Driver door locking problem

Paul Crowther · 01-22-2017, 01:18 PM

Driver side door panel is off so I can see what's happening. When door is already locked, turning key in door handle moves the latch inside door, unlocking door. Also microswitch seems to activate, causing similar action on passenger door.

However, when I turn key in opposite direction (to lock it again), I here microswitch activate and passenger door locks, but driver door does not. It looks like nothing is happening to flip the triangular piece on the latch in the opposite direction of when door was first unlocked. I haven't removed passenger door panel yet to compare action at that door to driver door.

Any clues?

autojack · 01-22-2017, 01:38 PM

I'm having a very similar problem on the passenger side. Subscribing to see what answers you get.

wrxnofx · wrxnofx's Garage

Verify the adjustable arm hasn't broken either of the plastic round ends. This is a pretty common problem. It is odd that the problem only occurs on locking, though.

86 911 Targa · 01-23-2017, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul Crowther

Driver side door panel is off so I can see what's happening. When door is already locked, turning key in door handle moves the latch inside door, unlocking door. Also microswitch seems to activate, causing similar action on passenger door.

However, when I turn key in opposite direction (to lock it again), I here microswitch activate and passenger door locks, but driver door does not. It looks like nothing is happening to flip the triangular piece on the latch in the opposite direction of when door was first unlocked. I haven't removed passenger door panel yet to compare action at that door to driver door.

Any clues?

What happens when you perform the same locking/unlocking sequence from
the passenger door?

Gerry

Taxi! · 01-23-2017, 09:09 AM

Paul, are you doing this with the driver's door open? If so, I don't think you can lock the driver's door unless it's closed.

Jeff

86 911 Targa · 01-23-2017, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taxi!

Paul, are you doing this with the driver's door open? If so, I don't think you can lock the driver's door unless it's closed.

Jeff

^^^^
Correct!

Gerry

Paul Crowther · 01-23-2017, 04:25 PM

Jeff, only doing this with door closed
Paul

Paul Crowther · 01-23-2017, 04:30 PM

Gerry, I'm embarrassed to report that passenger door is not keyed properly so can't compare.
However, central locking button on console does not lock driver door. At this moment I can't recall if it unlocks it. Battery presently disconnected

twistoffat · 01-23-2017, 09:32 PM

Hey Paul,

I had a similar problem and it turned out to be a failing micro switch. The problems started when the screw holding the cylinder in came loose. The doors started locking intermittently. After the problem got worse I noticed I couldn´t lock the doors anymore with the central locking button on the console. Eventually the screw came off totally and the cylinder popped out. I took the door card off and replaced the screw but no luck. I replaced the microswitch and hey presto everything was good to go. It was a bit of a bummer because I didn´t know if the problem was the loose cylinder of if the loose cylinder had somehow led to the microswitch problem.

Paul Crowther · 01-24-2017, 08:10 AM

WRXFONX, Looks like you diagnosed correctly. The plastic ball on top end of operating rod had broken apart and popped off the rod on door latch. I tried a temporary repair of ball to confirm but simple repair didn't hold. I guess I'll order two rods and replace on both doors.
I see our host has a plastic rod. I wonder how it compares to a Porsche replacement part.....

BTW, problem only occurs only when central locking is called upon. Unlocking affected door with key seems to be a direct mechanical action, and microswitch took care of central locking to unlock/lock opposite door. Locking the affected door seems to depend on central locking, so broken/disconnected rod prevented locking from taking place. I guess.

wrxnofx · wrxnofx's Garage

Awesome!

You'll need part #6 in this diagram:

Incidentally, the new one is a superseded design from the 964 and is no longer adjustable.

Check this post for a pic of it.

autojack · 01-25-2017, 06:32 AM

Paul, this describes my problem exactly. Can you post a picture of the linkage where it is broken? This will help me when I go to repair mine. Thanks in advance!

porschenut · 06:37 AM

For cars equipped with central locking, it is not possible to lock either door unless the microswitch is working. Both doors can be unlocked manually, but cannot be locked manually.

Paul Crowther · 01-26-2017, 02:13 PM

I replaced the operating rod today and voila! Everything is working again. Pictures (if they came across OK) show newly installed rod and top and bottom shots, plus old and new rods. First and last shots are upside down, so don't get confused.

I'll replace other door this weekend. While everything was open, I also adjusted window height successfully. Easy. It was too high and hitting upper seal of cab roof when closing door.

Quicksilver · 01-27-2017, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by autojack

Paul, this describes my problem exactly. Can you post a picture of the linkage where it is broken? This will help me when I go to repair mine. Thanks in advance!

Don't bother to repair the rod. Just replace it because this is a rare case of a reasonable priced Porsche part!