Rep Power: 0

i need to know if this is an actuator problem or mechanical defect.

Things to know;

2003 Civic 2dr EX

- Car was in an accident prior to purchase
- driver side door panel loosely connected.
- when i push the door lock button, the stub barely moves and does not make that click sound normally associated with the door locking.
- Key does not fit the passenger door
- is NOT a honda cert. key
- Manual key turn ALWAYS locks/unlocks door
- Key DOES open trunk.
- Key does NOT fit the trunk lock socket by the trunk/gas cover poper
- Key does NOT fit the back seat lock on rear dash
- Passenger door locks fine, though key will not open it.
- the few times the lock DID work, unlocking it problems persist.

The Engine is being replaced soon so i want to get all the parts into the shop before work begins to lessen my labor costs as the car will be taken apart anyways, hence my urgency.

If this is not the correct forum to post in, mods please move my post and not close it as my time is running out to diagnose if this is simply an actuator or am i stuck manually turning key every time i want to lock up.

 
Rep Power: 187

as for the stub not moving...i would take the loosly fitted door panel off and make sure everything is hooked up right and not loose..as for the key not fitting it is the wrong key? or maybe it is over worn? I do not know but are the locks for the seat and trunk/gas cover supposed to be used with the velet key

either way i would take the panels off and inspect the insides of the door.

 
Rep Power: 517

A valet cut key will only operate the doors and ignition switch, nothing else. A master cut key operates all the locks in the car.

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I agree with pulling the door panel off and inspecting, lousy workmanship I bet.....see if the lock linkages are stuck in the tarry goo that holds the plastic liner on.

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It sounds like the car maybe got only half of a set of locks replaced.

It is common for the one on the floor to collect dirt and grime and not work, and it is also common for locks that sit unused to seize up -- like the passengers door. I might shoot some penetrating oil into it and work it over for a while, see if it will free up?

The rear seat lock is never used but it is protected, so it should have worked....I bet it doesn't match the key you are using. That's why I guessed a half set of locks got replaced.

Pull the non-working lock cylinders out and take them to a lock shop.... if you don't know how to disassemble and inspect them.

If it is a sidewinder key, the dealer should have the necessary tumblers to re-key a cylinder but many dealers don't have someone that knows how to do it, and most lock shops won't have the tumblers to do it but they have the know-how. Sucks, huh?

 
Rep Power: 187

^ thanks for the clarification...i forgot what the valet keys are used on.