When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Ok, my wiring harness, complete with central lock is on my pool table, now mine is an '89 so there are slight differences. I would suspect that you have a faulty microswitch in the drivers door handle/lock assembly unless the problem is one with the physical lock.
I am presuming that the mechanical action with the switch is fine (the door cylinder rotates smoothly).
Second, does the passenger door unlock cause both doors to unlock? In theory unlocking either the passenger door with a key or drivers door will unlock the other.
Failing that, there is a little microswitch like this:
Big honking plug that goes into the door harness. The microswitch toggles up and down (the greenish part on the pic) with movement of the cylinder which causes the unlock/lock to occur. The switch could be damaged, it is not that hard to get to once you take the door cards off (which means the handle, door pocket etc etc). and removing the door handle.
Looking at the wiring diagram, it is also possible that one of the wires going from that switch to the chassis has been damaged. From my records there are three wires going to the microswitch - Brown/Blue, Brown/Green, Brown (ground) and I don't know whether it is the Br/Bl or Br/Grn that is unlock, but it is one of those two that could be perished right at the point where the action of the door opening and closing may have fatigued the wire. You can see the loom (black plastic tubing) from the door to the chassis....check if any of them look cracked or there are wires hanging out. That could also be your problem.
I doubt if it is the central lock relay...and I am presuming that the central lock/unlock button in the centre console also works properly?
I have a '88 and while the doors unlock automatically from the outside driver's door they will not lock. Any ideas?
The mechanism inside the door uses a small plastic rod-end to connect the mechanism mechanicals. Over time, these plastic ends tend to break. I bet yours broke. It’s an easy and cheap fix. Remove the inside door panel, and have a look. I bet your plastic ends need replacement.
To be more clear from the drivers door I can unlock but not lock. Based on other cars I am guessing the actuator rod might be broken? The lock mechanism seems to work just fine. I'll try and crack it open and see what I find.
Thanks for all the help!
9 Vehicles Porsche Helped Engineer that Aren't Porsches
Slideshow: Long before engineering consulting became trendy, Porsche was quietly helping other automakers build everything from supercars to economy hatchbacks.
9 Features and Characteristics That Only Porsche People Understand
Slideshow: Some brands build cars. Porsche builds traditions, obsessions, and a few habits that stopped making sense decades ago but somehow became part of the charm.
This Builder Is Turning Heads With Its Slantnose 911 Creation
Slideshow: A small Polish tuner has reimagined the Porsche 911 Slantnose for the modern era, blending 1980s nostalgia with widebody tuning culture and serious performance upgrades.
Porsche 911 GT3 Artisan Edition Pays Homage to Japanese Culture
Slideshow: Porsche has created a Japan-only 911 GT3 Artisan Edition that blends track-ready hardware with design cues inspired by traditional Japanese craftsmanship.
Porsche Reveals Coupe Variant of the Electric Cayenne With a Fresh Look
Slideshow: Porsche's latest electric Cayenne Coupe blends dramatic styling with supercar acceleration, turning the brand's midsize SUV into a 1,139-horsepower flagship.
