Door Locks

[motorjeanie]

Hi Everyone! I have a 1990 Mk4 Cab and the doors will not lock. Have taken the interior panels off and the central locking works when the plunger is pressed. The doors lock/unlock on the button. I have dismantled the door latch assembly and can get the key lever to operate the remote lever provided that the latch is clicked right over. Both key barrels and rods operate in and out of the car. With all connections joined, I can lock the car on the interior button and unlock it with the key, but cannot lock it with the key. Apparently, it is possible to unlock the vehicle but not lock it as a 'safety' feature.

What needs to be done? Are the door latches at fault; the remote unit or a relay at fault? I would think that it has been happening over a period of time, as the key use to take a longer turn to operate the locking mechanism. WD 40'id, oiled and greased.

Any ideas? Thank you.

[Himanshu]

There is a plastic cam on the back of the lock this usually wears, check this out,

[motorjeanie]

Thank you. I've put it all back together and it does seem as if the 'key rod' or barrel is not operating correctly. I'm looking out for a new lock and key! I can lock and unlock the vehicle on the interior central locking switch, and undo the lock from the outside, but cannot lock it.

Can't put anymore of the panels back at the moment, as my little helper has put the screws down the demisting vents!

[Himanshu]

Ill see if I can open my door up and if I can take the pic, along with any part numbers to forward to you. At least you may be able to see what I am harping on about. If you know a good engineering firm try and get them to make the unit I hope to photo to you, in a Nylacast material, or brass, Please bear my with me, as I am currently on crutches, with a fractured pelvis, and broken wrist, but I am hoping to get Santa's, little helper to do it for me. A word to the wise, which I am sure you are, whilst the love of keeping your cabby on the road is superbly welcomed, the parts to keep the same on the road, or even a functional state can no longer be found. So whilst I am be able to give some indication to your problem that might just be the beginning of many problems, Engineering alas has been a dead duck since the Thatcherite era and her culling skills allied to the same. Do remember that good mechanic, when these car were made, would have been 30 to 40 years old in the mid 80s to 90s, and now would be 60 or 70s, Mechanics alas have a very short life span, as they love a drink after toiling away on old Fords. as my uncles were all Ford Mechanics, as I was, however they are now dead and I am informed due to a car accident and at that age where I stand at the express counter with a 12 pack of beer, and a packet of Pork scratchings.