My driver's side power lock has stopped working. I searched and I see this is a common problem, but there was one thing I didn't see in any of the posts. My driver's lock is very, very stuck. If I put the key in the door to unlock or lock it manually, i have to force it almost to the point of bending, snapping the key. Same goes for the plastic tab on the inside, it takes a lot of force to push it to the lock or pull it unlocked.

Is this still a motor/actuator problem or is there some other piece that could be stuck? I don't want to dive into it right now because I heard you need torx bits for the actuator so I'll need to find a friend with those cause I'm broke.

Thanks.

sounds like the lock cylinder is frozen.

For once, I'll have to disagree with Ronin (sorry bro) I think, and tell me if I am in correct, that your power door/locks are after market? But even if they are not here is the thing: After installing power windows/locks on my manual RS, the key DID become harder to turn, not as much as you describe but it was noticeable. This was because I was not only turning the cylinder and lock mechanism, but also had to move the actuator aswell. Its annoying but I'll put up with it until I install an alarm and keyless entry.

So in conclusion, I think your actuator is seizing/seized.

Either that or Brother Ronin is right on the spot.

I am pretty sure he has factory locks. The lock cylinder has no bearing on the manual locking and unlocking of the actuator or the knuckle handle in the door panel.

I expect the actual mechanical pieces of the lock mechanism are gunked and frozen. It is possible the added resistance has burned out your actuator.

Yes you need torx bits to remove the actuator assy.

Thanks, dousing the assembly in wd-40 and putting it through the motions seems to have fixed the problem, at least temporarily. The power door lock now works with the button, however the key is still somewhat difficult to turn. I'll take it though. Get this (its my luck).

I had it all planned out to fix this today. Nothing to do, had time to clean out the car, rotate the tires, check everything out... well last night they got into my car (because the door lock didn't lock all the way) and stole my headunit, radar detector, and my fricken change dish with like maybe 5 bucks in change in it. They just took the whole dish out of the console. I kinda laughed when I saw that. It sucks, and I'm broke, so its silent car rides, but hey, its just material shit right?

hello, i have a similar question about my power lock.., someone tried to steal my rs and pushed the lock in. so every time i want to get in the car i have to open the passengers door.. is there a way to fix it without welding the switch, or taking the glass out..

ps: i took my panel out but did not find any way to fix it.. but im new to this. if there's a cheap way to fix it without changing the entire door?

Originally posted by EclipseSix
Thanks, dousing the assembly in wd-40 and putting it through the motions seems to have fixed the problem, at least temporarily. The power door lock now works with the button, however the key is still somewhat difficult to turn. I'll take it though. Get this (its my luck). I had it all planned out to fix this today. Nothing to do, had time to clean out the car, rotate the tires, check everything out... well last night they got into my car (because the door lock didn't lock all the way) and stole my headunit, radar detector, and my fricken change dish with like maybe 5 bucks in change in it. They just took the whole dish out of the console. I kinda laughed when I saw that. It sucks, and I'm broke, so its silent car rides, but hey, its just material shit right?

been there done that 6 months with no music sucked. Its funny now I drive around town I listen to npr. I must be getting old.