Power door lock troubles!

[homerjoy1973]

This just started yesterday,my power locks stopped working,but they still work when put into drive,they lock but don`t unlock when car is turned off.I have checked all fuses that has to do with the locks,and I even checked the lighter fuse.There is no CTSY fuse on a 97 so i can`t check that,I don`t think It could be the switch contacts because it happened on both doors at the same time.I don`t know what else to try.

[rixGAphx]

Easiest first thing to try is cleaning the connector at the bck of the switch.

Look at the driver door. See the little 'well' that your fingers go in to close the door? Remove the two loooonnnnngg phillipshead screws in the bottom, then kinda twist that piece of plastic out.

Unplug the connector from the back of the lock switch, and clean the crud with a woodn toothpick or such.
Some rubbing alcohol from the bathroom also helps to dissolve this gunk.
While you're there, repeat for the power window switch.

Repeat for the passenger side.

The deal is that when the window is down about 1/2" for summer ventilation, water (from an afternoon storm) drips right onto these switches, and flows-in where it corrodes them.

IMO, the chances are 3:1 that this will solve the problem.
-Rick

[PontiacGT]

Ok not to hijack a thread but I've got a power lock question for my 97 gagt that was never really answered.

The power locks work, on the driver's side. If I hit the switch from the drivers side, the lock on the drivers side opens. If I hit the switch from the passenger side, the lock on the drivers side opens. Basically the switches are fine, but there's something missing between the motor and the lock on the passenger door. I can hear the motor trying to do something over there, but the lock just won't open. What do you think about THAT?

[rixGAphx]

Originally posted by PontiacGT
....but there's something missing between the motor and the lock on the passenger door.
I can hear the motor trying to do something over there, but the lock just won't open.
Prolly not missing, but broken.

Basically, the locking mechanism is manual, with a 3/16" diameter steel rod between the manual lock button (at the handle) and the lock itself (at the door jamb).

Attached to this rod is the electric solenoid motor for power actuation.
Sometimes the clip (metal or plastic) from the solenoid to the rod breaks.

You'll need to remove the upholstered door panel to inspect the rod and work on the problem.

-Rick

[PontiacGT]

ya^ had that off at least 5 times so who knows. I'll check that next time. Seems like every time I take one off though, I break some plastic door panel clips.........grrrrrrrrrrr. Can a person buy some somewhere to replace em?

[SE2000]

Door clips available at auto body suppy store, NAPA, autozone etc.

[rixGAphx]

Originally posted by SE2000
Door clips available at auto body suppy store, NAPA, autozone etc. There's a brand of automotive oddities called "HELP!", and they have clips for EREVRY door panel, and a LOT of other stuff, too.
AutoZone has that brand, I'm not sure about Checker-Schucks-Kragen or others.

And if the part is REAL odd, the local store might not have it on the display, so check the HELP! website and see about special order.

HELP! also pays a commission ($100, IIRC) for your ideas if they use them.

Finally, ACE hardware stores kinda follow the old-time policy of charging higher prices but having a lot of low-volume oddities that HomeDespot won't carry.
In particular, they have lots of nuts and bolts and clips, including a line of basic automotive stuff like springs and upholstery clips.

Good luck,
-Rick

[PontiacGT]

wow thanks! ^ there's a checker and autozone about 5 blocks from here, so i'll check with them. I'd like to buy a set for both doors cuz there's 1 or 2 clips broken on each so yeah....pssh. thanks a lot!