GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

I'm running into some problems with my 09 GT's door locks. I thought this issue was with a car battery, which was the case, and had it replaced last week. The issue happened again a few hours ago for the first time since the battery was replaced.

When locking with the key fob, or switch inside, you can here the initial "clunk" from the hatch lock, 2 seconds later it "clunks" again. I've only pressed it once, not twice. The hazards will not flash either. All doors are securely shut. I will unlock, one "clunk" and hazards flash twice, but no dome lights come one. Open and shut the driver door try again same thing. Today I did notice that all doors came unlocked EXCEPT for the drivers door (I had to stick the key in the door and turn to unlock). Its been making a weird low squeak noise. I can't really describe it; this noise is now all the time, even when the doors are locking/unlocking correctly. Today i just pushed the unlock button like 10 times all in a row and then pressed lock. Hazards flashed and all locked as normal.

Any ideas?

09vGT wrote:
Any ideas?

none from me. Any chance you are still under warranty?

joatmon wrote:Any chance you are still under warranty?

Nope... he's got around 90,000 miles.

Okay. So, the driver's side lock has, well, had, completely stopped working. It wasn't working with the fob for the door switch. I have to manually move it. I cannot hear any clicking inside the door as the rest do. I hit the inside of the door hard and now its working. Any suggestions?

Sounds like the lock actuator is dying or has a loose connection. I've had that happen in my Mustang. The older Ford ones are really bad for rusting and dying in place. Not even the key can open them sometimes. They start working very slowly or not at all and eventually just quit.

Might be time to open up the door and at least try to lube the moving parts of the lock mechanism to see if that helps. Sometimes there is too much friction and the actuator can't overcome when you push the button and energize the actuator. But it might just need to be replaced.

Good luck!

No problems on either of our 09's. You might have to perform some minor surgery and see if there is something loose or corroded. Seeing how the drivers door is used the most sounds like the problem may just be inside there. Good luck

Okay thanks for the replies guys! So, how do I take off the door panel and what do I need to be looking for? How difficult is this going to be?

No one knows? Now the passenger side door lock isn't working intermittently. I'm really upset. By upset I mean MAD.

I try to not take apart interior paneling... I tend to break too many clips and it gets real tedious real fast. But to take the panel off, I'd start by removing any screws/bolts from the panel surface and gently pry on a corner of the panel, working your way around the door.

Besides... shouldn't you be opening the passenger side door yourself and offering your hand in helping the Lady to her seat?

star_deceiver wrote:I try to not take apart interior paneling... I tend to break too many clips and it gets real tedious real fast. But to take the panel off, I'd start by removing any screws/bolts from the panel surface and gently pry on a corner of the panel, working your way around the door.

Besides... shouldn't you be opening the passenger side door yourself and offering your hand in helping the Lady to her seat?

Thanks. I'll give it a try soon. And I would.. If I could get the dang thing opened! It seems to be acting up the worst when its really hot outside; no idea if this is even having an effect. We've been having temps around 98-110*F. I hate using the key to unlock.

Sounds like a bad actuator. Mine did the same as well. Dont feel bad...I had all of my door locks act up intermittently. Im going to have to replace the pass & driver actuator cause they finally died. Waiting for the wheather to cool off here....toooo damn hot LOL !

09vGT wrote: I hate using the key to unlock.

First world problems