Doors will not open when using fob

[Florida996]

First post so please bear with me...
I have a 2002 Carrera Cab that is NA with triptronic. The issue I am having is the doors will not open once the doors have been unlocked with the key in lock or with the remote. The door requires a generous push with your palm above the door lock. Once pushed you can hear a click and then the handle will open.
Let me say that I have looked at multiple places online and checked the forums because I am not wanting to ask the same question that has been asked and answered numerous times. To give you an idea of where I am currently - I have taken the door handle completely apart looking for broken tabs around the assembly. Everything was completely intact just a lot of crusty grease. Because I found no broken tabs - I put the entire assembly back together and applied new grease. The only noticeable change was that the key turns easier but the door will still not open without pushing the outside of the door.
If I leave the car unlocked once I have gotten the door open - it opens without a push every time. If I lock the doors - we are back to the original issue.
On another note - the local Porsche shop has never heard of this but suggested replacing the door lock assembly. Any suggestions?

[smadsen]

A little lube in the lock mechanism from inside the door? It's prolly not the tumblers in the lock mechanism. Anyway, if you have to remove the door card, try cleaning and lubing the mechanism before you replace the lock mechanism.

[Dmitry at Pelican Parts]

Welcome to the forum! Take a look at the 2 links below, perhaps one of our diy tech articles will assist you a bit.

https://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/Porsche-996-997-Carrera/78-BODY-Door_Locks_and_Handles/78-BODY-Door_Locks_and_Handles.htm

https://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/Porsche-996-997-Carrera/76-BODY-Door_Panel_Removal/76-BODY-Door_Panel_Removal.htm