Just noticed this now as I never use it (use a key or an aftmkt alarm to lock it).

As I said it is floppy and does not activate the locks . But the lock works if I key it from the outside.

Question is : when I ask my mechanic to fix it will it be a "big job" or a little job? How much time? Is it just a cable of some sort?

Thanks

 

It could be a few different problems. You might want to take off the door pannel and check the lock mechanism for any broken parts. It sounds like the tab that pops up and down might have just broken because the lock mechanism still works but the tab isn't staying up or down. Another possibility would be the door popper, I think its called a solenoid, it controls the power lock with your alarm. If its either of these, it shouldn't be hard to fix. The solenoid is cheap and should be easy to replace, and if the tab is broken just pick up some JB weld and fix the broken piece. I don't think it requirs any professional work from a mechanic, it should be a pretty much DIY straigh forward project. Good luck.

 

Actually, I don't think it could be the solenoid beacuse usually if they fail they still offer some resistance. For example, if you were to pull the tab up it would hold it up, but it wouldn't retract it with the use of your alarm. Basically it would still be functional just no power would be going to it. You might want to check some of the rods or plastic hinges. I haven't removed my door pannel recently so I can't tell you exactly which pieces to check. However, it should be pretty simple to spot the problem with the door pannel off.

 

Yes - it really doesn't seem to be an electrical type problem as you are right..the mechanism wouldn't (shouldn't?) flop the way it is.

 

well actually the car doesnt come with a solenoid on the drivers side, the lock is activated by the key and sends a signal to the other door that does have a solenoid to lock it. thats why they didnt come with keyless entry. so if youve had an alarm installed with the keyless option the alarm place has put a solenoid in the door to operate the drivers door lock. if they put the solenoid misaligned it will cause the cable to break. and then the lock switch/paddle will flop but the key will still lock it. i had this problem with my car after a stereo shop installed an alarm. so check if when you turn on your alarm that the drivers door actually locks. i learned the hard way that when the cable is broken and you turn on your car alarm that it doesnt actuallly lock the door so anyone can walk up to the car and open the door.

 

i think when he was referring to a solenoid he meant the actuator from kmaot's aftermarket keyless entry. it tugs on the metal rod that activates the lock. i dont think it is this though because mine has broke before and the door lock tab still worked, just the keyless lock/unlock didnt do anything because the actuator wasnt pulling/pushing the rod.

i think it could just be a broken switch that you are pulling on. if i were u i would just pull off the door panel and take a look. it sounds like it is most likely the plastic where the metal rod meets the bottom of the driver side lock lever.

good luck!