The driver's door lock is exhibiting the "machine gun" problem. I purchased a new lock and had intended replacing the offending part last weekend. After removing the door panel, it seems that the lock can only be removed if the internal door brace is first removed, and the top of the door brace can only be removed if the side airbag is first removed. I decided to postpone the replacement and seek the advice of the forum members.

Do both the door brace and the side airbag have to be removed before the new lock can be installed? I realize that in order to remove the door brace, the four rivets must be drilled out. It also appears that the side airbag is held in place with two Torx-head bolts at the top and two rivets at the bottom. Is this true or will loosening the Torx-head bolts free the airbag for removal? I don't want to set the SRS fault light on the instrument panel so will simply disconnecting the battery before removing the airbag avoid this problem?

Incidentally, I did find the potential reason for the lock problem. A small spring that attaches to the lock mechanism had apparently fallen off and was lying at the bottm of the door.

Thanks.

Alex