1999 Infiniti I30 1999 Infiniti I30 door doesn't always loc

Interior problem
1999 Infiniti I30 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic

I have a question about the passenger side door lock on my 1999 Inifiniti I30. I believe this is a shared component with the Nissan Maxima of the same year.

My front passenger side door does not always lock. When I have the problem, I have noticed that the lock /unlock indicator tab (which is a chrome flip out in the lateral door surface, not a pop up) does not go all the way flat, but is left slightly out. This door locks about half of the time, and doesnt half of the time. This is not an electrical problem, as the lock does work every time. The problem is just that sometimes the tab stays out between 1/8 and 1/4 of an inch, and therefore will open when the handle is pulled from the outside.


Is this a part that I can lube or adjust without taking apart the door? Is there possibly a wear issue where a part needs to be replaced?

Thanks for your help ahead of time.