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Mon Jul 28, 2014 12:15 pm

Hi, everyone. The manual door lock on the drivers side door of my 87' Vanagon slips down into the lock position when the door is closed and I am in the seat trying to open it. I find that in the unlocked position, when I go to open the door as I am pulling the handle the lock slips down and locks itself making getting out quite challenging. I have to hold the door lock in the up position with one hand and pull the door handle with the other to get out. This has been happening for a few months and now it seems to be getting worse since when I go to unlock the door with the key from the outside it slips as well. Any ideas as to why this is happening and how to remedy it?

Thanks so much!

Mon Jul 28, 2014 12:49 pm

Assuming you don't have power locks in there? malfunctioning?
If these are the manual locks..there is a little torsion spring that either holds the lock knob up,or down, as the lock bar swings
...usually this spring is rusted or broken.
To access this spring You need to remove the latch assembly from the door.
a replacement spring is available at most hardware stores.
like this.

Mon Jul 28, 2014 1:11 pm

No power locks - manual. I'll remove the latch assembly and take a look at t he spring. Probably best to have it in hand before going to the hardware store to replace it.

Thanks!