Driver door lock not working with key

[Dkennel]

1987 Carrera, I tried to operate the door lock with the key on the driver side. I felt resistance and then it seems like something snapped. The key now turns freely without any resistance 360 degrees and I can neither unlock or unlock the door, the inside turn knob works fine. Anybody else experienced this? Do I need to order any parts before I open up the door? (‘I don’t have central locking)

[Flat6pac]

Sounds like the philips screw that holds the lock mechanism (the finger up that locks and unlocks the door) and tumblers has come loose.
If this happens the lockset from the outside with key in place should feel loose.
Bruce

[blucille]

agreed, sounds like the screw came out. Hopefully all the bits are in the bottom of the door

check it out here, picture #3

https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Info/91153894107.htm?pn=911-538-941-07-OEM&SVSVSI=911M

[NathanR]

Best to pull the door panels off and have a look. It’s not difficult.

[AG81]

I permanently did this to my doors. I then plugged the key hole. If you want to lock my car and your NOT inside the car, then you need the fob to activate the central locking control.

[Dkennel]

I took the door card off.
No obviously broken or disconnected pieces inside the door. Pretty dry grease (preventive maintenance!!!). Tried to lubricate with penetrating lithium. All I can do is latch/unlatch from outside and inside. Key turns 360, I would have sworn two days ago I could lock/unlock from the inside, but that is not true the inside knob does not turn. verified on passenger door which unlock/locks easily.
So now what? I think my handle is broke somewhere in the lock cylinder mechanism, but then the inside knob should work? So something else inside the lock itself is broke?
Getting frustrated....

[Flat6pac]

The handle is held in by 2 nuts. Window up, 1/4 drive through the access hole in the door and remove.
Handle off you’re free to check everything out and lube.
Bruce

[blucille]

when the door is swung open, you will not be able to lock/unlock.

If the key turns 360, I expect that phillips head screw has back itself out pretty far, far enough to allow the lock cylinder to wiggle out just a tad and spin free. It is a super-easy process to remove the door handle, 2x 7mm nuts, just go easy on them in case they have some rust....back those two nuts out and the handle will lift free from the door. Then post some photos

[Dkennel]

Blucille, you saved my butt!!!!
I checked on my passenger door, you can unlock/lock it with the door open, but sure enough not on the driver door (presumably to prevent locking yourself out). I have pulled the door handle (2x8mm in my case !?) and fixed the loose Philipps screw and repositioned my cylinder. Everything is working as it should now!!!
Now it’s time to clean everything, lubricate regulator, etc.....
THANK YOU GUYS!!!!

[adias]

Now this again proves how invaluable this forum is. Kudos!

[blucille]

Glad to hear!!!!