DRIVERS DOOR LOCK

[panadero]

Recently had problems with key in lock. No positive response at all. Removing the lock was
not as tricky as I thought it would be. Stupidly however I removed the barrel from the assembly
and all the little chrome pieces came out. They are all individually numbered. The local Peugeot
dealer said you can reassemble them and work out by trial and error pushing the key in as
you try the various permutations. Bit like doing the Rubix Cube (remember them?). And yes there are
better ways of spending an evening. There are also tiny springs which belong inside the barrel. I am just wondering if anyone knows how to rebuild the barrel using the numbers etched on the tiny chrome slots - presumably they must mean something to someone? To a Frenchman maybe. A new lock costs £152 so
I'm sticking with central locking for the time being - although in emergency the passenger is still
working OK.

[steve_earwig]

I guess there is a code for the lock for when it is assembled which gives the number of the plates and the monkey assembling it just picks them out of numbered trays to slot in. You could see if Peugeot would give you this code.

How many plates are there?

I've made locks fit keys a few times by changing these plates around, if they are anything like the locks I have played with then you should be able to see how high or low they will rise when you put them in and try the key. Lay them out in order of height as best you can and start from the bottom, picking one from somewhere in the middle. You'll be able to see if it's too high or low, a couple of tries later you'll have the right one, put it and it's spring to one side (to avoid it pinging out and loosing the spring) and move on to the next one. It really doesn't take that long. Then again I could solve Rubik's Cube in about 8 minutes...

[panadero]

Steve,
There are 10 plates numbered as follows: 1 x 11, 2 x 12, 1 x 13, 1 x 14, 1 x 22, 3 x 23, 1 x 24. There are 10 micro springs. You make it sound easy. My eyesight (and patience) is not what it was but I am keen to have another go. Doing the Rubiks Cube in 8 minutes is obviously a good indication of mechanical ability. Maybe I should get a Rubiks Cube, take it to my local garage and if the mechanic (oops sorry technician) cannot do it in 8 minutes then I'll take my business elsewhere!

This is a great website and I am very impressed with the trouble taken by members to respond.
Thanks again,

[steve_earwig]

Only 10? I thought there'd be more than that. As you find where the plates go there'll be less to choose from for the next slot, do it over a large tray in case a spring tries to make a bid for freedom.

My eye's are going rapidly down hill too, followed by my brain - I'm trying to remember my Rubik's Cube days from 30 years ago here, I doubt I could solve it in 8 weeks now