IROC Door Lock Problem

[Giblets]

Thought I'd take advantage of the clement weather and take the IROC into work today.

So I opened her up in the garage, took the roof panels off and put them into the boot, got into the car, went to shut the door and CLANK!

The door wouldn't shut.

Didn't have time or space to have a good look but something in the lock mechanism seems to have dropped down and is preventing it from engaging.

I'm hoping that some WD40 and some jimmying about with a screwdriver might sort things although a quick 2 minute poke about did nothing.

Anyone other third geners had this problem?

Any ideas as to what I should do?

I'm hoping it's a simple fix as I won't be able to drive it all the way to Rocky's workshop with one hand holding the door closed!

Cheers.

[55starchief]

Check that the claw hasnt close and is hitting the striker pin mate

[FUBAR]

Quoting: 55starchief

Check that the claw hasnt close and is hitting the striker pin mate

That is what it will be, you can pull it back up with a screwdriver

[Giblets]

Thanks,

I wondered what that bit was called!

Yeah I think thats the problem.

Do you reckon this will need a more permanent fix, or it could just be a one off?

[CJ-IROCZ]

I've had that problem on a few cars. the mech is prob in the closed possition whilst the door is open.

[Giblets]

Will the fix require anything more technical that jimmying about with a screwdriver?

If so I'm fooked!

[55starchief]

Quoting: Giblets

Do you reckon this will need a more permanent fix, or it could just be a one off?

probably a one off mate

Quoting: Giblets

Will the fix require anything more technical that jimmying about with a screwdriver?

shouldnt do, in fact all you should need to do is operate the lock with the key to solve this

[Giblets]

Quoting: 55starchief

shouldnt do, in fact all you should need to do is operate the lock with the key to solve this

Tried that.

No joy.

Will have another look tomorrow anyway.

[sixpack2639]

The "claw" part of the latch is a rotating piece and what more than likely has happened due to a lack of lubrication, and usually some light rust, is the "claw" didn't open fully when the door was opened and got pushed to the closed position when you tried to shut the door.

You can lube the mechanisim with WD-40 but it won't be a lasting fix. I recommend using White Lithium spray grease on door latches and hinges and most any other external moving part as it will stay for quite a while.

Pull the door handle as if you were opening the door and rotate the "claw" with a screwdriver to the open position, then spray the hell out of it and work the latch by opening and closing the door repeatedly to get the lubricant worked into all parts.

Hope that helps, Carl

[Roadkill]

Quoting: Giblets

The door wouldn't shut.

Exactly the same thing happened to me with the Z28 - clean the old gunge out of the locking/shut machanism, clean with carb cleaner then add some fresh grease.

Job solved.

[Rocky]

Should be able to push a screwdriver in as though it is the striker then pull the interior handle to open.

If no luck i have secondhand ones alot cheaper than a new one.

[Giblets]

Cheers fellas, and especially Philo who RAC'd to it that I'd be sorted by giving me a call with the diagnosis.

I shall get my best screwdriver on the case tomorrow!

[FUBAR]

Did you fix this m8?

[Giblets]

Yes thanks everyone.

You were all correct of course and it freed up immediately.

I had been trying to free it without opening the handle before.

A quick squirt of WD40 and all was fine. Will keep a large screwdriver in the car now just in case!

[Roadkill]

Quoting: Giblets

A quick squirt of WD40 and all was fine

You'd be wise to clean out all the old grease and replace with fresh . . . that way it probably won't ever be an issue again.

Problems like that tend to show up in cold weather when the grease solidifies and looses it's lubricating properties.
Dirt and other crap in it won't help.

Fresh grease !

And while you're at it check you door hinges too.

[Giblets]

Quote Simpsons:

Groundskeeper Willie: "Lunchlady Doris, have you got any Grease?"
Lunchlady Doris: "Yes we do"
Groundskeeper Willie: "Then grease me up woman!"

[Roadkill]

Ah, I remember that.

Use auto grease, though, mate . . . . not chip fat, eh ?

[FUBAR]

Quoting: Roadkill

not chip fat,

yeah thats for Generators only!

[Titsy]