DAMNED DOOR LOCKS!!!!!!

[69Rcode_Mach1]

Okay guys the 93 has always had trouble with the passenger side doorlock. It doesn't lock or unlock with the power locks, and the only way I can unlock it by key is to put the key and start to unlock it and then hit the disarm button on my remote. It is like the motor isn't catching or something. Because the other times i lock or unlock it stays still and just makes a small screeching noise. The drivers side has been fine until tonight. I just got home to lock my door and what do you know the pass side is already locked, and basically the power locks aren't working. Now I cannot put lock the drivers side lock with the key. I have pushed hard and am worried that I wil break the key if I push any harder. Any cure or reason for this. It is very cold outside, but I don't think they are frozen because when I was leaving the detatchment the drivers side one unlocked fine, however, I had to lock and unlock it a bunch of times to try to get that pass side door open to give another cadet a ride home, then I go to the drivers side and realize none of the locks work now. Why can't I lock it with the key?????????

 

[HISSIN50]

It does sound like a frozen (seized) actuator, which doesnt necessarily relate to ambient temps.

So can you not get into the car now? If you have a button on your key fob for the hatch, I would pop it and get in the car that way. Then undo the linkage from the actuator to the door lock, to create manual only locks. If the actuator is frozen, this will bypass it and allow you to use your key.

Good luck.

 

[69Rcode_Mach1]

Car is a vert, so I can't crawl in. If I give it overnight will this cause the actuator to come back? Or is it toast forever?

 

[HISSIN50]

Oh yeah, if you need new actuators but dont want to spend a lot, I would recommend Jrichker's article (on his homepage) for retrofitting generic actuators. I did it with success, which means anyone can. And if you have lots of stuff around the shop, you can make substitutions on his parts list (though his design is seriously robust). E.g., I spent an additional 99 cents on nylon lock nuts, and had the rest of the supplies or had things that worked in lieu of a given supply.

Good luck.

 

[HISSIN50]

Oops, I missed the vert part. Sorry.

Since we dont know what is wrong exactly (till you get in there - chicken and the egg game here), I, for one, wouldnt venture a guess as to whether the actuator will free up or not. It is worth waiting, since it's dark out anyhow.

For redundancy (though I probably missed it above), the pass door wont unlock with the key either?

 

[69Rcode_Mach1]

Yep I can't unlock that one either, the only way would be to twist the key hard, to where it starts to poke up, and then hitting the unlock on the power locks and then it would go up. Right now though the locks are just dead. Freaking chaps my balls.

 

[jrichker]

Follow this link to fix your door lock actuator problems http://jrichker.stangnet.com/Mustang_tech/door_actuator_fix/1_of_8_door_actuator.htm

Stuck with door lock actuators that don't work and don't want to pay the $50+ for a new one? Tried the junkyard ones and found that they last six months and freeze up?

A new actuator for less than $4. Fix one side for $17, do both sides for only $23. I don't sell parts, I don’t make any money off of the upgrade, I just tell you how to do it cheaply and easily.

 

[rd]

Miscellaneous item with door locks.

My 89 had the top of the plastic manual lock button get below the top of the door panel, ie, it moved out from under the hole when it was locked, and the door panel kept the lock from unlocking with either the key or the switch. Guess the panel was not all the way down, but it was firmly attached. I put a short extension on the rod for a temp fix until I can get in there and work on it.

Very frustrating.

 

[69Rcode_Mach1]

Thanks for the help guys and the link jrichker. I will need to do that. I went to school and still couldn't lock my doors I get home, and my drivers side door lock is working again properly. The passenger side I could careless about because it is locked. Do you think it was the cold?

 

[HISSIN50]

It could be cold or a moisture issue. In any case, while you can get in there, I would disconnect the linkage to atleast one actuator so you can unlock the door at all times. Then once you do the retrofit, you should be golden.

If you need ancillary pictures, Jrichker's article shows how to disco' the linkage.

Good luck.

 

[69Rcode_Mach1]

I will do thanks guys.

Jrichker that is a cool website you have together, not just the car stuff though. The P-51 is my favorite airplane as well , and I am in the Air Force ROTC pursuing a career in Aviation. Sounds like you had some rough bumps in life, but came out okay, really interesting story.