Driver Side Lock/Central Locking
 

Hello,

We just picked up a 1993 240 estate with 127k on it, one owner, full service history... and a busted driver's side door lock.

The key won't operate the lock, whether the door is open or shut. It refuses to turn. Pressing or pulling the knob will central lock the other doors as expected.

Could someone explain what is going on with it? I got 100 off the price thinking that would cover the fix but after some lurking around the forum am not so sure.

Cheers,
HP

Did someone try and break into the car?

I fixed a 'very' stiff drivers door lock by putting the straw from a can of wd-40 into the keyhole and spraying a considerable amount in... Then waiting a few minutes and doing the same again.

Might not work on yours, but so easy it's worth a try?

Actually if the key refuses to turn the lock, are you absolutely sure that the locks match and that is the key for the lock?

Hi Bugjam

It is possible that someone tried to break in, but the previous owner didn't mention anything along those lines. Not that he would have noticed as he left the poor thing to rot on his driveway for the last half a decade.

I had read somewhere that the lock-in plate/thing may have been engaged and might just need a push in the right direction. So after the WD40 that'll be my next step.

The same key opens the boot, passenger door and starts the car, but I suppose it would be possible for that lock to have been changed... that would be bloody annoying.

Hmmm, if the lock doesn't look damaged I'd assume it matches your key and isn't damaged for now, just needs some persuasion.

Try the wd-40 through the keyhole and report back hoe you get on:)

Be very cautious about forcing the key. I had one break in my hand - I was just idly fingering it while waiting for someone and the blade crumbled to pieces. It seemed to be made of some kind of self-destructing material.

If the lock itself is reluctant to turn, and doesn't respond to WD40, I'd take the door card off and follow the linkage to see which bit is stuck.

A previous thread
 

Various suggestions in this thread:

http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=195968

Thanks for the pointers everyone, i'll give the WD40 a whirl and go from there...

To clear this up, this just needed a spot of WD40 in the keyhole. Must've been from lack of use. Cheers

Oil it properly, WD-40 isn't a lubricant.

Ta for the tip. Will do