D3 - Driver's door not locking

[EKK]

Hi

I now have a random fault when I try to lock the driver's door.
When I press the remote on the key fob, the indicators flash (as usual) but sometimes the driver's door will not lock. If I test the driver's door sometimes the door will open and the horn alarm will start sounding.
Pressing the unlock button stops the alarm.
This is a random problem. For example, for the last few days, no problem. This morning the problem is back. I unlocked-locked the door 4 times over 3 hours and the problem was there every time.
Before posting this I thought I would try it again. No problem! Tried it twice more, no problem. So it will work for a while. And then not work for a while.
BTW, the problem only happens with the driver's door.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Cheers

[luked3]

I had this exact problem a while back. From memory it was something to do with the door latching mechanism on its way out so sometimes when you lock the car it won't lock because the door latch appears to be open. I took it yo my mechanic who new what it was without looking at it. He replaced the setup which comes as a kit was around $600 fitted.
Cheers
Lucas

[Meken]

We had the same thing with the freelander - was the lock actuator stuffed - crazy thing is you can't tell if door is locked or not until you pull on the handle

[Narangga]

My remotes don't work but I also had the same issue with my driver's door when locking manually.

So the voice of experience says it needs a new door lock actuator. Around $300 and a couple of hours to fit it yourself if you are that way inclined.

It is certainly easier removing the window regulator from the glass with two pairs of hands though.

[shanegtr]

I got the excact same issue with my D3.

[Narangga]

I got the excact same issue with my D3.

I got the exact same response for you

Drove me crazy until I realised it was indeed the actuator (mechanical) and not something electric.

[Disco-tastic]

I had the rear right lock go on mine with the same symptoms. Fixed it myself and all good!

I got the part delivered from TR spares. Heres one for the front right for $245 http://www.trspares.com.au/spare-par...ery-3-lr072413

There is a good thread on how to do it on the UK site. I couldnt find my bookmark so ill have a better look when im on my pc (not my phone).

Cheers

Dan

[kenl]

Yep door actuator for sure, it is both electrical and mechanical. If you are that way inclined you are better off changing it your self as I think eventually the lot will end up needing replacement. The first one is the hardest to do but there are some pretty comprehensive guides on the disco 3 site.

I actually pulled mine apart and cleaned the brushes in the small electric motors inside the actuator and it has worked like a dream since, though interestingly it took a day or two to start working. During which time I had ordered a new one that now sits on the shelf.

[EKK]

Looks like the actuator it is. Bit beyond my skills, I'm afraid.

A friend suggested I change the battery in the remote. Worth a try before I book the car in.

Thanks for the advice.

Cheers

[Disco-tastic]

I wouldnt bother changing the battery if any of the doors are opening it means the car is getting a signal - the remote doesnt send a signal to each door, but a single computer that controls the doors.

The D3 key is rechargeable, so shouldnt need a new battery. It is also quite water resistant (i think officially its waterproof?) so opening it up may ruin that too.

Replacing the actuator is a bit fiddly but not that hard. I saved about $200 doing it myself. The thread on the d3 uk site is here:
www.disco3.co.uk/forum/topic33743.html

I'd recommend you have a read of that first - lots of things to unplug, but thats really easy. The hard part is unclipping the outer handle cable from the lock mechanism, and putting it back. It's quite fiddly. a small screwdriver worked for me.

Cheers

Dan