I have an 87 GT with power locks, but I must lock/unlock manually or hit the button 7-8 times to get them to lock or unlock completely (moves a little with each push, takes multiple times to get them in position).
For most Fiero owners your problem is considered "Normal". To get them to function properly you will have to do a complete clean and lube on the lock system.
Doesn't Rodney offer something that helps the power locks work better?
Mine did that too. I was wondering if there are any connectors in the power line to the lock solenoids that could possibly be building up carbon or corrosion. Maybe if they were cut out and soldered? Has anyone inspected the wire harness to the solenoids themselves?
I've some success with just spraying some WD 40 down into the locking mechanism. I don't remove the door panel . Spray the WD using the straw thingie down by the rear edge of the window. You can see the levers there.
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08:43 AM
jetman Member
Posts: 7811 From: Sterling Heights Mich Registered: Dec 2002
I've some success with just spraying some WD 40 down into the locking mechanism. I don't remove the door panel . Spray the WD using the straw thingie down by the rear edge of the window. You can see the levers there.
Exactly! That's how I do it.
Use a small LED flashlight inserted into the dew strip, keeps it seperated so you can see the lever and aim, douse it with your favorite PB blaster while manually moving the lever. You'll see that lever, no doubt, spray it down good, might take a couple of dousings to get penetration. I also get the stray thingy up into the latch as well as the door lock followed up by lock-eaz, have a towel handy.
Oh I love the smell of PB Blaster in the morning,,,,
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05:52 PM
Doober Member
Posts: 445 From: Oro Valley, AZ/Swartz Creek, MI USA Registered: Nov 2006
Mine did that too. I was wondering if there are any connectors in the power line to the lock solenoids that could possibly be building up carbon or corrosion. Maybe if they were cut out and soldered? Has anyone inspected the wire harness to the solenoids themselves?
I doubt it's wiring related. Lube is the way to go. I used white lithium grease while working the lock mechanism. I also lubed all moving points. Both locks work perfectly now with a quick poke of the button.
[This message has been edited by Doober (edited 05-05-2012).]
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06:10 PM
May 7th, 2012
outlawfiero17 Member
Posts: 1450 From: sacramento, CA Registered: Jul 2009
I doubt it's wiring related. Lube is the way to go. I used white lithium grease while working the lock mechanism. I also lubed all moving points. Both locks work perfectly now with a quick poke of the button.
i used the previous mentions PB blaster to clean them used the white lithium to lubricate. 2 years now and i only ever have to hit the button once. unless its super cold then maybe 2-3
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03:23 PM
trivet Member
Posts: 783 From: Bay City, MI Registered: Apr 2012
I need to do the same with the locks on my truck... which you may note trivet, I bought a few years back from Al Serra in Grand Blanc (just east of the I-475/Hill Rd. exit)
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07:21 PM
PFF
System Bot
trivet Member
Posts: 783 From: Bay City, MI Registered: Apr 2012
Ha! My cousin worked there in the '90s, it's where I got my Schwinn that I still own (rear wheel needs truing/replacing). My dad still works at the metal fab plant in Flint.
[This message has been edited by Doober (edited 05-08-2012).]
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12:28 AM
ace5514 Member
Posts: 692 From: west long branch, nj, usa Registered: Nov 2008
mine did the same thing and when i took the iner door panels off, i found that the rod that slided forward and backward was rubbing on the metal frame (both doors). i just clearanced them by bending the metal a little bit. then i cleaned and lubed them with a little white lube. wd 40 and others will dry up eventually. al
That's a great article, and it's something I need to address with me '88 GT. I hope to go at it while also replacing the dew wipes, all at the same time...
I also did mine last fall without removing the door panel. I removed the top screw on the weather stripping at the top of the door and shot PB blaster in through there and into the latch mechanism while repeatedly operating the lock manually. When it loosened up I lubed it with Fluid Film.
Now the doors locks are one hit wonders... unless it's pretty cold out lol. I was happy this spring when I put the battery back in and hit the buttons and they worked right away.
You might try using Tri-Flow lubricant. Sorta like silicone, oil, and WD40 all mixed together. Will last a long time, also works well on bike chains. Be sure to shake the can well before spraying!
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05:52 PM
KOS Member
Posts: 461 From: Austin, Texas Registered: Feb 2008