Door Lock Stays in Unlocked Position when Locking the Doors

[bbarrington]

Hello,

I have an '88 Carrera and the electronic door lock on the driver's side stays unlocked when either pushing the lock button on the console or using the key.

ChatGPT did a pretty good job of describing the diagnosis & repair procedure, but I wanted to reach out in case anyone has experienced this and can pass on any useful information.

Thanks so much!

Bill

[Ltanderso]

Is the door fully closing? I had this issue on an earlier model because the door bushing were worn, and the door wasn't completely closing. The latch mechanism won't let the door lock when the latch isn't fully engaged.

[bbarrington]

The door is operating normally.

[Ltanderso]

Ok. Mine looked like it was closing, but it had enough sag to not fully engage the latch. I confirmed this by lifting then door when I closed it.

If this isn't it, the mechanism that prevents the door from locking is in the latch. Your latch could be faulty.

[A930Rocket]

The rod from the actuator to the locking mechanism is broken. I replaced my passenger door rod several months back.

They still sell the part, but it’s made of plastic now. I bought a used one made of metal.

https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Info/96453757100.htm?pn=964-537-571-00-M100


https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Info/96453757100.htm?pn=964-537-571-00-M100




You can also buy just the little plastic cup part.

[thsupernge]

I have an 88 and had the same identical situation. I checked the actuator rod, the inside of the door, the lock, the mechanism and a few other things that people suggested as well. Even fully disassembling the door (a least a 3 hour process) and nothing worked.
If you do resolve this, please keep us posted.

[Noah930]

I'm far from an expert, but having had 2 911s, the times the door lock mechanism didn't work, it was either the power door lock motor or that plastic rod (the plastic cup fits onto a metal ball, and over time the plastic cup breaks). If I hit the central lock button and I don't hear anything from the door, then it's the motor. If I hear the motor fire but the lock doesn't work, it's been the cup. At least that's been the case in 3 of the 4 doors so far.

[Hnichols]

Probably overkill, but it's a straightforward repair:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5WNFYyXdDk&t=2136s

[thsupernge]

Originally Posted by Hnichols

Probably overkill, but it's a straightforward repair:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5WNFYyXdDk&t=2136s

Man, I wish mine was that problem. Easy, but time-consuming fix.