1998 Suburban Driver Door Lock Issue

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

Jcampbell

TYF Newbie
Joined
Oct 28, 2023
Posts
2
Reaction score
5
My '98 Suburban started having door lock issues recently. The key locks and unlocks the door from the outside. The fob unlocks it. But the fob will not lock it even though I can hear the actuator working. Inside, if I press the Lock button on the door panel about 8 times, it will lock. I figured the actuator was bad (25 years old truck....) but it still doesn't work with a brand new actuator. Could it be the actual latch assembly inside the door? Help!!
 

Big Mama

Full Access Member
Joined
Jul 21, 2015
Posts
3,090
Reaction score
1,802
Location
Virginia
Welcome to the forum from Virginia. Is the actual lock knob/button sticking or out of alignment?Sometimes they get twisted and won’t go in the recess straight.
 

YukonGTmaster

Full Access Member
Joined
Mar 18, 2021
Posts
469
Reaction score
754
You need a good spray lubricant. Spray it in your lock cylinder, and spray it on any linkage or moving parts you can access. Work your key back and forth and cycle the locking mechanism. The lock at my barn door was all frozen up, and I was able to free it up like this.
 

OR VietVet

Multnomah Falls
Supporting Member
Military
Joined
Oct 8, 2014
Posts
19,261
Reaction score
31,735
Location
Willamette Valley
Welcome to the forum from Oregon.

Yes, what @Eman85 said about age creating problems and what @YukonGTmaster said is spot on and the mechanisms need check for binding and lube it all. The key turning applies more pressure than the actuator. I would also bet that even with the key turning, it is not as smooth as new. Every chance I have a door panel off, for anything, I spray some lube on anything that moves.
 

Eman85

Full Access Member
Joined
Apr 18, 2021
Posts
377
Reaction score
555
Lube is good, but many lubes attract dirt. I've fixed a lot of auto lock problems by removing the latch assembly and washing it in the parts washer then lubing it. Unfortunately the doors on these vehicles was engineered by a person that hated mechanics and thought no one would ever need to work in there.
 

Joseph Garcia

Supporting Member
Joined
Aug 2, 2018
Posts
6,519
Reaction score
8,534
Welcome to the Forum from NH.

Lots of knowledgeable folks here who freely share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. Knowledge is power.

I hope that you will become a participating member in the Forum's discussions.

Pics of the truck, please.

You are already receiving sage advice from the knowledgeable folks on this Forum.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
129,239
Posts
1,812,630
Members
92,339
Latest member
Thekenstar

Latest posts

Top