I am pretty sure that the actuator for the drivers door lock is faulty. How easy is it to get to the mechanism?
my Haynes manual suggest a huge amount of dismantling which I am not keen to tackle until I can get the car under cover, and that is likely to be some time away.
Its not that bad a job but you do need to get the door card off.
Here is a link to a utube video of this. American nearside door card but you will get the idea…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqRwiohboi4
Once you have the door card off you are in a position to properly check the actuator.
Removal/replacement is a bit fiddly but take photos as you go to remember where everything goes back.
Here is a link to a Nutz thread for the actuator removal…
Might be worth a look at this https://www.miata.net/garage/tsb/09-003-10.pdf before going down the strip out route.
You need one of these https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mazda-MX5-Mk3-NC-05-15-OFFSIDE-CENTRAL-LOCKING-ACTUATOR-solenoid-motor/332587736429?hash=item4d6fc61d6d:g:LssAAOSwstNaq4R1
If the lock doesn’t operate via key or fob then it’s most likely to have give up completely. It’s noticeable that the drivers side is the one to go (wear and tear) and it sometimes starts off intermittent then completely fail. Mine eventually packed in after playing up for around 6 months, I replaced it with a known working SH unit as above link shows, although mine cost considerably less than the one in the link. A bit like hens teeth on ebay so grab em while you can, or pay the full asking price at the dealer, your choice. Mine’s still working great and it’s been changed over 1 year ago.
If you need any help in the way of an “how to” just shout, I have pics too. If you can operate a screwdriver and a socket set then it’s a piece of cake, you can strip the door coverings (outer card and inner plastics) off in 10 mins then remove the lock 10 mins, maybe a little longer if it’s not been done before.
The hardest part is probably refitting a steel security plate which is bolted behind the key hole.
Whilst it’s not overly difficult to get to, it really easy to fit it incorrectly, where it will then foul the outer handle.
Hi there, sorry to hijack this thread but mines doing the same. I have purchased the appropriate part from ebay. Dum Question from me. do you need to re sync the key fob in any way once the part is changed over.
Also if anyone does have a how to then that would be fab.
or failing that if anyone is in the gloucester area and fancies earning a crate of beer for helping me fit it then let me know.
The key fob and receiver in the car are entirely separate from the lock mechanism and won’t be affected by changing the mechanical part of the lock.
JS