260Z door lock

[Aliangus]

Just wondering if anyone has experience with door locks that don't lock with the key?

 

My drivers door key will unlock the door, but it won't lock the door. This isn't a real problem at the moment, as I can lock the door and then close it, then use the key to unlock it.

 

I was just wondering if anyone else's car has done similar things, and if people think it could deteriorate to a point where the car won't unlock with the key either?

 

[dalee]

Drivers side is usually the first to go, chances are its just worn out, or the adjustment needs fine tuning

 

You can try swaping it for the passenger side, providing the tounges line up. 

Otherwise you can get a generic replacement set from you local speed store, I bought mine a few years ago now, think it was $75 for the two.

 

Dale

 

[Gyra]

I had some similar weird problems with my drivers door lock recently.

After a lot of stuffing about it turned out the plastic adjustment nut on the door handle actuator was too tight. (ie the actuator rod that is pushed by the door handle).

 

cheers,

G

 

[luvemfast]

Have you tried any form of lurication?

Graphite is best.

Failing that, WD40 can be ok too

[Cozza]

I recently had this problem in my 1972 240. I could turn the key but it would not turn far enough for the mechanism to lock.

The lock barrel was a little bit worn but OK, although the lock mechanism (at the latch) was totally bound up with old lubricant and a bit of fish oil the PO had sprayed in the door cavity.

I pulled all my lock mechanism out as well as the window and  regulator, gave it all a good cleanup and lube then put it all back together with some new bailey channels for the window. It was not hard and worked a treat.

Not sure how different 240 locks are to 260, but I can't lock my door then close it so probably a bit different. I don't imagine it would be any more difficult though

 

I used a non oil based lubricant from Selleys (Ezy Glide) for the lock mechanism, I have not used it before but I think it will work well as it is not sticky like other oil based lubes I have used in the past, so it won't attract dust and dirt.

Graphite dust for the lock barrel

 

Will post some pics of it soon.

 

Cheers

Mick

[Six_Shooter]

When I got my 240Z a few years ago, I screwed around with the door locks to get them wporking, and did for a while, at least the driver side worked, sorta.

 

All I do now, when I want to lock my car, is open the hatch, reach in and hit the lock plunger, close then lock the hatch. When I want to unlock, it's the process, just pulling the plunger up. Yeah, it's a bit of a pain, but I plan to add some power door lock actuators soon and a very different door handle and lock.

[Zedman240®]

Check also on the back of the lock that little arm that operates the locking mechanism.. Over time it wears and there is excessive play wich makes it lose travel. Either way you will have to remove the door trim and look for excess movement in the linkages / locks and try to take up and slack from all the moving components. If each one has a couple of millimters of play, it all adds up.

[Aliangus]

Thanks for the suggestions guys, I'll pick up some graphite and take the door trim off next weekend and investigate the cause.

[dalee]

All I do now, when I want to lock my car, is open the hatch, reach in and hit the lock plunger, close then lock the hatch. When I want to unlock, it's the process, just pulling the plunger up. Yeah, it's a bit of a pain, but I plan to add some power door lock actuators soon and a very different door handle and lock.

 

LOL - i did the same for 12 months then the boot lock broke and I had to break into my own car in the westgate shell car park, got a few odd looks.