DRAT - I broke my locks!

[umfan866]

Hi,

The car I bought (87 911 Targa) had a working lock on th right door. My left door lock was not working. You could lock it from the inside but the key would not lock it. Chris gave me the part I needed for the left side. It's a small part (looks like that little black lego piece that is 1/2 an inch high and has a round hole that you put the axle's through - at least in the "lego" version). BUt I had not gotten to it yet.

On the right side I had a Porsche key blank, but it was the "reverse" of what it should have been, so I had to get a "non-standard porsche" key made. I later discovered by looking at the Porsche blank that if I can take it apart I may be able to flip the blank, reattach it and go back and have it made properly.

In any case, so this completley non-Porsche key got made. It was a bit rough in the lock on the left side. I was wiggling it to get it to work, and DANG all the sudden my key spins the lock all the way around!!! And it's stayed this way and the lock on the right no longer works. I feel like a dummy.

Now I HAVE to deal with it, because I can't go around without parking it unlocked all the time. I've chanced it for a bit, but hey this is a Porsche and it is a red one and attracts more attention. I already got egged once but fortunately got to wash it off very soon, and it was only on the drivers door.

So what I need to know is:
1) what parts do I need to buy for the right side?
2) is this a DIY job?
I am good with computers rebuilding them but just starting to get into cars. I did replace rear shocks in my bimmer with some help and I've replaced radios and even an internal blower/heater fan. I bet I could do it with all the right parts.

I've been so mad at myself and trying to psych myself up for this, that I haven't even searched -- so if there is a superb thread w/ pictures please point me too it!
I also have the 101 projects book although I don't think it covers broken locks.

THANKS!!! Marvin

[jimtweet]

i have a set of locks and keys i just removed from my car, worked perfectly, if you are interested, PM me or email me at j.pertuit18@gmail.com

[umfan866]

Thanks- I will email you, but there is really no need to change the locks or buy new ones, I just want to repair what I have. (Yikes a complete lock and handle new costs over $300 a side!). A woman friend who used to be a locksmith for cars came by and I showed her. She said there is nothing wrong with my lock, and most likely using my "rough key" didn't really cause it. She said something inside the door that holds the whole lock cylinder in place (and keeps it from turning) broke off. Looking at various internet sites, it appears there could be some pin-like part of the whole lock assembly that broke off. She said the pin or piece that broke off is probably sitting at the bottom of the door, and I may find it once I take off the door panel. Has anybody else had this happen, and know exactly what to look for specifically?

[umfan866]

OK I guess the door handle looks like this... can anyone tell what piece or part may be broken?

[john walker's workshop]

the screw that holds the innermost flipper piece onto the tumblers likely backed out. it's the lowermost piece in the previous picture. door handle removal required.

[niner11]

Yep! I had to take my door apart to fix this over the weekend. Loose screw on the back of the lock assembly. From the looks of the screw head this has happened at least once before on my car.

[umfan866]

Good news! I found that on that side of the car, the lock itself still works!! Even though I can spin the whole cylinder around almost 360" in place, if use my fingers to hold the silver round area steady while turning the key, I can turn the key just enough to lock or unlock the door. So this confirms that the lock itself is OK, I just need to fix it to stop the turning/spinning. This still indicates that it is the lowermost piece in the picture above, correct?

[Url]

Correct, the screw which holds the cilinder in place is loose. Btw don't overtighten it neither as you won't be able to turn the key anymore then. Ask me how I know

[jmod]

Hi,

You might want to check the close up pictures of the locks I posted in the following thread.

Door wont lock with key

[dshepp806]

I took mine back apart AFTER repairing it (loosened "flipper piece", to use John's description),....as someone noted a star lock washer shoulda' been placed in there WITH the damned screw ( did not). If you hit that too tight (without this washer), you could end up with issues.....as mentioned above.

Just an FYI,..this being on an '89.

Doyle