I have a problem with a 1994 Accord driver-side front door lock: I can unlock, but not lock the door with the key; the key will not turn clockwise from the vertical position, only counterclockwise.

This problem arose after I reinstalled the door handle assembly per the YouTube video “How to Install Replace Front Door Lock Actuator Honda Accord 94-97 1AAuto.com.” The door handle is functional and
the left door can be locked remotely using the key in right-hand door to lock all doors.

When the door is closed, the vertical rod that protrudes through an inside hole at the rear corner of the window, called the “lock tab” in the owner’s manual, can be pushed down, causing the power-lock system to lock all the doors. When the door is open, the lock tab can no longer be moved up or down.

The photograph shows the key-driven (and outside-door-handle-driven) mechanical assemblies that operate the door lock (and the latch), respectively. When rod (1) that normally is moved up and down by the rotation key is unhooked from its white plastic rocker arm (2), moving the rod up by hand will cause the left-door lock motor to lock the door latch (and moving the rod down will unlock the door latch). The key can be rotated both clockwise and counter clockwise when rod (1) is disconnected from the rocker arm (2). When the rod (1) is attached to its rocker arm (2), something prevents it from upward motion and the key no longer will turn clockwise. Therefore, the problem is mechanical and has to do with the location of that rod (1) when it is attached to the rocker arm (2).

How can I fix the problem of inability to lock any doors with the left-hand door key?


Photo of Middle Inside Driver-Side Front Door Showing Key-Driven and Outside-Handle-Driven Mechanical Lock and Latch Actuator Assemblies

 

I recall having a similar problem when replacing the cylinder on the '95 EX.
I *think* I had rotated the tumbler, or possibly installed the rocker rotated.

Disconnect all the linkage, insert the key and make sure the tumbler is in the neutral position. I *think* I had rotated the tumbler 180° so you could still turn the key enough to lock or unlock but not enough to do the opposite.

 

Thanks for your response.

I think the rocker arm is installed correctly. Here is a frame from the 1aauto.com video: It is very similar to the photo I took of my car in the orginal post.

If the problem had to do with the installation of the lock cylinder, wouldn't the restriction to the key motion also be present when rod (1) is disconnected from the rocker arm (2)? When (1) is disconnected, the key will turn 90 Deg. in both directions; when (1) is attached, the key will only turn 90 Deg. counterclockwise (while face the outside of the door).

From How To Install Replace Outside Door Handle Front Honda Accord 94-97 1AAuto.com

 

I *think* 1AAuto installed the rockerarm wrong. I quickly watched their video when doing mine and I had the same thing happen. I flipped it around and fixed it.

 

You think correctly! Thanks for your help.

Today I reversed the positions at which the metal cylinder rod and the white plastic rod that descends from the lock cylinder attach to the rocker arm, and the key can now both unlock and lock the door.

I have posted a comment below the You Tube video that has the mistake and sent a message to 1AAuto.com suggesting they correct it or warn others who view it of the mistake.