AudiSport4000

My door handle on the drivers door just quit tonite. Door doesnt open from outside, blah. I have a replacement, but would like to know if its difficult to swap out the lock cylinders, or even if its possible, because I dont have a key for the replacement. Its bittersweet again, because my power locks work again! woohooo.

Mike

Evilclown

You have to get it from the back of the lock, I think all you do is remove the little paddle on the back of the lock, and it should slide out. I don't quite remember what's entailed, it's been a while since I've done it.

AudiSport4000

Does the door panel need to be removed to remove the handle?

MikTip

Re: Yes! You must access the internal goodies to R&R the door handle!

Dwight V.

I think Mik misunderstood.
The handle comes out from the front. Take the trim piece off the center (pry it out carefully) and remove the screw. Then remove the screw on the door that is inside where the latch is. Handle should come right out--there is a tab/slot arrangement on the leading edge that slides out.
With it out, you should be able to swap the lock cylinder, but I've never done that.
Any of the other door internals you have to remove the trim panel to get to.

AudiSport4000

Excellent, thanks for the help, I may try and tackle this Saturday!

eehokie

I was told that while this is taking place you should have the key in the cylinder at all times so the little pins don't fall out of place.
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My method:
Take lock out (pop trip unbolt outside bolt and bolt on the side of the door)
Put the key in the lock
Remove the screw from the back that holds the cylinder (don't let the spring hop out too far).
Place the cylinder in donor handle
lock back in with the spring/bolt on the back
Reassemple onto the door.

Note do not reassemble wrong (do not put the aluminum door swing thingy upside down) because while testing the door will lock but not unlock! Ask me how I know! hehehe..

I always have the window down when doing this.

HTH
Dimitri

AudiSport4000

You say to keep the key in the lock and remove the cylinder? How can that be done, since the key will be inside the lock, therefore I would be unable to remove the lock cylinder, because the key is in the way. Or do you mean just put the key in the lock until you get the screw out?
Also, when i shut my door this morning (after opening the door from the inside) I heard a piece of metal fall, who knows what it was, I guess Im gonna find out this weekend

Mike

Tylerb929

Its not hard

DJ Springer

To rekey a lock: remove the cylinder; put your key in; and grind off the plate grooves that stickout