car won't lock!

[litteng]

looks a lot like the same latch (crappy) on the VW passat ... oh and they sometimes! won't open or close

smile brother its still a great day

[RandallNeighbour]

I got the blasted thing installed today and I'm now back to locking the car when it's out and unwatched.

This was not a simple job though. Those 12 point bolts were easily stripped, but a vice grip got them loose and re-tightened!

[97 Boxster]

Randall,

I have to do this sometime this next week. Any advice?? I will also be replacing the ignition switch at the same time.

[RandallNeighbour]

It's not hard if you have a Bentley manual and know how to take off the door panel.

The triple star bolt heads that hold the mechanism in place inside the door would not break loose when I bought a triple star tool. I stripped them out.

So, I had to take vice grips and grasp the side of the bolts and turn them loose. Chewed them up real good, but I touched them up with touchup paint and no one has noticed... even me.

If you don't have a bentley manual and you want to borrow mine or just come to my place to do this swap and get some help, I am happy to do that for you. I live in the Heights near downtown.

[97 Boxster]

Originally Posted by RandallNeighbour

It's not hard if you have a Bentley manual and know how to take off the door panel.

The triple star bolt heads that hold the mechanism in place inside the door would not break loose when I bought a triple star tool. I stripped them out.

So, I had to take vice grips and grasp the side of the bolts and turn them loose. Chewed them up real good, but I touched them up with touchup paint and no one has noticed... even me.

If you don't have a bentley manual and you want to borrow mine or just come to my place to do this swap and get some help, I am happy to do that for you. I live in the Heights near downtown.

Let me get the parts and I just may take you up on your offer. How long did it take you to do the swap? Of course, now you could do it faster since you know and have done it, but just for times sake and if I cant make it to you let me know.

This repair happened in 3's for me. Key FOB broke, ignition switch and of course this window crap all happened this past week. Hopefully thats it for now and that I can drive it for a few with these repairs.

[Overdrive]

glad the car's mo' betta now, Randall. Seems I may be in the same boat as you should my lock(s) go out, and if it happens further down the road I may be paying even more of a premium. I too, have a model without side airbags.

I have to wonder how much weight would be saved without all the powered crap in the car? Of course, I know there's no model that is so base that it has manual windows and locks, but wouldn't mind it.

[RandallNeighbour]

60-90 minutes tops if you have the right sized triple square tool for those bolts. Do sort that so you don't have to take vice grips to them.

You're on your own with the ignition switch though. I've not done it and brought it to my indy mechanic to do it for me. He had one in stock and swapped it in 45 minutes.

[97 Boxster]

Originally Posted by RandallNeighbour

60-90 minutes tops if you have the right sized triple square tool for those bolts. Do sort that so you don't have to take vice grips to them.

You're on your own with the ignition switch though. I've not done it and brought it to my indy mechanic to do it for me. He had one in stock and swapped it in 45 minutes.

Ignition Switch doesnt seem to bad its the lock crap that I was not looking forward too. I will keep you posted.

[clickman]

Ah the joys of owning a first model year. In '06 when I was looking to buy, I had my eyes on a "cherry" '97 with about 50k miles on it. I had negotiated a price with the Porsche dealership, but when I saw the long list of repairs that had been done (including several ignition switches), I backed out and waited until I found my '01.

At least you've got one of the collectibles!