So ever since it got really cold, my passenger front door will not lock.

The locking lever (near the inside door handle) moves...it just doesn't move far enough. I can push it the rest of the way (or pull it) to lock/unlock the door. But by using the remote or driver side master switch, it will not lock/unlock completely.

I took it apart two days ago and sprayed WD-40 on the part where the two metal links meet and go down to the motor I presume. This fixed the problem for 1 day. Obviously, I can't keep doing this. Is it my motor that just doesn't have enough juice to pull the links all the way closed or push them all the way open?

Here is a quick picture I drew to help illustrate:

 

Clean out the power wire to the motor and/or the ground connection too.

 

Is that what worked for you?

Anyone else?

 

Really, you think maybe the plastic plug magicly came apart and crap got in there? lol

Il .... how are ya, otherwise? It could be that the plastic clips that hold the rods to the door broke and it's just binding up. You should pull the door panel and take a look. If that is in fact it, the clips are cheap (any auto parts store) and easy as pie to replace. Or, like you guess, it could be the motor. The motor shouldn't be very much if that is the problem. Here's a quick Goo search ... http://www.slickcar.com/productdetai...?ProductID=552

Cheers! Let us know what you find out.

 

Actually dirt gets everywhere, and the plastic plug can easily come apart, with just a bump. I've seen some odd hings while working with my Maxima, and when I had my old 1990 300zx. Things would come apart atthe worst times, its like the car is doing it.

I've been having a problem, that might help you. Sometimes my passenger door doesnt get power, so the wndow wont work and when you try to lock or unlock the door, it wont do it. Nxt time you work on your car, open the door thats having the problem, if the door light comes on, then the door has power, then try to unlock or lock the door. If the door power isnt your problem, then sorry I couldnt be more of help.

Hope you fix it.

 

its your lock mechanism assembly which has the motor built into it. I have the same problem on one of the cars i'm working on, it could be fixed, but you'll have to take motor apart and adjust the electrical conntects if they're not too worn out. its easier to get another lock assembly. GL

 

Hey man.

I'm good. Trying to sell the Max which is why I want this problem fixed. I live in the boonies so I'm not scared of theft but for the other buyer, I want them to know their car won't disappear cause of a non-locking door.

What do you mean clip? There is one circular (somewhat) piece that the two rods going from the door handle/lock button go to...then it goes down to the motor. I sprayed WD-40 on that and it worked for one day. Is that the clip that is binding up?

Nah, I get power all the time. The door will TRY to lock or unlock, so won't get to the full position so it'll stay locked or unlocked.

Yeah I was thinking it would just be easier to replace the entire motor. I'll probably end up going that route. They aren't terribly expensive.

 

There is usually a clip that holds the rod in place, it's a guide clip. All it does is support the locking rod. The rod slides in this clip (through it really) and if the clip snagged on the rod (or broke, they do that from time to time), then it would cause the lock to hang up. When you lock it by hand, does if feel ok? If so, then it's the lock actuator (motor) and that link I posted it was only $10. If the lock feels stiff or difficlut to move, then it's likely a clip haning up.

 

Nah it feels okay.

I think I'll just buy a motor and call it a done deal. It even sounds like the motor. It makes a little whirring noise, louder than the other doors.

 

Yea ... easy call then!

 

Okay well my part came in today (link).

I'll be swapping it soon enough.

 

That's an expensive window motor and not a lock motor.

 

So I got the wrong part?

Damnit. Oh well, do you have the part I need? This was only $40 bucks or whatever. No biggie.

 

Yeah you got the motor that controls the window. I sell them for $20 shipped
The motor that controls the lock is more of a actuator and is below the door latch. Yes I have one available for $20 shipped

 

PM your info again. I'll take it. How soon can you get it out to me? If I pay you before noon today can you ship it today?

 

So I finally got around to doing the replacement since it was chilly and my dad had the garage full with stuff he was working on.

All in all, a bit tough to get your hands in there to unscrew the old lock actuator but that's what it was. The lock actuator. My door works like a charm now.

Thanks Joe.

 

You need a new lock mechanism assembly...

 

1996 maxima
My passenger front door will not lock with the button or keyless. Handle or key works fine. I tried to remove the actuator, but cannot get it out to check the power. How to get it out, check it, and where can I get one?