Doors/locking mechanisms

[TXblue240Z]

on my '73 240, Neither of my lock buttons will push down when the door is shut (or open for that matter) but I can get the driver's side door to lock with the key. I can also get the passenger's side lock to do the same, but if you pull up on the door handle after it is locked, the button pops up and the door unlocks. Anybody ever encounter this? The passenger's side door latch mechanism is also screwy...I guess it doesn't "reset" itself or whatever when you open it, because you have to manually flip the latch back or else the door will not latch when it is closed...I'm guessing the two may be related, but maybe not. Any thoughts?

[Inf]

I think your locks should only be able to be locked when the door is shut. It is this way on my 72 at least. It was made this way to keep people from locking themselves out I guess.

Yours sounds like something isn't right. I've never been inside my door panels so I wouldn't know where to begin really. The door unlocking by pulling the handle from the outside is not right at all obviously.

I would just pull the panel if this happened to me. Maybe some malfunction will be obvious when you look at it. Do you have any manuals with diagrams of the lock/latch mechanisms?

[jszarecki]

mine do something of the same.

my drivers side door, you have to keep the key turned while opening the door handle to get in. To get out you need to hold up the lock and pull the handle to get out.

the passenger side sometimes resets to a locked position, and you cant open it even with the key sometimes. Even if its unlocked already. wierd....

[wedgey]

the doors do have to be closed to lock the door

if the adjusting knob inside the door panel from the handle down to the lock mech is adjusted to hard it will not allow enough free play and the lock mech will not lock

also make shaw the when the door closes it has to make the two movements when closed this will also stop it from locking

have fun i know i did

[Bambikiller240]

mine do something of the same.

Can't compare a 280Z to a 240Z.

[jszarecki]

Can't compare a 280Z to a 240Z.

what i meant was..i was having a similar problem to his car. Im still new here, so i dont knwo...but i think the 240 is a faster car? yes?

[Bambikiller240]

Welcome.

Not necessarily. Too many variables to make a blanket statement. A 240Z can be made to be faster, but it takes $$$. If one puts $$$ in the right area's, a 280Z can be made faster. Comparing 100% stock vs 100% stock and in similar condition it would be a close race.

What I meant was the operation of the locks is different between 240Z and 280Z. But anyway, your locks don't seem to be working quite normally. Sorry, I can't advise on how to fix them.

[jszarecki]

, NP

im just treating them like "extra-security" for the "infadels/evil doers"

[26th-Z]

Hell yes a 240Z is faster than a 280Z!!!! :tapemouth

Take that door panel off and tune up your locking mechanisms! They are really simple. So simple, in fact, that they wear out...go figure. There are several plastic pieces and adjustment screws to fool with. Some times the plastic washer / spacers break and fall out leaving a lot of slop in the adjustment geometry. Make sure everything is in place and not worn out / replace the broken plastic so that the mechanism operates directly and snug. Lubricate the hell out of the mechanism and get it real clean. I prefer lithium grease when I put them all back together.

For a 240 Z, the doors should only lock when they are closed.

[240znz]

26th-Z is right on the money.

My drivers side wouldn't lock. So over Xmas (I was at work), I pulled the entire door to bits, window out, guides out, entire lock mechanism.

Turned out that the poor old lock mechanism was crying out for a good clean. So I put the whole assembly into a parts washer (kerosene & detergents), left it on for about 4 hours. Blew it all dry with compressed air and then re-greased it. I used water-proof grease in mine. Now the lock works like new. Give it a go, it doesn't take too long to complete.

[240znz]

Series 1 240Z's that 26th-Z and I have are much lighter than the tankish 280. The S1 had the best 0-60 time for 12 years until they added a turbo to the already fuel injected 280ZX.

240Z's rock!

[jszarecki]

Series 1 240Z's that 26th-Z and I have are much lighter than the tankish 280. The S1 had the best 0-60 time for 12 years until they added a turbo to the already fuel injected 280ZX.

240Z's rock!

:surprised