door lock failure

[kevino]

C5
MARK 1
2004
2.0 HDI
SALOON

Hi Guys, oh boy am I in a bit of a pickle with this one. The rear passenger side door will not open. It was intermittently opening but has stopped opening all together.
So far I have had the inner door panel out which is possible even when the door won't open. I've heard the servo working to the door it sounds like it is trying to lock and unlock, it sounds no different but there is something not engaging in the lock.

My question is, is there a way of getting the door open to replace the lock? or do i have to do something else to get it to release?

[Paul-R]

You can try shocking the mechanism by locking the car but deliberately leave one door open. The mechanisms will lock and then spring back. Try this a few times.

[myglaren]

Also try putting some weight on the outside of the door - push it more 'closed' and operate the locks - worked on my first C5

[GiveMeABreak]

Here's the diagram from a MK I C5 Saloon. It may help with identifying the internals.

A couple of things you can try first:

Note: if you try and lock / unlock too many times, the car will disable the locking system to prevent overheating the actuators - so you will have to wait 30 seconds minimum if this happens.
1) Try and gently push the door in with some force whilst getting somebody to unlock it
2) You can try and reset the BSI to remove any electrical niggles:

• Put the driver's window down, lift the bonnet and ensure all equipment is switched off.
• Ensure all doors are closed and remove key from the ignition.
• Wait for 3 minutes, disconnect the vehicle battery and wait for 5 minutes.
• Reconnect the vehicle battery, wait a further 3 minutes (do not open doors).
• Switch on the side lights through the driver's window.
• Switch on the ignition and check system's functionality.
• Hold lock button on key down for 10 seconds.
• Remove key open & close door test central locking system.
• Start the engine and complete the system's check.

3) If this does not solve it, try point 2 again / put a towel over the door handle area and give it a firm whack with the flat of your hand in case something is jamming - it may be enough to get it open.
4) If you succeed, have a check to make sure the child lock rotational switch near the door latch mechanism is fully off.

A diagnostic with a Lexia can undertake actuator tests - which may help identify if it is an electrical / component issue.

If you need the door stripping guide, let me know.

[Gibbo2286]

This is a C8/Synergie RH door lock but the picture might help the dead lock levers are pulled down to lock and up to unlock

[Gibbo2286]

Incidentally the lock pictured is new and sitting on my shelf if anyone needs it, Part number 9136.J7 Synergie and Dispatch from RPO 08561 maybe others.

[GiveMeABreak]

They're different locks on the MK I C5 Gibbo:
9137 85 - Left Rear
9138 A3 - Right Rear

I had this sticking issue once on a rear - the tapping solution cured it and I never had it happen after that.

[Gibbo2286]

I knew they were different Mark, just thought that the levers to pull might be the same, as he's already got the trim off it might help.

[GiveMeABreak]

Righto - a good close up of the mechanism anyway Gibbo.

[kevino]

Hi guys, I could kiss you all for the replies. I have been panicking about this lock. I have now managed to open the door by applying pressure to the door handle and locking and unlocking the door. It worked brilliantly. Now I need a new lock mechanism.

Again many many thanks.

[Peter.N.]

A drop of oil might help.

Peter

[Sloppysod]

Hi guys, I could kiss you all for the replies. I have been panicking about this lock. I have now managed to open the door by applying pressure to the door handle and locking and unlocking the door. It worked brilliantly. Now I need a new lock mechanism.
Again many many thanks.

A drop of oil might help.
Peter

I agree with Peter, the door lock packed in on my Mk1 so I took the lock out from the door, spayed WD40 everywhere, then once it was moving again gave it a coat of oil and put it back in!