I have a 96 SE. My power lock for the passenger door will not unlock using the power button on the door or the keyless entry button. However, it will lock with the power buttons. Sometimes I am also unable to unlock it with the key. However, if I apply just a little pressure to the lock lever, then press the button, it will unlock. Seems like it is sticking or wore? I had the panel off and could not figure out how to get the door striker / lock assembly out. I was going to spray it all down with some WD40, but didnt have any handy. Any Ideas?

Sounds like its gummed up, if you dont have wd40 try a little cooking spray or 3 in 1 oil?

WD-40 is nothing but a solvent and water displacer (that'* why it'* "WD"). Use this to free it up, then use some light grease with a cotton swap to re-lube it.

You can't get the lock assembly out without cutting clips and disconnecting rods. The clips will have to be replaced. Try to do it without this first.

INOPERATIVE POWER DOOR LOCKS, LOCKS WILL FUNCTION MANUALLY#63-10-41B
REVISION: 11/17/97

SUBJECT: INOPERATIVE POWER DOOR LOCKS, LOCKS WILL FUNCTION MANUALLY (REPLACE EXTERNAL BUMPER ON ACTUATOR ARM).

MODELS: 1991-96 BUICK PARK AVENUE; 1992-97 BUICK LESABRE, SKYLARK; 1995-97 BUICK RIVERIA; 1997 BUICK REGAL; 1992-97 CADILLAC ELDERADO, SEVILLE; 1994-97 CADILLAC DEVILLE, CONCOURS; 1995-97 CHEVROLET LUMINA; 1994-97 CHEVROLET CAMARO; 1995-97 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO; 1997 CHEVROLET MALIBU, VENTURE; 1991-96 OLDSMOBILE NINETY EIGHT; 1992-97 OLDSMOBILE ACHIEVA, EIGHTY EIGHT, LSS; 1995-97 OLDSMOBILE AURORA; 1997 OLDSMOBILE CUTLAS, REGENCY, SILOUETTE; 1992-97 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE, GRAND AM; 1994-97 PONTIAC FIREBIRD; 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX, TRANS SPORT; 1996-97 CHEVROLET AND GMC “G” MODELS; 1996-97 CHEVROLET AND GMC “*/T” MODELS; 1996-97 OLSDMOBILE BRAVADA.

CONDITION: SOME OWNERS MAY COMMENT ON INOPERATIVE POWER DOOR LOCKS (FRONT AND/OR REAR DOORS). DOOR LOCKS WILL STILL OPERATE MANUALLY.

CAUSE: CONDITION MAY BE CAUSED BY RIPPING OF THE EXTERNAL BUMPER WHICH ALLOWS THE ACTUATOR ARM TO DISENGAGE.

CORRECTION: REPLACE EXTERNAL BUMPER ON ACTUATOR ARM.

IMPORTANT: ON AURORA AND RIVERIA FRONT DOOR LATCHES WITH THEFT DETERRENT, THE LOCK ASSEMBLY MUST BE REPLACED. DO NOT USE THE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW.

1. REMOVE THE DOOR LATCH ASSEMBLY. REFER TO SECTION 10 IN THE SERVICE MANUAL.

2. SEPARATE THE ACTUATOR FROM THE LATCH ASSEMBLY BY REMOVING TWO SCREWS.

3. REPLACE EXTERNAL BUMPER ON ACTUATOR ARM WITH NEW BUMPER SUPPLIED IN SERVICE KIT. {88948572 Door Actuator Bumper Kit (Grp#10587) Pontiac Bonneville Service Kit}

IMPORTANT: THE OLD STYLE BUMPER IS NEUTRAL OR WHITE IN COLOUR AND SHOULD BE REPLACED WITH A NEW BLACK BUMPER. DO NOT ADD ANY LUBRICANT TO THE BUMPER OR BUMPER AREA.

4. INSTALL THE ACTUATOR TO THE LATCH ASSEMBLY.

IMPORTANT: ENSURE THAT THE LOCK SWITCH TEETH ARE PUSHED ALL THE WAY TOWARDS THE ACTUATOR ARM AND THE LATCH IS IN THE FULL OPEN POSITION.

5. REPLACE LOCK ROD CLIPS SUPPLIED IN KIT.

6. REINSTALL LOCK ACTUATOR.

7. INSURE PROPER OPERATION OF LOCKS.

But his door works electrically sometimes. Wouldn't the bumper problem prevent this from happening?

If the boot is ripped, it can be binding occasionally only too.

I've had two new bumper kits installed, both doors. Same symptoms.

I was able to see what would be disconnected to get the lock assembly out. How impossible is it to get all of this back in where it belongs afterward? Has anybody just took it into the shop to get replaced? What do these bumper kits cost?

Thanks guys

$90 to have the dealer fix it.

Well I finally broke down today and went to get quotes at the dealers to fix my door lock. After being quoted $150 to $225, I went home and started tearing apart. After I managed to get the box out ( a huge pain in the arse when you don't know what is there) I thought hmmmm maybe I should make sure somebody has parts. I made a few calls, but being saturday at 3:00 nobody around had parts departments open. on about the 7th or 8th try, I found somebody. Everybody else was trying to sell me the whole actuator/latch assembly at 100 bucks plus. I thought I was screwed. Then this guy told me the exact same thing as willwren did and sold me the bumper kit for 10 bucks. Went back together slick as a whistle. Taking things apart for the first time always kills me because I never know if I'll get it back together again. Thanks guys.