Lock out Problem Solution

[Snowride]

For those of you who have had the famous driver door lock out syndrome (erogonomic one) like in this thread Door Handle Problem

I highly suggest you do this modification even if you do not lock yourself out because one day you will lend your car to someone or someone other than yourself will use the car and get themselves locked out with the keys inside.

Here is an easy solution. With only a screw driver, a flash light and 5 minutes of my time, I was able to disconnect the mechanism behind the manual door lock (the one located just above the handle which actually is used to open the door) on the drivers door. This corrects the problem entirely and has no drawbacks whatsoever except you can no longer use the manual lock to lock the drivers door. ( Who may I ask uses this anyway?) The fob works fine as well as the electric lock switch and the key itself. The manual lock is operated by a cable with a ball crimped to the end, kind of like the brake cable on a bicycle. If you shine a flash light in the crack of the manual locking button toward the front, you will see this ball. With a flat screw driver, position it on the ball and tap it off the slot it is sitting in. Works for me and now I have piece of mind. It would be easily put back into the original form if required for whatever reason but you will need to open up the door panel to do so.

[ekaxel]

For clarification, the key is electric. The only manual (mechanical) lock IS the little button next to the inside door handle.
When I installed my aftermarket alarm, which provides a lot of additional lock/unlock functionality, I had to go into the door to get the lock and unlock controls off the key lock. This is the only place in the car that those signals are accessible, staying away from the microprocessors/LANs.

[Mymurano]

Snowride,

Thanks for sharing this tip.
Could you please post an image of where the ball is? Just want to be sure about poking in the right place. I have been locked out of my Murano once, and do not look forward to experiencing it again.
Will be glad to have the freedom of getting out of the running Murano to check my tires, lock the garage door, etc., and be able to get back in without any surprises.

[Snowride]

Unfortunately you will have to wait until Monday because I forgot my camera at the office but I will post it then.

[gremlin]

Hi All,
Just reading with interest as I have also posted the issues at "hand" no pun intended! My car has been into service 7 times for this.... locking doors. final solution....not That I think Nissan should take ownership to this problem however. It's all in there attempt at customer service, for which they obviously have not been trained. They have removed the lock rod from my drivers door and stated that I was locking them unconsciuosly! No mention of poor design on Nissan's behalf. And no I do not have fat hands! I am extremely disappointed in my whole experience not with the car but with the service! I love my Murano, but at this point cannot wait for the lease to expire!
Gremlin

[Snowride]

Ok, here's the pic I promised. This is of the passenger door so that you can see the ball I am referring to. The shiney thing towards the top. At least you know where to look and I suggest to get in there with a flash light to see for youself.

[gremlin]

Is it just my imagination or are only those of us with "polished pewter" having this problem??

gremlin

[Snowride]

I read every thread on door locking syndrome to fiqure out the problem and I bet you there are several who still do not realise what is happening. It all depends on how you open the door. Sorry but if I have to check my movements each time I get out, I would go nuts and probably forget. This is a very simple solution.

[hfelknor]

" This is a very simple solution."

Probably the best solution since there are many thousands of us that have never locked the door inadvertantly.

Wonder if Enforcer/KSmurano could make it a "sticky" or something since we KNOW it will come up again.

Homer

[esemes]

excellent work-a-round!!



the only other thing i might see being needed is to insulate (foam) the cable end, so it doesnt rattle around loosely....

[Snowride]

It's actually more of a steel rod than a cable and the support sleeve is very close to the ball. No way is this going to rattle or cause any noises whatsoever by not tying it up.

[Snowride]

Probably the best solution since there are many thousands of us that have never locked the door inadvertantly.

I realise you personally do not have this problem but what is going to happen when you lend your MO to someone and they call you from the gas station to tell you the MO is running by the gas pump and the keys are locked in it? Or how about this scenario. Your best friend gets in the car and on the way you offer him to test drive it. You switch seats drive a dozen miles or so and then you switch seats again, only to find out you both are locked out.

[esemes]

Originally posted by Snowride
It's actually more of a steel rod than a cable and the support sleeve is very close to the ball. No way is this going to rattle or cause any noises whatsoever by not tying it up.

heres what's behind doorpanel no.1

[ekaxel]

Who in their right mind would leave their car running next to a gas pump?

[Snowride]

You would be very surprised. When it's -35 and the winds are howling, quite a few never shut her down when refueling (although you are supposed to). In those temps the lockout syndrome can be a nightmare.