Weird door lock/release problem - 80 SC Targa

[toddetch]

Well, I call it weird, but my guess is that someone else (probably many) has experienced it and will be able to point me in the direction of a fix...

Sometimes when I close my door, unlocked, and then go try to open it, it will act as if locked. If I lean across the car and open it from the inside there is no issue. The really weird thing to me is that if it is happening, then sometimes after I press the outside release handle, maybe a second later I hear the striker mechanism making a noise like it is unlocking.

Any ideas on where to start? I'm hoping I don't have to take my door apart again - I did that last year and hope to not have to do it again... Could it be an issue with the door alignment or is this something that often happens with the striker itself? Just looking to see if anyone else has experienced it and has ideas before I start taking stuff apart.

Thanks!

[Hotshot]

I’m almost in the same boat with my 86. After replacing both doors with new central lock rods and confirming the central locks are fine, my pax door can only be unlocked from the outside with the key. The key somehow pushed a leaver the auto isn’t getting and IS connected.

After videos, and studying pics, I thing there’s a part of the mechanics that bent or loose over time. Problem is, it wasn’t worth me taking the whole windows and frame out, as you have to to get the lock out...

[Hotshot]

I made a vid but never posted it on my thread. Does this help?

https://youtu.be/PLVMvGsehpI

Again, this is all outside. Inside the pull Handel opens fine.

[MichaelSJackson]

I had a problem where the outside handle's trigger wouldn't open the latch. Inside mechanism worked fine.

I removed the outside handle and found its mechanism was clogged with lint and grease. so even though the trigger could be pulled, it wouldn't translate into motion that would unlatch the door.

One small screw to disassemble. Then clean and lube.

If you don't have one, buy one of those dinky (1/4") ratchet sets, to get to the two nuts that hold the handle on. Also, good time to use those rubber gloves or you'll scratch up the back of your hands. I've got "old man skin" and it tears easy.