I recently just bought a 96 Honda Accord DX (first honda and second car woohoo. This is also my first post and sort of a news with locks. I've mainly worked on suspension of cars and a few other things). The locks are manual and the driver side will not let me lock it by pushing it down or using the key. However the lock has locked twice now after being driven. So I'm baffled as to what the issue could be. I don't know much about these cars and locks so I was curious if anyone knew any info on how to fix this without spending much money or replacing the lock (my main concern, money won't be an issue if I can keep the lock). When I turn the lock with the key it goes all the way right but stops after a slight turn to the left. Feels like something has locked up.

 

There are a few ways things that may cause issue.

If the door lock cylinder was removed or the door handle replaced at one time, someone may have installed the lever on the cylinder wrong. IIRC the lock itself can be used on the L or R door, but the lever arm on it(white plastic) needs to be installed correctly to be used in such a manner. Have it flipped the wrong way and you can only unlock but not lock the door with the key.

Verify the rod for the door latch is not doing anything goofy. It should not be under tension or compression when not in use.

Verify the door is fully latching. If the latch is not fully closed you will not be able to lock the door. Unless the door handle is pulled(inside or out) while attempting to lock the door.

Only difference between power and manual door locks is the solenoid bolted to the door latch, and the PDL toggle switch on the latch next to the manual latch.

 

I could see it being a latch. Thought the sensor for turning off that light could have been bad but it not latching correctly could possibly prevent that as well couldn't it? I'll have to pull the door panel off when I have some time tomorrow. Working a lot right now and still in college. Thank you for the reply! I'll see if I can't see an issue in the door.