Land Rover Repair: Range Rover mystery door locks, door latch, upholstery tool

Question
Hey neighbour!
I have a 1997 P38A 4.0
when the front passenger has the unfortunate (for me) reflex of raising their elbow and locking the doors, all doors lock. So far so good. When the passenger unlocks the doors, all will unlock except for mine. Since my key fob doesn't work, I have to lower the window and unlock from the outside. Where should I start?
Erik
Prevost,QC

Answer
Bonjour Erik!

Ça va?  

The problem you describe is quite common.  You'll have to remove the door panel and adjust the locking mechanism on your door.  

The door panel is easy to remove but time consuming.  Carefully remove the speaker, the armrest, the inside door latch.  

Note: With the speaker, remember which wires are connected to which terminal - you'll have to detach the wires before removing the panel.

The panel is held on by plastic plugs.  Be careful how you prise them off the door.  I use an upholstery tool and carefully go around the edges prying up on the panel.

Eventually, the panel is lifted off (makes a strange noise while removing) and you'll see a plastic vapour sheet.  Lift this off and you have the area exposed.

You'll have to examine how the lock works.  Play with it and you'll see the problem.  There is a long thin wire that can be adjusted. This wire is moved by the actuator.  Check to make sure this is moving the wire in and out when you activate the lock.  It is quite possible that it could be faulty.

You'll have to experiment in getting the actuator to move the wire better.  You could try crimping or bending the wire, thus making it easier for the actuator to unlock.
You might try spraying a lithium lubricant in the area.  Could allow the moving parts more freedom.

Just reverse the process to put everything back on.

Hope this helps.

JohnMc

Salut!