My 98 Ranger XLT Reg Cab has a problem with the drivers door lock. I've had a problem for two years now, but with all of the other stuff I'm doing, it seems stupid not to try and fix this too.
Right now, if my doors are locked, and I open the passenger door from the inisde, the door opens and both unlock. (I have autoloc power locks that unlock/lock both doors at the same time) But, when I open the drivers side door from the inside while locked, the lock jams open, and I cannot shut the door (it locks open so the lock mechanism doesn't engage) until I physically unlock the door (by remote or if the passenger door opens)
I had a problem about two years ago with the door jamming in this position (this was before I installed power locks) and having to be unlocked by hand fairly forcefully (it took a pair of pliers on the plunger.)

Any ideas? I have a feeling I'll need to replace the lock mechanism, but I don't know how hard this will be? There doesn't seem to be a lot of owrking room iside the door, obviously.

Thanks.

 

Not sure how your locks work, but it could be a bad switch. On manually operated (that is to say, the switch directly drives the servo) electronic systems, you have to have a contact closure long enough to allow the servo to go full travel.

If your symptoms are as you say, there can't be anything wrong with the servo since you can unlock it from the passenger side.

So, what I think is happening is that the drivers side switch is making poor contact and not driving the system properly, bouncing open and closed at the same time, or something like that.

The other possibility is a bad controller if you have one, or a wiring problem.

It's hard to say you have to replace the actuator or mechaism with the problem as you describe it. A problem with the drivers lock mechanism itself would render it non-operational from either door.

EDIT: Reading your post again: it's not the LOCK that is the problem? It's only when you use the interior door handle to open the door when it's locked? Please clarify, I'm sorry but I'm a bit confused. (Nothing new there...)

 

Sorry if I was unclear, my door locks are manual, but have an aftermarket add-on that mechanically opens and closes the lock by pushing/pulling on the stock plunger.
This problem predates my power locks, and is definately a mechanical issue. Thanks for the response though.