Just boughtt this car and am in the process of fixin it up and gettin it on the road. One of my problems is the door locks, they don't work, not like they should anyway. I'm changing the interior color so everything's ripped out and easy to get to. Here's the problem, the solenoids aren't moving the arms all the way up or down, it's like they've gone weak or something. I cleaned them off and sprayed blaster on all the moving parts and that helped a little, if I really pushed on the lock button they'd go, but they wouldn't unlock all the way. The problem is the same on both doors. Have I got an electrical problem or do I just need new solenoids? If so, where can I find them, I haven't seen them in any of the reputable parts dealers....or maybe it's just a NAPA part. Any help would be much appreciated.

 

Can you here the solenoid Closing? You should here a click and the motor should try and move the lock. Most likely a bad motor.

 

Ah my 87 has the same problem. It gets worse when it's cold. Same as the windows. Bad solenoid, at least that's my problem. I suspect yours is too. I wouldnt trust the junkyard ones to be any better, but I know install shops can rig up new solenoids as a part of the keyless entry package, and it should be reasonably cheap...

 

i wouldnt bother until its on the road....cuz i have the same problem with my 86 so i was like f- that ill worry about it when i can drive it

 

Check voltage at solenoid when powered. Not unusual for the door switch to corrode. Lube the little pivot point on the right angle bellcrank job really good. Spray the heck out of the latch assembly. Get solenoids on Ebay, aftermarket, pretty cheap and they are easy to rig up, real powerful too.