1979 door lock problem

I am having a problem with the lock on the drivers door. I have power door locks which are working (this is a 79). If the door is open or closed to the first catch (door is a jar) the door can be locked/unlocked using the key, pull knob, or the power system. But, if the door is fully closed it can be locked by the above methods but it can not be unlocked. I have the door panel off and have tap the latch lock/unlock lever with a hamer to unlock it. Any thoughts? Thanks for the help.

I have the exact same problem, to a point. If I lock the door then unlock it, it's ok. BUT, if I lock it, try the handle, then it WON'T unlock by the key. My actuators feel & sound like they're ok but they just don't move the linkage properly. Everything in the door looks ok tho. Both doors are doing the same thing.
ps: also a '79

|UPDATED|10/1/2003 8:09:01 PM|/UPDATED|

I have a 79 also but i don't have the same problem, i can unlock the door with the key(evean if i have mouved the handle) but i can't lock the door with the key, only with the switch
I think this problems comes from linkage and or door panel witch block linkage..

neither lock worked on Ian when we first got him. I had to take both door panels off numerous times, lots of wd40, working the rods by hand or with pliers. got the passenger side working first with both key and push pin. the linkage was locked up and I got it free. To get the pin and key both working i tried using both at the same time and finally they started working together. lot of time and patience and beers! The drivers side had a missing rod which i replaced. it sure is hard working in the dorr one handed. but aftre a lot of more patience and time i have those 2 working now. Your problem might be different since they are moving, but try to move them at the same time like I did.

|UPDATED|10/13/2003 5:58:25 PM|/UPDATED|

I have fixed mine

I did two things which resulted in the lock working:

1. I soaked everything with WD40 and let it set overnight.

2. I compared the linkage of the working door with that of the nonworking door. I found that the lock/unlock rod connection to the lock unit had a lot of slop (on the nonworking door). I used some "C" clips to tighten up the connection.

The next day the lock was working. Using the key is still dificult but the power locks work fine. I have also installed a remote entry system. I will work on the key problem, but with remote entry it is not critical.

Good luck with yours.