OK, regarding the LOCK.
Had a good luck at whats happening. Of the lock mechanism, there is an upper part related to the handle, and a lower part related to the locking knob that mates with the car body.
its the lower thing which I think may have a problem. If you look at the picture you will see a spring that takes the tension when the lock is engaged. What I think is happening, is that my spring is broken - not completely, but if you look at the picture there's a gap in it where the youngs modulus has been exceeded.
Now I think all I have to do is get another spring like that one, and hey presto no problem.
Apologies for the picture, should have used the macro feature.
gi