1998 Saturn Sw2 Door lock control rod

[Rust02945]

All right fellas, I've been lurking on this forum for a fat minute. About 6 months ago soaking up all the knowledge on this site.
I bought this saturn about 6 months ago from a lady that was going to sell it to a junkyard, I got her running and mechanically shes in great shape now. Fixed the windows on the passenger side they weren't lining up on the window guide front and rear but after some fitting she lined up and works just fine.

Now the control rods for the door lock actuator passenger front and rear. I replaced the actuators and relay's as well as the switches so the electronics all work. The only issue is the linkage between the door lock handle (interior) to the door lock itself.
I found a place that sells the rods for the rear. But the front rods are sold out everywhere, no local junkyards with any saturn models in my area either. The example photo of the control rods are attached. I see that one end is threaded. I still have that rod in the front door panel. Is there supposed to be a hook to attach to the door lock itself? I am a little stumped. Other than taking the rod to a local machine shop to weld some malleable metal to the endcap. Not sure what I should do. Anyone have any ideas?

[TomM96]

I did some relevant disassembly about 12 years ago on a '97SW.

I do recall some difficulty connecting a rod on re-assembly.
The connections to most of those types of rod often involve
spring steel (oil-hardened) 'clips', which both slide over and clip onto
the rod, while capturing the end of the rod beyond its protrusion
through a molded hole in the receiving aspect of the lock mechanism.

Sorry \word salad/ but that 65VW/73Chev/95Chev/97Sat....

Maybe need locate such a clip. We have an old-time auto parts
which has a variety of such clips ... generally a junkyard door (OR
an auto body jobber) would be sources. Maybe try talking to your local
auto body repair guys (who fix up cars from accidental crashes).

[alordofchaos]

Originally Posted by Rust02945

The only issue is the linkage between the door lock handle (interior) to the door lock itself....

Just to clarify - you are talking about the linkage that, when you pull the interior door handle, unlocks and unlatches the door?

The example photo of the control rods are attached. I see that one end is threaded. I still have that rod in the front door panel. Is there supposed to be a hook to attach to the door lock itself?

I can't see a picture - is your example from a Saturn S-series, or a generic pic found off the internet? AFAIK, the linkage rod is not threaded. It is held by a clip at the back of the lock cylinder, and a clip at interior latch

Since you've been lurking here a while, you've probably seen reference to richpin videos. Here's one showing the end of the rod, at the cylinder https://youtu.be/BoxTGyVCXX8?t=296

[Rust02945]

I dont know why the first photos didnt attach, However I'll attach the parts that are needed in case anyone else has this issue

Symptoms:
Door actuator works and moves
switches work
relays work
physical door lock on interior handle freely moves.

The door lock control rod is disconnected
Richpin made a video on taking off the door skin. its very easy to get to after that.

These plastic clips can be found on amazon
Keywords: Door Lock Rod Clips 5/32 GM Chevy cadillac

[Rust02945]

I only made this thread because at the time. I was willing to pay someone to fix the door lock issues. I was turned away by 4 mechanics, 2 body shops, and a window repair place.

I decided to do it myself and for the life of me could not find any posts on any forums about this.

Anyways, hope this info helps

[alordofchaos]

Oh, looks like you got it fixed. Good job and thanks for the info on the followup post. I thought you were still having an issue with a disconnected rod. Sounds like your original clip was missing or broken?

It will definitely help the next person, as plastic ages and gets brittle, and we see more issues related to broken plastic

I've been on this forum a while and don't think I've ever seen a similar issue.

[Citakat]

Why haven't you ask a locksmith to help you out! Mechanics are ok but they are not working with door locks mostly. I am pretty sure there are a lot of things that should be taken in the sight, and those things can be taken in the sight if only you are working in this filed day by day

[Towacen]

Originally Posted by Citakat

Why haven't you ask a locksmith to help you out! Mechanics are ok but they are not working with door locks mostly. I am pretty sure there are a lot of things that should be taken in the sight, and those things can be taken in the sight if only you are working in this filed day by day

Not sure if this is a Locksmith's filed, but you can try.

[Waiex191]

You two spambots should really review word choice. What is your first language?

[Nofoyi]

Originally Posted by Citakat

Why haven't you ask a locksmith to help you out! Mechanics are ok but they are not working with door locks mostly. I am pretty sure there are a lot of things that should be taken in the sight, and those things can be taken in the sight if only you are working in this filed day by day

As far as I can imagine the problem was already solved, I don't really know if its worth to go to a locksmith service, you'll have to spend a decent amount of money to solve an issue that can be solved on your own in a couple of minutes.

[Citakat]

Originally Posted by Nofoyi

As far as I can imagine the problem was already solved, I don't really know if its worth to go to a local locksmith sw4 service, you'll have to spend a decent amount of money to solve an issue that can be solved on your own in a couple of minutes.

This is what I meant to say, A locksmith can solve this, but you don't have to call a locksmith service if you can solve this on your own. I would not be able to solve it

[Waiex191]

Charlie, can we change the thread title to "Spammer sandbox?"