Power Door Lock SWITCH REPAIR

The driver's side power door lock on my 81 Corvette was not working. The fuse was ok, but nothing happened when I actuated the door-panel-mounted switch.
I tried the passenger's side knowing that it wouldn't work either. In the case of 78 through 82 C3 Corvettes, the passenger's switch won't work if the driver's side PDL (Power Door Lock) is inoperative.
The answer was clear upon removing the door panel: One of the PDL connector wires had broken off the terminal.
And from the looks of it, someone had already attempted a repair by trying to solder it back on in place, which upon further inspection was obvious it was not going to work.
So, I had two options:
1. Order a new replacement pigtail connector
2. Attempt a DIY repair
After checking prices online for replacement parts, it was obvious that the best and cheapest alternative was to try to fix it myself. This necessitated opening the connector which looked harder than it actually was.
I cut the plastic welds off and opened the connector. Inside I found lots of corrosion on each terminal, so this was also an excellent opportunity to clean each one thoroughly to have excellent contact.
I was also able to solder the disconnected wire back and reseal the connector with CA glue for an almost unnoticeable repair.
Upon testing, the door locks are now fully operational, and I saved around $40 by fixing it myself.
Thank you for watching! 🙂👍🏻
P.S. General Motors used the same PDL system-with a few differences from model to model-for many years, and the repair outlined in the video will apply to most of them with slight variations.
In addition to the Chevrolet C3 Corvette, you will find almost identical switches in a Camaro, Firebird, Nova, C10 pickup truck, Blazer, Suburban, El Camino, Malibu, and the list goes on.
GM brands include Chevy, Pontiac, Buick, Oldsmobile, GMC, and Cadillac.
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DISCLAIMER: Even though I like to wrench on my Corvettes and most of my videos are of a how-to nature, I am not responsible nor liable should you decide to follow my musings on the subject.
I am a self-taught DIYer. If videos appear to give technical how-to advice, that is not my intention.
Working on a vehicle can be dangerous. If you're not confident, qualified, or lack the tools to do the job correctly and safely, hire a mechanic.
#c3corvette #doorlocks #generalmotors

[@OzyMark]

Just some helpful hints to add to a great video CA glue is a lure makers best friend. We use it with baking soda. You would build up a blob on the end with baking soda & drip the CA glue on the baking soda. Watch the fumes but it will create a solid connection like a plastic weld. I think you’ll find you’ll use it for many plastic repairs 👍 Hope it helps With cutting a loom you could stagger the cuts so when you do the final wrap you don’t get a bulge in the loom but you did a great job & don’t see any. Like I said, great video with awesome info for C3 owners. Your doing a wonderful service 😁👍

[@76vette]

Thanks for the tip and the kind words. 😊👍🏻

[@kenmcdonaldii3887]

I think that I am going to be saying THANK YOU a lot. My 81 drivers side power lock only locked - it didn’t unlock. After watching your videos, I took my door apart and I still had the vapor barrier in place. I disconnected the switch and they were really corroded. I clean all of the prongs and made them shiny. Replaced the switch and it still didn’t unlock. I then took the passenger door apart and the prongs were also corroded. I made them shiny and new looking plugged everything in and the drivers unlock feature worked! I am not mechanically inclined, but your video made it so easy. I am going to order new pigtails to be installed at a later date. Right now I am just excited to get it working! Thank you again - your videos really make a difference….

[@76vette]

Well thank you Ken. So glad to hear that my videos are helpful. Your message made my day! 🙏🏼😊👍🏻

[@diesel402]

Solid repair. I just finished eliminating one of the lock switches from my 81 and I moved the remaining one to the center console. I also added keyless entry, which is an amazing upgrade.

[@76vette]

Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻

[@musclecarmitch908]

Great video! Great fix! Great information!👍 Now I need to see if this will fix the passenger side door lock on my 79, it has a new switch but still doesn't work.

[@76vette]

I hope you get it working again. 😊👍🏻

[@jefferyj2995]

Couldn't have said it better. ( accept my vette is an 81 wi t h the same problem. )

[@neighbormark]

Great video! thanks for taking the time to video this! Thanks for all that you are doing!

[@76vette]

Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻