Door lock problem
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Full Member
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 64
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From: Niagara Falls, Canada, Eh?!
Door lock problem
My key will not go into the drivers side door lock on my '88 GXL. The dust shield is opened (while it isn't on the passenger side) and it looks as though there is something stuck in there that broke off or something. How can I gain access to the lock. Will I need to pull the inner door panel off to get to the lock and how do I do this. BTW, I have power windows, will I have to disconnect the wiring??
You will have to remove the outside handle. So, yes, you will need to take the interior door panel off. Once you get it off, disconnect the rods from the handle and I think there is are a few nuts that have to be taken off. If you need to disconnect the windows, use a flat screwdriver and pop off the switch box from the arm rest, and there will be a connector there. Sounds like an old key broke off inside the lock or something, maybe a locksmith has some sort of tool to get it out.
It's Whatever
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
From: Ft Laud, FL
Re: Door lock problem
Originally posted by 13B
My key will not go into the drivers side door lock on my '88 GXL. The dust shield is opened (while it isn't on the passenger side) and it looks as though there is something stuck in there that broke off or something. How can I gain access to the lock. Will I need to pull the inner door panel off to get to the lock and how do I do this. BTW, I have power windows, will I have to disconnect the wiring??
My key will not go into the drivers side door lock on my '88 GXL. The dust shield is opened (while it isn't on the passenger side) and it looks as though there is something stuck in there that broke off or something. How can I gain access to the lock. Will I need to pull the inner door panel off to get to the lock and how do I do this. BTW, I have power windows, will I have to disconnect the wiring??
Rotary Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 959
Likes: 0
From: Victoria, BC, Canada
The lock (ed out) zone!
Been there done that!
Just went through this last weekend, what happen to me was the little pot metal door broke into three pieces and jambed the lock cylinder!
Unless you can pick out all of the pieces, the only way is to remove the handle assembly and then remove the lock, as mentioned this means removing the inner door panel as well as all wiring and control arms.
Once the door handle is out the lock assembly can be removed easily. At the back of the cylinder is a arm that is held on by a cir-clip, once this is removed and the chrome front cover (round) has been removed the tumbler assembly comes out with the key inserted, be careful there are 7 tumblers and springs as well as a detent ball bearing and spring that helps to set the lock in the center postion. All of them can be lost easily
and will mean a trip to the dealer for the entire lock! Clean, lubricate and reassemble.
When I took mine out and finally removed all of the broken pieces I found that the thing was virtually worn out! So in the end I ordered a new lock, re-keyed it to match the car and was back in business!
No locksmith needed
Just went through this last weekend, what happen to me was the little pot metal door broke into three pieces and jambed the lock cylinder!
Unless you can pick out all of the pieces, the only way is to remove the handle assembly and then remove the lock, as mentioned this means removing the inner door panel as well as all wiring and control arms.
Once the door handle is out the lock assembly can be removed easily. At the back of the cylinder is a arm that is held on by a cir-clip, once this is removed and the chrome front cover (round) has been removed the tumbler assembly comes out with the key inserted, be careful there are 7 tumblers and springs as well as a detent ball bearing and spring that helps to set the lock in the center postion. All of them can be lost easily
and will mean a trip to the dealer for the entire lock! Clean, lubricate and reassemble.When I took mine out and finally removed all of the broken pieces I found that the thing was virtually worn out! So in the end I ordered a new lock, re-keyed it to match the car and was back in business!
No locksmith needed
Last edited by asherwood; Dec 12, 2001 at 03:47 PM.
Rotary Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 959
Likes: 0
From: Victoria, BC, Canada
See the posts in the 2nd gen tech section
I posted a write up there about the lock replacement I did, might help.
The thread talks about the interchangability of driver/pass locks.
The thread talks about the interchangability of driver/pass locks.
