Door won't unlock when closed?

[Liquid Drummer]

This is kind of a "part 2" of my previous thread where I couldn't get the door panel off (the door wouldn't open).

I was able to get the door to unlock (just got lucky and it poped open) and as soon as it was open I popped the door panel off. I played with the lock from both the inside switch and the keylock many times while the door was open, the lock works perfectly fine.

I kept the door panel off and closed the door and guess what happened, it wouldn't unlock again. I have no idea what would be causing the door to stick in the locked position while the door is closed.

Does the little bar that the latch attaches too (on the inside of the door sill) need to be adjusted? I looked at it fairly quickly last night but it doesn't look like there is any adjustment in there.

What should I check next time I can unlock the door?

This is with manual locks on a 92 Talon.

Thanks for any help you might be able to give.

 

[Liquid Drummer]

I'm not sure sure if this thread got overlooked with the whack of new threads posted lately, or if nobody is able to help me.

I have been able to get my door back open and before I lock it would like to make sure that I have tried everything possible to fix the problem. Can someone please help me out as I can't leave the car like this if I have any chance of passing a safety test. What would you check first if it locks/unlocks fine with the door open, but won't unlock with the door closed?

Please help me out, it is quite important.

 

[MMM]

When you try to unlock the door from the inside, what does it feel likes its doing?? Is it completely stuck? Does it feel like its moving a little? My guess would be to pull off the other door panel and watch the linkage when you lock and unlock the door in the open and closed position and see what is different.

 

[JBDdsmer610]

I would check your power lock relay

 

[Liquid Drummer]

They are manual locks and when I had the door panel off the first time I checked all the linkage. Everything worked fine and smooth with the door open. Everything worked fine and smooth with the door of AND the door panel on, so it isn't the door panel either.

The only thing I can think of is that the locking bar on the door sill has to be adjusted?

 

[Laysher91]

This happened to me from time to time and it would usually work itself out. It was always stuck on locked with the door closed too. I usually check if the lock and linkage are still moving freely whenever I have the door panels off. Try this: remove the door panel and watch how the linkage moves when you lock/unlock the door to make sure its not hung up on anything, then lock the door and shut it. (with you in the car ) Maybe you can get it to "stick" and you can see exactly what is happening inside the door when you do this. Slamming the door hard can sometimes move the linkage just enough to catch too so watch out for that. Grab a file and get to work...Good luck!

 

[Liquid Drummer]

Well I have since had the door panel off one more time as I was able to get the door unlocked. I took off the little "U" clamp thing on the door sill (the latch) and used a dremel tool to elongate the holes a tad. I was able to adjust this downwards slightly, but enough that the "door ajar" light on the dash would come on with every bump. This worked perfectly for about 30 minutes. Once again I am unable to get the door unlocked.

I am starting to get frusterated with this door. As soon as I am able to get it unlocked it will be staying that way so I am able to pass my Safety Test. After that I will crawl in through the passenger side until I can find a solution.

Any help in finding a solution quickly will result in a "cyber high-five"

 

[Liquid Drummer]

Alright here is another update since I have eliminated more possible causes. I noticed today that my door was out of alignment and sagging by roughly 1/2 an inch. I loosened my fender to get at my hinge-to-body bolts and made the adjustments with a friend for a perfectly lined up door. All the body lines are straight, and when closed the door is fastened flush with the other body panels (I got lucky and it opened today, no I didn't leave it unlocked like I said I was going to).

I have eliminated the sagging door and I am pretty sure it is not the door latch on the door sill now...

What on earth could this be? I can't get it unlocked so I will try again tomorrow (likes to work once a day... Reason for this?). Tomorrow the door panel will be coming off and I am going over the entire locking assembly. I am still convinced that it is not the locking cylinder either as it won't unlock from in or outside the car.

Laysher - Where did you find yourself using the file? If you could post pictures of possible hang areas that would be great. I think slamming the door might have knocked it out a tad as well. Tomorrow maybe I'll slam my fist on the door panel, something has to get knocked free then.