996 Door Locking Mechanism - Replace or Repair?
Discussion
Hi all
My C4S (996) developed a fault with the driver's side window last week, and from what I've read it is fairly common. If the door was opened from the inside, the window dropped correctly and stayed down until the door was closed (it then returned to the 'up' position correctly). However, if it was opened from the outside, it would drop correctly but then return to the 'up' position as soon as the handle was released (so the door could not shut).
I had read that this was likely to be the door open/close microswitch within the door lock assembly, however I was a little sceptical as it would work correctly using the inside handle. I opened up the door, removed the lock mechanism and inspected the door open microswitch. As expected, it was covered in crud so I gave it a good clean, tested the resistance across the terminals to check it was operating (it was) and rebuilt and reinstalled it all.
Unfortunately the problem still persisted and now the window operation is also faulty if using the inside handle.
I've now read that the original problem could well have been that the link between the outside handle and the lock mechanism might have needed tightening to ensure full operation of the various cams and to ensure the door open microswitch was triggered. So it might not have been a fault with the door open microswitch in the first place.
I'm just after a little advice...does it sound like a microswitch fault or a mechanical adjustment required? As the problem has now spread to the inside door handle I assume I may have now introduced a problem with the microswitch after all. My principle concern is that if I choose to part with £165 for a new unit, it might not actually fix the original problem when operating the outside handle. I'd prefer to fix the equipment if possible as it seems silly replacing the whole lock assy if I can just adjust the system and/or replace the microswitch.
I plan to take the door card off again next weekend to see whether adjusting the various mechanical cables gets it working, but thought it worth throwing out to the wider community to see if there were any pearls of wisdom before I got started!
Thanks in advance!!
Mike
My C4S (996) developed a fault with the driver's side window last week, and from what I've read it is fairly common. If the door was opened from the inside, the window dropped correctly and stayed down until the door was closed (it then returned to the 'up' position correctly). However, if it was opened from the outside, it would drop correctly but then return to the 'up' position as soon as the handle was released (so the door could not shut).
I had read that this was likely to be the door open/close microswitch within the door lock assembly, however I was a little sceptical as it would work correctly using the inside handle. I opened up the door, removed the lock mechanism and inspected the door open microswitch. As expected, it was covered in crud so I gave it a good clean, tested the resistance across the terminals to check it was operating (it was) and rebuilt and reinstalled it all.
Unfortunately the problem still persisted and now the window operation is also faulty if using the inside handle.
I've now read that the original problem could well have been that the link between the outside handle and the lock mechanism might have needed tightening to ensure full operation of the various cams and to ensure the door open microswitch was triggered. So it might not have been a fault with the door open microswitch in the first place.
I'm just after a little advice...does it sound like a microswitch fault or a mechanical adjustment required? As the problem has now spread to the inside door handle I assume I may have now introduced a problem with the microswitch after all. My principle concern is that if I choose to part with £165 for a new unit, it might not actually fix the original problem when operating the outside handle. I'd prefer to fix the equipment if possible as it seems silly replacing the whole lock assy if I can just adjust the system and/or replace the microswitch.
I plan to take the door card off again next weekend to see whether adjusting the various mechanical cables gets it working, but thought it worth throwing out to the wider community to see if there were any pearls of wisdom before I got started!
Thanks in advance!!
Mike
I had the same issue on mine a couple of years ago.
I read all sorts of posts about reprogramming and various sequences of key turns, window drops, adjustments, etc but either it's all BS or it just didn't work for me.
I replaced the entire lock mechanism in the end, problem solved, sadly I think only a full replacement is going to do the job, the units are sealed and microswitch replacement isn't really an option.
That said I bought a secondhand unit on eBay for £50 with a guarantee that if it didn't work they'd take it back.
It's an easy home DIY job but thoughts or a fix over a replacement are perhaps wishful thinking.
Best of luck.
I read all sorts of posts about reprogramming and various sequences of key turns, window drops, adjustments, etc but either it's all BS or it just didn't work for me.
I replaced the entire lock mechanism in the end, problem solved, sadly I think only a full replacement is going to do the job, the units are sealed and microswitch replacement isn't really an option.
That said I bought a secondhand unit on eBay for £50 with a guarantee that if it didn't work they'd take it back.
It's an easy home DIY job but thoughts or a fix over a replacement are perhaps wishful thinking.
Best of luck.
Just a quick update - opted for a complete new unit from Design911 rather than faffing around trying to fix the original. Just annoying that the failure of a <£1 switch means £155 for a new unit! Hey ho...working now and was less than an hour to fit (having done the removal and refit once already I was a pro this time round!!).
Cheers
Mike
Cheers
Mike
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