Does anyone have any tip on how to put this back together properly?
I can't get the lock mechanism to work, it won't unlock or lock.....everything was working fine before I took the car apart.

 

For FC or FD????

 

everything always works before you take it apart,
but when you try to put it back it never works

 

FD,

Tried again last night. I could get it to lock but not unlock.

 

nummm... not sure if there's a haynes manual's for the FD's... but... the one for the FC is pretty good so I'd recommend searching around to see if any exist.

that was the main reason I ended up getting the Haynes manual for the FC... the door handle literally came off in my hands one day when I went to get in the car... was kinda puzzled for a few moments.

Is everything all lubbed up for the moving bits?

 

are you talking the outer door handle with the key cylinder. I have had mine apart many times. i f you want i can take it apart and take a pic to compare. i cant give advise because i have no clue as to waht you might have done. maybe you have the clip that holds it in place wrong.

 

I didn't disassemble the entire unit. just removed it from the car so it can be painted. Looked at the FSM and nothing. Again I can install it no problem but it won't unlock with the key. Tumble turns, both directions fully if the rod for the locks are not on. I've spent 2 night trying to figure this out......

 

Just to close this thread.

The rod that is for the lock can be bent really easy. This was my problem. I was too short for it work properly. Bent the rod back until the lock started working again.