Driver's Door Lock problem-barrel spins

ampersand

I'd be grateful for help, hoping I can fix this myself.

The problem began a few days ago - inserted key in driver's side door to lock car. Unfortunately, the barrel just spins and I can only lock the car from the passenger's side.

Suggestions please?
Thankyou for any help.

wealdroam

My first suggestion would be...

Post the make and model of car concerned, and someone may be better able to help.

:beer:

sassy_one

ampersand wrote: »

I'd be grateful for help, hoping I can fix this myself.

The problem began a few days ago - inserted key in driver's side door to lock car. Unfortunately, the barrel just spins and I can only lock the car from the passenger's side.

Suggestions please?
Thankyou for any help.

Hi ampersand

Sorry to hear of your problem with the lock on your car.

You do not state what the make nor model is so I cannot offer specialist advice regards your car however, in general, the problems you state could be down to a loose nut holding the barrel in place on the door.

It would be a fairly easy DIY job, however you would need to take the inside door card off to get access to the rear of the barrel.

I hope that you get the problem sorted

Locknut

Probably a Citroen of some kind with a spinning lock usually with a cross shaped key? (if looking down the end of the key)

Fill the lock with wd-40 put the key in pull it out about 5mm and hit it lightly with the back of a screw driver this should solve the problem.

gilbert_and_sullivan

Yep i bet it's a Citroen with the strange cross key, they sometimes do this brand new.

Look on the bright side, you can't open it with the proper key so what hope for a villain to pick the lock..;)

ampersand

Thankyou all and apologies for no acknowledgement till now - computer just wouldn't start, series of never before seen msgs aon blue screen re: Fatal System errors etc. Feared it was dead, but just now it has started...

Car is Skoda Felicia Estate, W reg.

Previous little car was a small hatchback model, same make and I did once manage to undo that door inner, to fix window button, but it's pouring today.

I have the Haynes manual from that model - was told there's enough in there that would remain helpful, so have kept it.

Any further input would be much appreciated.

Thankyou again.

Locknut

Yes you need a lock rebuild kit/ lock paddle on the Skoda common fault if you ask in parts department they will know what you mean it means taking the lock out of the door but if you are competent DIYer you should be ok.

anewman

It's very easy to take the door trim panel off and remove the lock on a Felicia. I think the double sided locks are not handed so you could swap a bad drivers one for a good passenger one. Here's a post on the subject http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/163621-felicia-door-lock-barrel/ the last reply is the most useful. It seems to be a relatively common problem. If you can find one at a scrappy you can practice removing before you get to your own. Remember there are two types of locks, the ones with the double sided keys, and the earlier single sided ones.

If you ask at parts department they'll either be clueless, tell you you need a complete new barrel, or the other parts are not available on their own (based on my experience of Skoda dealers parts desks).

ampersand

More detailed and straightforward help - thankyou all. Shan't have any chance to try until Friday[hoping for decent weather]and will doubtless return for more advice.
Locknut, you know not what miracles are required when you write...'but if you are competent DIYer'...... - at which point I should insert the ROTFL smilie.
Nonetheless, I will try.
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anewman - especial thanks for the briskoda link.
Yes, that problem is a carbon copy. Have bookmarked site to Faves as I'm sure I will be referring there often. Really grateful for this one - merci millefois.
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anewman - I blame you. Cannot believe I've become somewhat excited over a car site - have bookmarked several other linkies in briskoda and am reading almost avidly:o:D. Thankyou again.