Yesterday, my locking system decided to give me issues on my '86.
When I try to lock the doors, the actuator sounds on both doors but they don't actually lock.
I can unlock each door separately with the key, but the opposite door will not unlock even though I hear the actuator.
The central locking button engages the actuators on the doors, but again, they will not lock.
Any suggestions?

 

It is very common for the the ball and socket clips which attach to an actuator rod to fail. The clips have been superceded by a one piece rod from the 964 which solves the problem. Here is a link which should help:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showt...t=central+lock


JP

 

Sounds like that is it. It is interesting how both doors went at the same time?

 

I see from the Pelican pics that the actuation rod has a plastic fitting on a metal rod. It seems that Porsche used this bad combo in other places. They probably tested it a thousand times before going into production but they did not have the affect of time on the plastic. This is the same device they used on the auto heat controller between the seats. Mine broke and I replaced it with Holley carb rod and end piece,(All metal). I wonder if the "New" replacement rod will have a time factor that will weaken it? I haven't had the problem yet but if I do I think I will look into the Holley carb parts bin and use a brass end piece. I also notice a lot of '86's are mentioned. Is this significant?

 

Rudy,
interestingly, mine is an '86 as well. Doug, Both sides failed at the same time on mine. Strange. This repair took all of an hour for both sides.

JP

 

I guess it is possible that the pass side failed earlier and I just never noticed it.
I still don't understand why they can unlock with the key, but not lock and why the unlock only works on the side that you put the key in even though both actuators are engaging.