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I am unable to unlock the drivers door manually using the key. The key goes in and turns just fine. I can operate the windows by turning the key, etc, I just cannot unlock the door no matter how hard I try to turn the key further. Any ideas what could cause this? Is it possible the physical connection between the cylinder and door lock inside the door could be disconnected? Any help is appreciated.
I am unable to unlock the drivers door manually using the key. The key goes in and turns just fine. I can operate the windows by turning the key, etc, I just cannot unlock the door no matter how hard I try to turn the key further. Any ideas what could cause this? Is it possible the physical connection between the cylinder and door lock inside the door could be disconnected? Any help is appreciated.
Yes, entirely possible.
Any problems unlocking the car with the remote?
The door handle (and lock cylinder) are held on by just a couple of bolts on the inner edge of the door. Would suggest you remove (taking note of how everything goes back on) and check the lock cylinder. Usually a simple fix.
I though the door lock has a purely electrical connection to the locks. So if it opens and shuts the windows maybe it's the lock actuator. Does the key fob work?
I though the door lock has a purely electrical connection to the locks. So if it opens and shuts the windows maybe it's the lock actuator. Does the key fob work?
Good call rancor. Been a bit since I took it off and changed mine. Just remember swapping the key cylinder onto new handle and now that you mention it, there is no physical link other than by wire or something.
The driver door key/lock is mechanical. How else would you be able to get in the car with a flat battery (or without a battery, like I kept mine last winter)?
right it not like I've unlocked the car without a battery, multiple times.
Well then maybe ether the mechanical link came undone or the lock/handle is broken. I think you're just going to have to take the door apart and look for the issue. If you can unlock the door with the fob and interior handle it probably the exterior handle/link that's causing the problem.
The driver door key/lock is mechanical. How else would you be able to get in the car with a flat battery (or without a battery, like I kept mine last winter)?
Originally Posted by rancor
right it not like I've unlocked the car without a battery mutiple times.
Well then maybe ether the mechanical link came undone or the lock/handle is broken. I think you're just going to have to take the door apart and look for the issue.
Oh, I see the issue. You guys don't have the Telekinesis Option on your Z's. That's why there's no physical link on mine. It was a pretty high cost option.
OK, fine. Oooops. Wasn't thinking. But how's that different from any other day?
Oh, I see the issue. You guys don't have the Telekinesis Option on your Z's. That's why there's no physical link on mine. It was a pretty high cost option.
Ye but how often do you have to refill your telekinesis fluid?
Last edited by The Swede; Oct 27, 2016 at 11:07 PM.
Gee,I'm having the same problem I researched it and found out you have to replace the handle a pretty simple fix,you can get the oem handle on Amazon shipped for about $75-80.00 there are a few good videos on youtube how to replace it.I heard it happens pretty often over time something Nissan went on the cheap side when designing it.
right it not like I've unlocked the car without a battery, multiple times.
Well then maybe ether the mechanical link came undone or the lock/handle is broken. I think you're just going to have to take the door apart and look for the issue. If you can unlock the door with the fob and interior handle it probably the exterior handle/link that's causing the problem.
Everything else on the handle works. I can unlock via FOB, unlock from inside, operate the windows via the key. No issues opening the door. I just can't mechanically unlock the door. I found out because my battery recently died and I could not get into the vehicle. I ended up having to get a locksmith break into the vehicle so I could get in.
If you can open the door with the inside handle, the outside handle is broken. It's a common problem, I just replaced mine this week as a matter of fact. It's made of ABS plastic with knurled metal inserts. The inserts eventually break out of the plastic causing the outside handle to quit working.
If you can open the door with the inside handle, the outside handle is broken. It's a common problem, I just replaced mine this week as a matter of fact. It's made of ABS plastic with knurled metal inserts. The inserts eventually break out of the plastic causing the outside handle to quit working.
I can open the door from the outside as long as the door is unlocked. My sole issue is the inability to mechanically unlock the door using the key. Wierd, right?
UPDATE: I pulled the door handle off and sure enough, the lock cable was not connected. Reconnected it and put the handle back on. I can lock and unlock the door now using the key! I wish all of my problems with this care was this easy to fix. Thanks for the help guys.
I cannot unlock the drivers door with the key
Been a bit since I took it off and changed mine. Just remember swapping the key cylinder onto new handle and now that you mention it, there is no physical link other than by wire or something.
it not like I've unlocked the car without a battery, multiple times. 
