e30 4-door drivers door not unlocking

Ceeker · 05-14-2010, 05:40 PM

I have a strange issue. The drivers door will lock all doors but won't unlock or unlock the rest. The trunk will lock and unlock all the doors. I thought maybe the central lock module was toast so I changed it. Still the same symptoms. I also changed the actuator at some point thinking it might also be that. Car can lock and unlock all doors from the passenger side. once I look the doors from the drivers side I can't unlock it from the passenger side.

does anyone know what the problem could be?

thanks.

E.

DR.ZED · 05-14-2010, 09:17 PM

I've had to pull out and clean the contacts on the door in question.

Or simply give the wiring harness a push where it goes into the body of the car. Mine doesn't seat well every once in a while.

Ceeker · 05-14-2010, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DR.ZED

I've had to pull out and clean the contacts on the door in question.

Or simply give the wiring harness a push where it goes into the body of the car. Mine doesn't seat well every once in a while.

I've had it apart once already -it's getting power and I have also pulled the door connector out to inspect. no corrosion. if it locks it's getting power but why it won't unlock I don't know.

HavocSteve · 05-14-2010, 11:12 PM

I have the same problem with 2dr IS. Key wont even go in the driver side door, but i can lock and unlock from the passenger side. So i have to get out and hop in the passenger seat to push the lock down so all doors lock. Kinda retarded.

Ceeker · 05-14-2010, 11:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HavocSteve

I have the same problem with 2dr IS. Key wont even go in the driver side door, but i can lock and unlock from the passenger side. So i have to get out and hop in the passenger seat to push the lock down so all doors lock. Kinda retarded.

your lock cylinder needs rebuilding. easy job. :-) order a repair kit for about 50.00-u get all the key codes to replace yours including lube and cylinder I believe.
my bmw tech buddy told me it's quite possible the rod might be missing or broke which allows the door to open. the close rod is still obviously on. Now it's just a matter of finding it in the door. not much space to work in.

DR.ZED · 05-17-2010, 08:38 PM

Check this out...

http://e30world.com/body/BMW-E30-lock-cylinder-repair

cirrusblau · 05-17-2010, 08:53 PM

Driver's door should lock and unlock without a key (ie without power locks - disconnect the battery and give it a try). You need a new lock or a rebuild, unless something is jamming outside of the lock. Easy check: pull the door lock and try it.

Ceeker · 05-17-2010, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cirrusblau

Driver's door should lock and unlock without a key (ie without power locks - disconnect the battery and give it a try). You need a new lock or a rebuild, unless something is jamming outside of the lock. Easy check: pull the door lock and try it.

thanks everyone...but it's not the lock cylinder. My key works fine. My lock assembly is jammed or broken. I don't want to pull the lock yet because I want a replacement to do it in one shot. I already pulled a pass side just to see what the problem might be. the push pin doesn't work period. A car will lock and unlock manually as long as the door actuator is disconnected.

In my case I know it's something missing or broken in the latch mechanism.

cirrusblau · 05-17-2010, 09:17 PM

keep in mind the driver's door lock won't lock with the door open - safety feature so you don't lock your keys in the car!

If you unscrew the 3 phillips head screws by the latch, you should be able to determine if it's the latch without even opening the door. Just let the latch dangle and try the lock. Same deal with the lock actuator, if you need to check that too.

Ceeker · 05-17-2010, 09:25 PM

thanks been there done it. (Grin) I need a transplant. inner door handle opens door -outer door handle opens door. Something is not right with the latch this I'm sure of. either a spring or connecting pin which allows the actuator to bring the pin up is gone. I tried to lock and unlock from inside while the door was shut using the pin. doesn't go either way.

Ceeker · 05-17-2010, 09:27 PM

thanks been there done it. (Grin) I need a transplant. inner door handle opens door -outer door handle opens door. Something is not right with the latch this I'm sure of. either a spring or connecting pin which allows the actuator to bring the pin up is gone. I tried to lock and unlock from inside while the door was shut using the pin. doesn't go either way.

cirrusblau · 05-17-2010, 10:26 PM

My money is still on the lock cylinder itself

Ceeker · 05-29-2010, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cirrusblau

My money is still on the lock cylinder itself

Well, it was mainly the latch mechanism. however the lock cylinder casing was broken so I just used a spare and since it was out I decided to rebuild the original lock. So now that's fixed..on to the next thing.

any idea as to why my rear windows are intermittent? I already tested with some spare window switches.

it wasn't that which wasn't allowing the mech to work. it was jammed. I tested this after I took it out and then compared it to the replacement. They worked differently. the added bonus was the lock cylinder.

cirrusblau · 05-30-2010, 01:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ceeker

the lock cylinder casing was broken

That's what I was telling you all along!