Hello,
I recently purchased a 1996 Accord EX coupe that has a problem with the driver's side door lock. The door will not unlock with a key at the driver's door. Unlocking the passenger's side door with a key will unlock both doors.

Today I removed the driver's side door panel expecting to find that the lock rod (the linkage between the key cylinder and the latch) had come loose. Well it had come loose alright, it was missing! Thinking perhaps it fell into the bottom of the door I felt all around and there is no lock rod to be found.

Why someone would completely remove this lock rod is beyond me but then I realized that I am presuming there is a lock rod in this application. On one hand the key cylinder looks to have an "ear" that a rod would fit into. On the other hand there is a wire that appears to go to the key cylinder so I was thinking that it might be possible the unlocking is done electrically with no physical linkage.

First question: Is there supposed to be a lock rod linking the key cylinder and the latch assembly?
Or, might the lock actuator be defective? I am presuming the lock actuator is functioning properly since the driver's door does unlock when the passenger's door is unlocked.

In the event there is a rod missing, any tips on reinstalling it? (Once I get a replacement from Honda)
It is pretty small space to work in. Any help anyone may provide would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for reading.
JW

 

I would get a mirror and a light. That part has to be in that door. I hate working on the inside of doors, so I always take it to a good trusted local shop we use. Find the part and any shop should be able to get you going for $50.