71 GMC]

Before I get finished with my power door locks/keyless entry, I need to address a small problem I have been having as of late with the driver side lock.

The problem is, sometimes it will lock fine, with the key or by pushing the knob. Sometimes, it will stick, and will not push down at all, nor can you lock it with the key. The way I have been getting around it is, after trying to lock it with the key, and not having any sucess, open the door back up, and work the inside handle a few times, and then, try again.
What I mean by sticking is, it just won't push now, like there is something blocking it from going down.

It almost seems like there is just something that needs adjusting in there. Can anyone tell me what I might can do, and how best to do it?

Thanks In Advance!
DLB

[1BadSS]

Try pushing on the door then hitting the key. The weatherstripping may be in the way and keeping it from closing properly.

[Orange '71 GMC]

Originally Posted by 1BadSS

Try pushing on the door then hitting the key. The weatherstripping may be in the way and keeping it from closing properly.

I know this isn't a problem.

I will ocassionaly try to work the lock with the door open, and will do the same thing then as well.

[Orange '71 GMC]

Anyone else have any suggestions?

[bobs409]

Since it's happening even with the door open as you said, I would think either the lock mecanism is getting too worn out OR the rod that goes from the inside door handle may be bent causing it to be partially in the open position. (as if you were slightly lifting up on the handle when trying to lock it-for lack of better words! Hard to explain.)

Try disconnecting the rod for that inside handle and see if the problem goes away. If it does, you can bend the rod a few times until it works properly.

If that doesn't work, try replacing that lock mechanism.

[Orange '71 GMC]

Thanks Bob - I will try exactly that.

[Orange '71 GMC]

For the benefit of anyone else who may be having this problem, I thought I would give an update.

I set out to find out what the problem was, and it was really quite simple to fix. The door handle mechanism was the problem. The spring was broke - as I found out, is VERY common on these trucks, as I searched 3 other trucks and all of them (passenger and driver side) were broken.

So I ordered a replacement from Chevy Duty (VERY nice part BTW), and installed it and, voila - it is like new. I never knew what it was like to have a door handle that felt so tight - it is quite exciting. Passenger side is getting upgraded next - even though I haven't had any problems out of it. (If it ain't broke, fix it until it is!)

And the reason that was a problem is the spring holds tension on the rod - and if the rod is sitting in front of the lock mechanism, it prevents it from going down all the way.

[Hook'em]

Thanks for the update. I periodically have the same problem.

My motto is: don't even try to fix it unless it is really, unusable, broke. I tried to fix my a/c fan, but it didn't take. Luckily is it getting cooler outside.