Car doesn't lock

[hugh]

Hi all,

Just trying to spruce up my Dad's 406 a bit (he very kindly lent it to me so I can get back from work on nights).

First problem (other than the exhaust, which is booked into the garage): the car doesn't lock, at all. The remote packed up years ago and my Dad never worried about that. If you try to lock it with the key, that doesn't work either. If you turn the key in the driver's door in the "lock" direction you can hear the system try to lock, then reverse what it just tried to do, so there definitely seems to be power to the system. The other way, the key just spins. In the passenger door, the key just spins.

Are the lock barrels worn out? If so, would I be able to get a full keyed set (eBay)? Would I have problems with the immobiliser / replacing the ignition barrel? Am I potentially taking on too much???? (especially as it's not even my car)

Any advice gratefully received.

Regards

Hugh

[Doggy]

The lock barrels are designed to spin if anything other than the correct key is inserted, (but sometimes they just do this even with the right key). Turning it slowly and gently may be more effective. Sometimes a bit of WD40 in the keyhole, or sprayed on the key blabe before use will help.

Locking then immediately unlocking again is usually a sign one of the doors is not properly closed, or a defective sensor makes it 'think' something's not shut.

Be useful to know the age of the car as there are different methods of detecting the doors being open, depending on age.

[Edit] I've just seen i your other thread it's a 'T' reg. That means it could be an early shape, (D8), with slatted grille, or later, (D9), with the black honeycomb grille.
Can you confirm which as it may make a difference?

[hugh]

Thanks a lot, will look into and post again.

[GingerMagic]

The D8 has side indicators on the rubber bump strips, the D9 has clear indicators higher up the wing.....

[hugh]

OK, I'm sitting in the car right now. It has honeycomb grille and clear repeaters, so appears to be a D9?

I put WD40 in the locks, didn't make much difference. The driver's side tries to lock then cancels. The passenger's side won't turn at all, now (turns a little bit but not enough to activate the locking mechanism).

Any/all help very gratefully received.

[hugh]

PS. I tried turning the key very gently. Problem still the same.

Regards

Hugh

[Sachin]

Hi Friends!

All my locks work. But my driver side does not work most of the time. I hit
the botton on the remote and the lever does move some but does not fully go
up. At times it will or I have to hit it twice. Could it be getting weak or
need adjusting? Any hints?

[hugh]

Thanks all for your help with this and sorry for delay in replying - Internet has been on the blink.

The garage did some hocus pocus (for free) and it kind of works now. They said it was something to do with driver's door. All doors and boot lock fine with the key on driver's side but key won't turn on passenger side.