Door Lock Mess/Cautionary Tale

[Eric-986]

1999 Boxster, 248k miles, fun car, that has had a hard life........

Remote locking hasn't worked in the 3 years we have had the car, and last week, the door lock failed, LOCKED.

Two locksmiths tried to get in, but couldn't get it open. First guy couldn't get his tools to get between the window and the roof seal. Second guy got a tool into the car, but couldn't get the angle correct to pull the latch open. (after two attempts, I ran out of time)

Ended up smashing the window with a hammer.........

The outside door handle has a little "paddle" shaped part that goes from the key cylinder into the electric door lock assembly. The paddle is held on with a small roll pin. After using the key for a long time, the roll pin disappeared...... I found the paddle part in the bottom of the door, with the broken glass.

Found that an M2 bolt could replace the roll pin, but ended up buying a used handle off e-bay and swapped the bit with the paddle attached into the existing lock assembly, and we are back in business.

Long term we are going to put a $20 amazon remote lock controller in so I don't have to rely on the key.......

So, $20 remote lock gizmo, $50 used handle assembly, and $400 for a replacement window (installed next day), because a $.05 roll pin wore out.......

I can't think of any preventative maintenance to keep it from happening again.......

If anyone has a better suggestion, I'm all ears.......

-Eric

99 986
09 Cayman S

[Starter986]

$400 for a window? WTF?

[Eric-986]

Safelite was even more.......

-Eric

[seningen]

Why lock
A convertible
If they want in, they’ll slice the roof!
Even bigger $$

[Frodo]

I've locked mine for 17 years...never a problem. Discourages lazy thieves from 'easy grab' thefts. Just don't leave stuff visible in the car.
Also denies them access to the trunks. (I guess untrue regarding a '99.).

[Starter986]

Originally Posted by Eric-986

Safelite was even more.......

-Eric

That is insane! Why didn't you go the used route?

[Eric-986]

Never installed a window before……Mechanical stuff I’m good with, glass and bodywork scares me……. I suppose if it happens again I can try to do the window….

-Eric

[dghii]

I once had the drivers side handle fail....both on inside and outside at the same time on my 2000 BoxS! Hardest part was crawling across the console from passenger side to get to the interior door panel.

I don't remember the details but I was able to get door panel off with the door closed...a bit of a battle but not as tough as I thought It'd be. With panel off, I could pull on rod to unlatch the handle and open the door. No biggie after that, just replaced the door latch assembly with used one and back in business!

[piper6909]

Originally Posted by Eric-986

Never installed a window before……Mechanical stuff I’m good with, glass and bodywork scares me……. I suppose if it happens again I can try to do the window….

-Eric

Fixed windows like the windshield and back window are tough and require special materials, sealants, tools, and skills. Rolling windows are more like mechanical stuff. I bet you could handle it.

[Paul]

Originally Posted by seningen

Why lock
A convertible
If they want in, they’ll slice the roof!
Even bigger $$

Most of us with a zero deductable comprehensive policy would smile if they sliced our 20+ year old top.