Rep Power: 0

Hello all. I searched around and didn't see a post similar to what I have going on. If there already is a post like this please accept my apologies. I just recently bought a 2001 Civic LX and I noticed that at first the driver side door could be cracked open a little bit when locked. It couldn't be opened completely in order to gain access to the vehicle, but cracked open just a little bit. I recently took the door panel off in order to replace the speakers and after putting everything back on it no longer had this issue, but now it can only be locked while the door is shut and not while it is open. I can shut the door and lock it with my key on the outside or I can lock the door manually/or with the power locks while inside the vehicle. Obviously this isn't a major inconvenience, but I'm mostly just curious about what this could be. I noticed a lot of other posts about door lock actuators. Could that be the problem?

Many thanks for your time.

 
Rep Power: 353

If you press the lock button on the inside while you are inside the car than your actuator is not broken

 
Rep Power: 518

It is built that way. You can't change it.

Open the drivers door.

Pull out on either handle.

Lock the door.

Let go of the handle.

Shut the door.

RTFM page 83 in a 4 door manual.

 
Rep Power: 196

Isn't that feature built in so you can't lock your keys in your car? The door has to be closed and you either have to have your keys in your hand or be in the car to lock it.

 
Rep Power: 518

Can't? No.
Maybe make you think twice before locking them in the car? Sure.

I have done it.


BZZZZT. Wrong.

 
Rep Power: 196

Can't/Don't whatever same thing. There's always a way around it. I was just saying it was the intended purpose of that feature.


Ok, those are the only ways you don't have to go out of your way to lock the door. No need to be a dick.

 
Rep Power: 518

Years ago, this was the ONLY way to lock many European cars. Either be inside with the doors closed, or be outside and lock it with the key.

At least Honda lets you lock it while the door is open, even if there is an extra step to make it happen.

 
Rep Power: 0

Ok, thanks a lot guys. I'm completely new to Hondas so my knowledge on them is quite limited. I thought it could be a feature, but just wanted to make sure it wasn't something wearing out or anything like that.

 
Rep Power: 0

I have a 2009 Civic and after having body work done on the door the drivers side door was acting strangely. Not opening from either inside or out. The body shop is telling me I need a new actuator and after their messing around with it it works again!! Do I really need to do it? Thanks.

 
Rep Power: 518

Sounds like they may have misassembled it or left some linkage off? If it works correctly now, just see how long it lasts.

 
Rep Power: 0

Thank you. They called and the part is in......I don't want to do it so I guess I won't. I really don't feel as though I am being told the truth here.

 
Rep Power: 518

Oh, they already got you a part? I didn't know.
If it's already billed as part of the repair work, I'd let them do it.

 
Rep Power: 0

TRUE! EZONE IS RIGHT! THEY ARE BUILT LIKE THAT! I got a '91 Accord LX, and when doors are closed, i press Lock and all doors Get Locked, when Driver Door is open, i press the Lock, and all doors get Locked except by the Driver Door! to Lock Dirver Door, i need to pull Either Inside or outside Handle to Lock It!i got an '85 Nissan Truck, with the door open, you lock it, then close it, Lock Pops Up! if i Lock It, And Pull Either inside or outside Handle and Close the door, Lock Button Stays Locked! (On Both Doors!) IT'S A SECURITY FEATURE, TO AVOID LOCK KEYS INSIDE THE VEHICLE!!!