Anyone else have problems with their locks? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

FLYNAVY30 · 08-05-2013, 10:39 PM

Ive got a 1972 C20 suburban, and all 3 of my doors have the same problem. I can lock the door by pushing down on the plunger, and if done from inside, it locks fine. But if you do it with the door open, and then close the door, it pops up.

If you try to lock the door from the outside with the key, you can turn the key, but the door won't lock.

The best I can do is lock both passenger side doors from the inside, then go out the drivers side door, but theres no way to lock it.

Anybody else have similar issues?

geezer#99 · 08-05-2013, 11:05 PM

THe lock knobs are supposed to pop up. Designed that way. Your star wheel is worn. Star wheel is the part that holds the door shut on the stricker. Lean or push in on the door when you lock them. Ultimate cure is new door latches.

**DeadheadNM** · 08-05-2013, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by geezer#99

THe lock knobs are supposed to pop up. Designed that way. Your star wheel is worn. Star wheel is the part that holds the door shut on the stricker. Lean or push in on the door when you lock them. Ultimate cure is new door latches.

x2

Andy4639 · 08-06-2013, 06:51 AM

This is a common problem on these years. May need to adjust the stricker plate also.
My 71 truck was like this. I had to shove in on the drivers door to get it to lock. I played with that door so much I wore out one threaded hole on the stricker plate. I finally hit the sweet spot and it locks now with no problems. Passenger side has always locked good.

68gmsee · 08-06-2013, 09:42 AM

I agree with first response by geezer also. Unless the lock mechanisms were changed in later years, you can only lock the door with the key after door is shut. My 68 and 69 are that way.

Prematuregrey · 08-06-2013, 09:58 AM

On mine its the return spring on the interior handle that keeps the key from locking it. Its broke and doesn't push the handle back down far enough. I just lean on it with a knee and works so its staying that way for now. Its a cheap part but low on the priority list.

slow-1 · 08-06-2013, 10:32 AM

I take the pull knobs off occasionaly and let some lubricant drip down onto the mechanism so it moves easily, then just push in on the door while turning the key does the trick.
Posted via Mobile Device

08-05-2013, 10:39 PM	#1
FLYNAVY30 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 592	Anyone else have problems with their locks? Ive got a 1972 C20 suburban, and all 3 of my doors have the same problem. I can lock the door by pushing down on the plunger, and if done from inside, it locks fine. But if you do it with the door open, and then close the door, it pops up. If you try to lock the door from the outside with the key, you can turn the key, but the door won't lock. The best I can do is lock both passenger side doors from the inside, then go out the drivers side door, but theres no way to lock it. Anybody else have similar issues?

08-05-2013, 11:05 PM	#2
geezer#99 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Bowser Posts: 13,661	Re: Anyone else have problems with their locks? THe lock knobs are supposed to pop up. Designed that way. Your star wheel is worn. Star wheel is the part that holds the door shut on the stricker. Lean or push in on the door when you lock them. Ultimate cure is new door latches.

08-06-2013, 06:51 AM	#4
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,943	Re: Anyone else have problems with their locks? This is a common problem on these years. May need to adjust the stricker plate also. My 71 truck was like this. I had to shove in on the drivers door to get it to lock. I played with that door so much I wore out one threaded hole on the stricker plate. I finally hit the sweet spot and it locks now with no problems. Passenger side has always locked good. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

08-06-2013, 09:42 AM	#5
68gmsee Active Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Centrally located between Houston, Austin and Waco. BCS area. Posts: 7,947	Re: Anyone else have problems with their locks? I agree with first response by geezer also. Unless the lock mechanisms were changed in later years, you can only lock the door with the key after door is shut. My 68 and 69 are that way. __________________ 68 GMC 250/3 speed Saginaw p/b p/s 69 Chevy 350/350 currently in pieces still lookin for a cab 06 Trailblazer I just want a vehicle that I can work on, that won't talk to me, leave error msgs or keep track of how I drive...

08-06-2013, 09:58 AM	#6
Prematuregrey Registered User Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Austin Texas Posts: 111	Re: Anyone else have problems with their locks? On mine its the return spring on the interior handle that keeps the key from locking it. Its broke and doesn't push the handle back down far enough. I just lean on it with a knee and works so its staying that way for now. Its a cheap part but low on the priority list. __________________ Owner: Times Are Tough Toys 92 4 Runner (Joyce, long story from my time in Africa) Lotsa stuff, just about finished dumping money into it. 89 Mercedes 560 SEL, Merdle. Wrecked 71 Chevy K20, Clifford, BB and 1 Tons

08-06-2013, 10:32 AM	#7
slow-1 Registered User Join Date: May 2013 Location: Central NC Posts: 830	Re: Anyone else have problems with their locks? I take the pull knobs off occasionaly and let some lubricant drip down onto the mechanism so it moves easily, then just push in on the door while turning the key does the trick. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1972 Cheyene C-10 "Ole Green" My Grandfathers truck (early 70's to 1983) My first vehicle (1983) Original 350 (3 rebuilds) 700R4 from Bowtie Overdrives



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