'92 Corsica Door Latch Problem
smf
02-02-2006, 06:19 PM
Hi All,
Just wanted to share my experience fixing a broken driver's side door latch mechanism for my '92 Corsica....
To make sure everyone understands what I'm talking about, its the actual locking mechanism that latches onto the door pin. Not the key lock.
About a year ago the latch started to be a little flaky. Most of the time it would open, then other times not. It worked just enough for me to ignore it... Bad move:nono: ... Then one day the latch failed all together. Unfortunately the door panel was still on the door with the door closed. Needless to say I had to muscle the panel off because I couldn't get at the plastic clips wedged between the door and the dashboard.
After I finally removed everything, I just drove around with the door unlocked and a large screwdriver (can you believe I learned how to jimmy the door open from inside the door...lazy idiot:screwy:). Anyway, a few days ago the car was at the shop for an inspection (see previous thread) and they locked the door with either the keys or electric lock from the passenger side. When I picked it up the screwdriver method no longer worked...damn. I got the car home, drilled out the (3) rivets, unbolted (3) torx bolts, disconnected the electric door lock actuator, and managed to get my hand inside to unhook the (2) rods that connect the key lock and door handle. The whole mechanism came out supprisingly easy.:smokin:
Upon inspection, it turns out that the weakest link is a darn spring (this is the light vertical one). The old spring was completely disintegrated. I search around and found that a local True-Value hardware store had a pretty good selection (I think it was a #9, 3/16"x1 3/4" compression, 75cents). I had to thread the spring on because the pin was captive and it worked like a charm. I then used some penetrating oil and then lithium grease on the entire assembly.
Putting it all back together was a little tricky but not too bad (about 1/2 hour). I couldn't get to the top (2) rivets from the inside so I just drilled new holes and used sheet metal screws.:grinyes:
Now I need to find all the hardware for the door panel that I have scattered around from a year ago.
I hope this helps anyone that is experiencing this problem. Reply or PM me if you need any help.
SMF
Just wanted to share my experience fixing a broken driver's side door latch mechanism for my '92 Corsica....
To make sure everyone understands what I'm talking about, its the actual locking mechanism that latches onto the door pin. Not the key lock.
About a year ago the latch started to be a little flaky. Most of the time it would open, then other times not. It worked just enough for me to ignore it... Bad move:nono: ... Then one day the latch failed all together. Unfortunately the door panel was still on the door with the door closed. Needless to say I had to muscle the panel off because I couldn't get at the plastic clips wedged between the door and the dashboard.
After I finally removed everything, I just drove around with the door unlocked and a large screwdriver (can you believe I learned how to jimmy the door open from inside the door...lazy idiot:screwy:). Anyway, a few days ago the car was at the shop for an inspection (see previous thread) and they locked the door with either the keys or electric lock from the passenger side. When I picked it up the screwdriver method no longer worked...damn. I got the car home, drilled out the (3) rivets, unbolted (3) torx bolts, disconnected the electric door lock actuator, and managed to get my hand inside to unhook the (2) rods that connect the key lock and door handle. The whole mechanism came out supprisingly easy.:smokin:
Upon inspection, it turns out that the weakest link is a darn spring (this is the light vertical one). The old spring was completely disintegrated. I search around and found that a local True-Value hardware store had a pretty good selection (I think it was a #9, 3/16"x1 3/4" compression, 75cents). I had to thread the spring on because the pin was captive and it worked like a charm. I then used some penetrating oil and then lithium grease on the entire assembly.
Putting it all back together was a little tricky but not too bad (about 1/2 hour). I couldn't get to the top (2) rivets from the inside so I just drilled new holes and used sheet metal screws.:grinyes:
Now I need to find all the hardware for the door panel that I have scattered around from a year ago.
I hope this helps anyone that is experiencing this problem. Reply or PM me if you need any help.
SMF
kmb91396
02-03-2006, 08:03 PM
Did you just have a locking problem or did your door stick when you tried to open it? Sometimes ill pull on the handle and it wont open right away. I dont know if this is at all something you experienced, but im curious.
smf
02-04-2006, 09:41 AM
No, this particular problem was with the door locking. I have had problems in the past with the door sticking but I think it was more of suction between the door and the gasket.
lookehereleon@yaho
02-04-2006, 12:28 PM
Did you just have a locking problem or did your door stick when you tried to open it? Sometimes ill pull on the handle and it wont open right away. I dont know if this is at all something you experienced, but im curious.
My son had this problem i used a toothpick and stuck it in the key slot to hold it open, then got some penetrating spray and sprayed the heck out of it, let it set for about fifteen minutes, and done it again, then started working handle. it been about a year works fine
leon , good luck
My son had this problem i used a toothpick and stuck it in the key slot to hold it open, then got some penetrating spray and sprayed the heck out of it, let it set for about fifteen minutes, and done it again, then started working handle. it been about a year works fine
leon , good luck
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