1978 GMC Suburban door lock freeze up

FYREUP2

MEMBER
1978 GMC SUBURBAN
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
75,000 MILES

Right front door manual lock linkage will not release. Have removed door liner and key lock mechanism but linkage will not release making door inoperable. Lock knob cannot be pulled up. Any suggestions how to open door or release locking mechanism? Both interior handle and outside push device are operable but are disengaged by locked mechanism.

3 Replies

MIKE H R

MECHANIC
3,094 POSTS

You can try soaking it with wd 40. A friend of mine had the same problem on a chevy dump truck and it took three days of soaking and some effort but it came loose. Sometimes with the years and water they get croded and rusty. After soaking try lifing the door lock some then push it back down this helps the lube soak in.

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Saturday, May 9th, 2009 AT 10:40 PM

FYREUP2

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Tried WD40 for a week with no results. Can lock be released internally?

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Friday, May 15th, 2009 AT 9:10 PM

MIKE H R

MECHANIC
3,094 POSTS

If the door mechanism won't freee up then you will have to remove the three screws that hold the mechanism in and remove it. If soaking does and trying to free them up does not do it, the only thing to do is see if you can find some at a junk yard or look on line for other door mechanisms.

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Saturday, May 16th, 2009 AT 1:25 PM