Central door lock problem--85 Targa

[targa911man]

I recently replaced the trigger on my driver side exterior door handle. The battery was disconnected while the repair was done. Before reassembling, I checked and the central locking system was functioning properly. However, after I tightened the handle and got the inside door panel completely reassembled, the car would not automatically lock, either with the key or the red button on the ac console. It sounds like something is trying to happen mechanically but the doors don't lock. I did fish around a little bit while reassmbling, making sure the wires in the door did not obstruct the window mechanism, but I am pretty sure I didn't disconnect anything. I can lock the car manually from the inside, and the key will automatically unlock both doors, so I don't think it's the microswitch. I'm going to have to take the door apart again to remedy this and am looking for some ideas for what to look at as a cause of the problem before I get in there. Any help appreciated.

[Rot 911]

I didn't think anyone even used the central lock button! The red light it puts out at night is a bit distracting. And anyway it's not all that hard to just lean over and lock the passenger door. About the same effort as using the central lock.

[stone43]

I agree. If only I could borrow some the brightness that stupid button puts out and redirect to my instrument panel.

[targa911man]

Let me clariify. I never use the central door lock button. I only included it in the post for diagnosis purposes. The key will not automatically lock the doors either, although, as I said, it will unlock them..