pieleapulii

Hey everyone,

I have a 2003 996 Targa that has developed a problem with the door lock mechanism on the driver side door: it's stuck closed, and I've yet to find a way to get it open.

I drove the car home last night, got out through the passenger door, swore a few times, then proceeded to try to fix the problem, but to no avail. I managed to take off the door panel with the door closed, put a light into the area, and saw that both the inner and outer door handles are still properly connected to the door lock mechanism, and actuating something in there, but nothing is happening from within the door lock mechanism. I tried locking and unlocking the door with both the key and the remote, and tried to open it by pulling on the cable from the inner door handle, as well as the outer one, but still nothing. I hear an actuator working in there when I lock and unlock the door, but a pin, spring, or something broke within the mechanism, such that it no longer operates.

At this point, I just want to find a way to manually actuate the door lock mechanism (besides the inner or outer door handle connections), such that I can open the door and remove the crappy door lock mechanism - has anyone had this problem at all? It's no problem to remove the mechanism with the door already open, but with it closed, it's a whole different story. I've searched seemingly everywhere, and cannot seem to find a way to get the door lock mechanism out while the door is closed - please, any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Ahsai

This may help somewhat http://www.renntech.org/forums/topic...d/#entry259391

pieleapulii

Thanks, Ahsai! I figured the only way to really get at the mechanism is by removing the outer door handle, but was hoping there's also some other way of releasing the mechanism - no such luck?

Ahsai

It's not a common problem and that was the only thread I saw recently and I don't remember seeing other threads from before....Maybe others can chime in.

Good luck and let us know how you solve it.

pieleapulii

Thank you very much! Banged on it from the outside, and the door magically opened... I'll be replacing the door lock mechanism - does anyone know what the best place would be to get one, by any chance?

Ahsai

I recommend Sunset Porsche and ECS tuning.

pieleapulii

Thank you very much! I'll order one ASAP. Think it's worth getting a used one?

Ahsai

A used one may fail the same way so you have to ask yourself if it's worth the risk and hassle. Having said that I have no idea how much a new one is...

pieleapulii

Exactly what I was thinking... New, they're around $180, and used they're around $60

Ahsai

Nah, $180 new is very reasonable. Not worth the risks.

DBJoe996

I'm with Ahsai on this one. You're in this deep...just get a new replacement! Consider that this door mechanism is the only way to get in and out of your car. Do you really want to risk a used part?

pieleapulii

Agreed - new is the way to go

lewfletch

Might be a little late but, I had the same problem last month. And I bought a used one. And it started acting up. Godamnit. I dunno if I messed something up because I installed it myself, or if it is because it was secondhand. Anyway, I got a locksmith to fix it because I do not trust myself. Sigh.

dan_189

Had this problem on one of my 986 boxsters - no magic bump for me it was stuck locked. Even with a PIWIS2 it wouldn't unlock or with a key. So I removed the panel with the door closed - you can actually do it - I was surprised... Removed the door handle and then proceeded to dismantle the mechanism with a large screwdriver which eventually unlatched the mechanism. I'm not one for brute force solutions but this was my last resort.

sloanautomatic

Sorry to re-open an old thread, but this video explains what you guys need to do. someone might need it someday. If you do get the door open, do not close it for any reason until you are sure the handle is working again. .