996 Door Locking Mechanism - Replace or Repair?

996 Door Locking Mechanism - Replace or Repair?

Author
Discussion

echoblue

Original Poster:

24 posts

98 months

Sunday 18th September 2016
quotequote all
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

echoblue

Original Poster:

24 posts

98 months

Monday 26th September 2016
quotequote all
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