Door lock problem

CHEVROLET IMPALA
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IMPALAROY
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Hello; I have a 1992 Acura Vigor, and am having two problems.....the most urgent problem is that I can not open the drivers door because the power door locks ( factory ) will not allow the key to be turned in the open position. When I try to unlock the door with the interior lock/unlock switch, it will work sometimes but quickly locks itself. Also the alarm sounds when I try to unlock with the key from the outside.
The second problem is that the DRL light comes on intermitantly, and the brake lamp failure light stays on all the time ..... All brake lights work.
Any suggestions??
Jan 6, 2006 at 11:26 AM
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JEREMIAH
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 217 POSTS
door lock actuator is probably stuck.you can't repair the actuator. just replace it.
clean the brake reservoir filter and check the operation of the float.push it all the way up and see if the light goes off.
Jan 7, 2006 at 11:29 AM
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IMPALAROY
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  • 3 POSTS
Thank you........ I assume the actuator is in the door???????
Jan 9, 2006 at 3:23 AM
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JEREMIAH
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 217 POSTS
yup,remove the door panel and look where the door lock tab and door latch lever meet. first time? be very patient
Jan 9, 2006 at 3:35 AM
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IMPALAROY
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thanks ...... I just called Acura, and they say the actuator is not sold seperatly, they want me to buy a complete lock assembly $700.00 . It seems the switch was on a recall, but my car already had it done by the origianal ouner .... so I'm stuck for the moment trying to repair it.
Jan 9, 2006 at 4:01 AM
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Suggested Repair

Replace the stuck driver's door lock actuator; it cannot be repaired. It is inside the door—remove the door panel and locate where the lock tab and latch lever meet. The dealer may only sell a complete lock assembly. For the constant brake lamp failure light, clean the brake reservoir filter and check the float by pushing it fully up to see if the light goes out.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1992 Acura Vigor cannot unlock the driver's door with the key. The power locks sometimes unlock from the interior switch and then relock, and the alarm sounds when the key is used outside. The DRL light comes on intermittently, and the brake lamp failure light stays on even though all brake lights work. The expert said the door lock actuator is likely stuck and must be replaced, and explained that it is behind the door panel where the lock tab and latch lever meet. For the brake warning light, the expert recommended cleaning the brake reservoir filter and checking the float. The owner later reported that the dealer does not sell the actuator separately and quotes a complete lock assembly, and that a related switch recall was already done.

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