Car door lock broken?

Question

My 4th gen Camaro driver side door won't unlock by manually turning the key in the door. There are no remote controls to lock/unlock the door on the key. But the automatic switches in the car work perfectly to lock and unlock both doors.

This just started happening today. I have to unlock the passenger side door with the key, then hit the unlock button to get in the driver's side.

Is there a simple fix, or will I need to buy a new lock?

Thanks

Answer 1

Does the key still turn , but feels no resistance, this to me is that the wire rod has pulled out of the clip. Remove the inside door panel, with a torch and mirror and moving key in lock, look to see if it is hanging loose. Not difficult to connect. Or it is the key barrel warn out. The unit can be removed by a clip or a small bolt from inside the door. With panel off and with torch look to see, some have like a horse shoe shaped clip which slides into grooves on the side of he barrel, slides out one way with pliers or screw driver.

Answer 2

The key lock cylinder might have broken and that's why the key turns easier,why the key won't unlock the door,and also why the button inside will still unlock it.If the door lock actuator(the electronic part that mechanically locks/unlocks the door)were faulty,the key wouldn't be able to turn inside the lock cylinder and neither one of the power door lock buttons would work because a faulty actuator usually locks/binds up.Do this as a test:Open the passenger side door so you can watch the action of the lock mechanism,insert the key into the passenger side lock,turn the key to unlock/lock the door.Did you notice the mechanism between the back of the door moving as you done the test?If so,now go to driver side and do the same test.If it doesn't move like it did on passenger side,you know the lock cylinder is faulty.If driver side did move,you'll have to remove door panel and inspect behind it to see what else might cause the problem.Graphite is good for lubricating inside key hole

Answer 3

Put some WD40 in the key hole and on your key and try again