Door Lock Replacement

[jph2424]

I have a 1997 Gran Prix SE. I was unable to open the door by pulling on either the inside or outside handles. The only way the door would open is if I put the key in the lock cylinder and tilted it up. Only then could I lift the door handle and the door would open.
At first I thought it was the actuator so I bought a new one for $40.00. I installed it but that did not cure the problem. I determined it was the door lock. I bought a new online for $40.00.
After spending hours of trying to find out how to get this lock out I finally was able to figure it out. I thought I would share some of the shortcuts with you. I hope this helps.
1. Remove the 2 bolts (located just below the door grip) and pop off the door panel.
2. If you pry up (gently) on the back of the master door switch, you can lift out the hole unit out of the door panel and then rotate it so it will fit through the opening and away from the door panel.
3. Pull back the plastic.
4. [url="http://picasaweb.google.com/jph2424/LockActuator?feat=directlink[IMG]"]http://picasaweb.google.com/jph2424/LockActuator?feat=directlink[IMG][/URL
5. To improve more access I used my Dremell with a metal cutting disk to cut 2 slices in the door and bent the sheet metal back. I used Duck tape to cover the sharp edges.
6. Remove the bolt holding the window guide bracket. The top of the guide slips onto the bottom of the window and there is a metal clip that slides onto the door panel. You will need to use a small mirror to see it. You can then remove the bracket from the door. Sound difficult but is very easy.
7. Now you have all of the access you need to remove the lock.
8. I used a small screwdriver to pop off the plastic clips holding the rods on the door handle and after a little pulling and pushing was able to disengage them.
9. To remove the rod on the lock cylinder you have to remove the metal clip holding it on. Spray it with WD40 first. Using a large blade flat screwdriver you can pry it up to release the rod. I broke the clip. Two different dealers could not get me the part unless I bought the lock cylinder for $115.00. I went to Sears hardware and bought a small washer with an opening almost like a pressure nut without the top. It worked great when I reinstalled the rods.
10. Now, take off the 3 torque bolts holding the lock to the door panel.
11. The lock will come most of the way out of the door. With needle nose pliers you can open the plastic clip (yellow or white) and remove the door handle rod.
12. The lock will now be able to be removed from the door.
13. The actuator is held onto the door lock with 2 or 3 small torque screws.
14. To install, just do everything in reverse.
15. I bent back the sheet metal and sealed it with duck tape.
The whole job will take about 2 hours.
If you need more help email me at [email protected].