Lock Cylinder

[RhinO]

Hey guys, so recently when I tried unlocking my car door, the lock key just kept spinning and wasn't turning anything and now I have to get in through the passenger door! One of my mechanically attuned friends suggested that it was a lock cylinder. How did this happen? Do I need to go to a dealership? What should I do?

[Legacy777]

It's the lock cylinder. The bracket on the back side of the lock cylinder that attaches to the locking mechanism rod sheers off. It is unfortunately a common issue. I replaced mine back in 1995. You can get a new lock cylinder from the dealer or snag one from a junkyard.

A locksmith will be able to rekey the lock cylinder so you can use your existing key with the new lock cylinder.

[RhinO]

is the actual Lock cylinder replacement hard? Also since I'm going to have the door apart, I want to fix my Door locks too (the little pin is broken) I think I read that was a defect somewhere. Is that relatively easy to fix as well? Lastly, My Driver side door doesn't shut fully, literally the smallest crack, and suggestions on what to do with that? I tried WD-40...

http://imgur.com/bZ97K

http://imgur.com/97TP2

[Legacy777]

No, the lock cylinder replacement is not hard. You need to remove the inner door cover. There's three screws down near the speaker, one just above the handle (there's a little foam piece covering the screw), and then one additional screw below the arm rest (it's covered with a plastic blank). Remove the screws and then slowly work around the edges to pop the plastic clips out. You then need to pull the door panel back and away from the door to get it out from under the black triangle piece at the front of the door. This is much easier to do if the window is down. Once the door panel is out, you'll need to disconnect the electrical plug for the power windows. There's a little clip you push in and the plug pulls out towards the back.

NOTE: if you have the window down to help get the door panel out, make sure to roll the window back up before you disconnect the electrical connector. If don't do this, you won't be able to access the door lock cylinder

With the door panel off, peel back the plastic cover, and you should see the door handle towards the top left of the door. There will be two rods that go to the handle, one for the lock cylinder, and one for door handle. There are plastic clips you swing out which allows you to pull the rods out of the clips. When you do this, you can then remove the two 10mm nuts holding the entire door handle in the door. Remove the door handle and you can remove the old lock cylinder by removing the metal C clip. Put in the new lock cylinder and reassemble.

I would suggest getting the new lock cylinder and having it rekeyed before you disassemble your door. If you don't, make sure NOT to roll down the window. It can hit the lock or handle rods and bend them. I speak from experience. My mom did this and we had to try and pop the locking rod back on from inside the door....was not fun.

[Legacy777]

Regarding your other issues.....what's the problem with the door locks? Do they lock on their own? If so, read this

http://bbs.legacycentral.org/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=40575

As for your door not shutting all the way, it sounds like you may have an issue with the latch mechanism in the door. Short of replacing the latch, I'm not sure. Does slamming the door harder help?