997: Door latch / lock replacement

[aboyandhisdog]

The driver side door lock actuator stopped working a couple of weeks ago. When the door was opened the window would return to the up position and not go down unless I held up the door handle (in or out). I also had no courtesy lights only with driver door open. I searched "The Google "and all roads led to the door latch. So, bought a $78 actuator on Rock Auto ($300+- from Porsche) and decided this was a job I could get after.

There is only one decent video on You Tube:
It will get you started, but you will also encounter much pain.

I found another outstanding write up in 911UK.com: http://www.911uk.com/viewtopic.php?p=16 ... cket_saves
This write-up saved me and I completed the job in 3 days. 3 days??? Yep, after I get thoroughly discouraged and frustrated by a job, I find that the best thing to do is to step away and think things over - usually overnight.

So hear I am...just came in from a nice fairly long night-time drive in 19 degree temps and the door and courtesy lights are working as new. So a success I would say!

So, this job means an almost complete door tear down, but doable for the shade tree mechanic like me. I'm guessing the dealer would want $1500+-. I got it done for $78 + shipping.

Now a confession...I think I caused the door actuator to go out in the first place. I decided to lube all of the hinges and latches one day. I put some penetrating oil on the latch just so that the pivot points would get some lube. Didn't use much, but I think it ran down into some of the electric microswitches below the latch. Sure enough, when I took out the old latch, there are electrics directly below the latch mechanism.

I hope this might help somebody with a goofy door latch.