Stubborn Door Key Lock (81' 300SD)

[Elliott Fager]

Greetings all:

The driver's side door will unlock with a key as you turn it counter clockwise but will not turn clockwise to lock. I have noticed the door handle is a bit loose. Wifey is getting tired of opening the rear door to push the lock button down on the driver's side. Do you think the mechanism is shot or.....? I have squirted WD40 in the mechanism with no success

Thanks for the help

[Tom Sweeney]

I had a similar problem with my '82 Sd. I disassembled the tumbler to try and repair it, it worked for a while but is started to stick again. I finally swapped the driver's side assembly with the passenger side.

Tom
'82 SD
'86 SDL

[Elliott Fager]

Now thats original thinking! I'll give that a try---hate taking the inner door panels off. Always feel like I'll break something

Mine broke, so I am going to the dealer and buy a whole new lock. I think they are about $90.

[rmmagow]

When you do get a new one from the dealer, can they match up the lock so you can use your existing key? Do they need a key number or some such or can they match just by having the door lock. Thanks.