Power Lock Question

[ConchZ]

I'm trying to hook up a power lock kit, but I'm afraid to do it. My 1973 door lock can only be locked if the door is shut. In other words if you push down on the lock with the door open, it won't move. If I connect the little motor to the vertical lock rod, I figure I'll eventually lock the car with a door open and the force of the motor will break something.

Question....is it normal to only be able to push down on the lock with the door shut? I've always thought it was a safety mechanism to keep you from locking your keys in the car, but then why does MSA sell these little power lock kits (mine's not from MSA) for 240s?

Whether or not its normal, can I change it/fix it to remove this "safety" feature?

Matt

[260zCaliCar]

On my 260z I can only push down the door locks when the door is closed, just like yours.

I can offer you a brainstorming idea that may lead to an actual solution to your concern about breaking something. Is there a way to connect a relay to the interior dome light that only relays power to the door lock system when the power to the interior light is off? (light off = door(s) closed, light on = door(s) open)

Like I said, this is nothing more than a brainstorming idea that may assist someone else in coming up with a real solution.

I would like to know how well they work when you get them installed!

Mike

[Zs-ondabrain]

click on this link and scroll down to post #16. It shows installed locks, to give you idea of how to do it. but you must shave the lock rod a little to allow it to fit in the locks attachment block (small block that attaches to the lock rod with 2 screws.)

http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20276&page=2

Also use the search button and type in " Power door locks" and you'll find plenty on the subject.

Dave

[ConchZ]

I had gotten as far as placing the actuators and running the wires when it hit me that if the actuator tries to pull down the lock when the door is open, something will break, as you can't lock the door when its open. Unless I can change that, then I may decide to use one of those contact systems that supply power through contacts on the door and door frame that meet when the door is closed and complete the circuit. That way, when the door is open, there's no power to the lock mechanism. I may also figure out a way to cut the power using the dome light switch.

I'd rather disable this silly safety feature that prevents you from locking an open door. I've hated since I got the car. I have to wait for my passenger to get out, lean over, lock her door, then get out and use the key to lock my door. You cannot lock your keys in the car, though.

[=Enigma=]

I'm not near my Z at the moment to check this, but I had another car (Honda I think) in the past that had the same feature which could be bypased by holding up the door handle. This allowd you to push down the lock while the door was open, and you could then close the door and it would remain locked.

This may not help you with the electric locking mechanism, but I thought I'd throw this out there anyway.

[ConchZ]

Holding the door handle up doesn't make any diff on my 73. It did on my 77 Celica, though.

[Zs-ondabrain]

There is NO disabling the safety, at all. As for "Breaking something" I won't happen. I've installed power door locks on 240Z's more then 20 times and over a period of 20 years. There has never been an issue with breakage.

Keep in mind that the actuators have spring loaded clutches and thermal breakers built in. They are designed to Not break because of a malfunctioning door lock, or what the actualtor may consider to be malfunctioning.

Just instal them and stop overthinking this. It's not complicated, just don't lock the doors unless the doors are shut. Are you doing a keyless entry/remote system?

The locks will only engage if the door is closed, no holding up the handle or anything else will allow it to lock. Just remember that the lock rod is thick compared to other makes and models and will need to ground down a little.

This is the other thing I do for a living, trust me.

Dave.