Door lock/security issue on a '93 Maxima SE

[dtfstock]

Now that I have a recommendation on how to fix my heat/AC issue, I am looking for answers for my lock issue.

Problems - I can put the key in the drivers side door and turn and nothing happens when I turn it either way - neither the alarm turns off nor does the doors lock or unlock. The previous owner took out the horn fuse or relay so it wouldn't blow the horn all the time, I want to fix this properly as I don't like leaving my stuff unlocked.

Only the passenger side disables the alarm, but when unlocking the drivers doesn't unlock.

When I click the lock/unlock buttons in the door everything works fine.

Observation - the driver's side lock knob doesn't sit flush with the door panel like the others when locked.

Most importantly, how do I get my lock to work? Is there a switch or sensor in the door that may not be making contact? My key doesn't work in the trunk so I am assuming that I need a key made.

Any thoughts would be appreciated, I want to fix it right.

Thanks in advance, sorry if I rambled.

[Poyzinous]

Since you have multiple lock issues, I would try and buy a complete lock set with new keys from your local dealer. If the drivers door lock isn't activating the alarm or doing much else, it must not be connected to the electrical system correctly, if at all. Something is preventing correct operation. Investigate that issue.

[Blue85]

First off my advice is worth what you paid for it. I can tell you I have made many, many keys to maximas, of all years working as a locksmith. Every time I make a key to a maxima I will either remove the door lock or trunk lock.

Take the door panel off.

On the back of the lock there should be a plastic clip, which the lock rod attaches too. If it will turn both ways without locking or unlocking this is the problem. On the back of the lock itself, inside the door, there is a relay which clips on the back of the lock cylinder. This is what turns the alarm on/off. See if it is even still there, if not you will have to replace it, I have no experiance in replacing one. They can be easy to break, because they are made of plastic and getting them off can be tricky.

The key not working in the trunk lock is kinda common. Get some good spray lube, I highly recomend corrosionX, or wd40 will work. Liberally spray some in and work it in by running the key in and out alot. If this doesn't work the key may be worn from old age. Post a pic of your key and I can tell you for sure. If nothing else you could remove the trunk lock and take it with your key to a locksmith and let them deal with it. Not hard to remove it, just remove the trunk liner, disconnect the lock rod from the clip, remove the relay from the back of the cylinder, and remove the horseshoe clip.

If you still can't figure it out then take off the passenger side door panel and compare to see where the problem is.

I advise against a new lock set. Expensive, time consuming and you will still need a different key for the ignition. Rekeying/replacing the ignition is a PITA, its held in by roll pins that will need to be drilled to remove it.

Let me know how it goes.

[PBfrEAk]

I advise against a new lock set. Expensive, time consuming and you will still need a different key for the ignition. Rekeying/replacing the ignition is a PITA, its held in by roll pins that will need to be drilled to remove it.

It would be expensive from the dealer for sure. But from a pick-a-part it wouldn't be too bad and I've replaced an ignition and it's not as hard as you'd think.

I did it in a parking lot a school in about 2 hours. You just have to be slow and steady when drilling out those two pins so you don't screw up the ignition bracket.

[Blue85]

It would be expensive from the dealer for sure. But from a pick-a-part it wouldn't be too bad and I've replaced an ignition and it's not as hard as you'd think.

I did it in a parking lot a school in about 2 hours. You just have to be slow and steady when drilling out those two pins so you don't screw up the ignition bracket.

I was just saying if he is going to replace every lock on the car he could simply just reatach the rods and or replace the clips if their broken. Might turn out that the back of the lock cylinder is damaged, if so just buy a new one. Take it to a locksmith and have it rekeyed to his existing key. Much quicker and easier than replacing 2 door locks, trunk lock, and ignition.

[PBfrEAk]

I was just saying if he is going to replace every lock on the car he could simply just reatach the rods and or replace the clips if their broken. Might turn out that the back of the lock cylinder is damaged, if so just buy a new one. Take it to a locksmith and have it rekeyed to his existing key. Much quicker and easier than replacing 2 door locks, trunk lock, and ignition.

Oh very true!! I was just saying that it actually isn't that bad to replace the ignition.