Help C2 Drivers door does not lock.

[TRAIN MAN]

I recently purched a c2 and the door does not lock from the outside or the inside. I have taken off the door panel, yet seem to be over my head. I know that the problem is occuring where the horizontal bar runs into the locking mechanism. I can free the horizontal bar after loosening (and rattling) the locking mechanism. But as soon as I tighten the locking mechanism to the door frame it binds back up. There seems to be a lack of "How to repair C2's" books. Any advice (including pictures) would be great. Please help...my baby is not safe!!!!

[nhromyak]

So with the door lock actuators (electric) disconnected from the mechanical door lock, Does the door lock actuators move?

If so, you need to go through the mechanical linkages and make sure they are all CLEAN and greased. I had to do this to my passenger side, made all the difference!

If not, there is ALL SORTS of fun to be had... ask me how I know!

[TRAIN MAN]

The motors that controll the lock were removed by a past mechanic. They told me that the doors would not lock due to electrical problems. However after they removed the electrical components from the car, my door still does not lock. I can not push down the button, turn the know or use the key to lock the door. The locking mechanism is totaly frozen. I just bought the car and am fairly sure that the door has been in an accident. I think that the mechanical (not electrical) locking mechanisim needs to be repaired or adjusted. However, I do not know how to get the parts out of the car or where to begin. Any help greatly appreciated. Tom Kavulich

[nhromyak]

Hmm...

On my '85, the drivers door can only be locked with the power actuators. I understand the mechanical side between the key and locking the drivers door is not there! I actually had to purchase the mechanical locks.

Additionally, the drivers door does not lock with the door open like the passenger side will. Therefore the only way the drivers door does lock is when it is closed. Then the knob will turn to the locked position.

SO basically, when my power door locks failed, I had to close the drivers door (unlocked). Go to the passenger side to lock the drivers door, then I can lock the passenger door with the knob.

When I wanted to unlock the drivers door the mechanical side IS there (just not to lock it).

I wonder if yours is the same way. This way, you can determine if the mechanical side is or is not working.

If it is working, you can get used actuators for ~$25 each. Or new ones are ~$55.00 each. You MIGHT need the brain for it also. I could not find the brain used, I did find it new (I think) it was ~$155.00.

This is what prompted me to get the aftermarket unit from ebay.com at someones on this boards suggestion. I got the brain, and two door actuators delivered for $35.00

Check out.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1727198617

Good luck.

[TRAIN MAN]

Thanks for your help. You are definetly right about the door only locking with a key, unless from the inside. I am possitive that it is the locking mechanism. If I loosing the top bolt at the end of the door that holds the locking mechanism(there are three bolts), it will loosen the horizontal bar that is the link between my locking mechanism and the door lock button (inside of car). I can then tighting the top bolt and lock my door from the inside. I can than unlock my door with the key. At this time it goes back into the "Jamed" possition, and I than have to loosen the bolt again.

The bottom line is I have to somehow get the mechanical system out of the car. I am concerened that messing with the mechanical system in a blind fashion my cause me more harm. If it is fairly easy I am willing to attemp the fix myself. Thanks Tom

[nhromyak]

I think it is fairly easy.

The fun part is trying to take off the door panels without scratching them!

With the door panel removed, remove the plastic water protector, now all the door lock mechanicals are (almost) revealed. From here you might be able to see all the mechanicals, and what might be blocking your door locks.

Maybe one of the door lock tabs are bent.

Good luck.