Interior door latch problem

[dphatch]

When I opened the drivers door  ( 997.1)  this morning while exiting the car I heard pop/snapping sound coming from the  area of the door latch resulting in significant play in the actuation of the latch. I can open the door and the latch still actuates the window lowering function when entering and exiting the car but lots of play in the cable and latch does fully return to its normal position . 

Has anyone experienced this issue that can give me heads up what needs fixing behind the door card ?

[JFP in PA]

Hard to say without looking first.

[dphatch]

Should have soon a Google search.  Found the most common cause to be the door lock pivot. ( Bad cable would not let me open the door or actuate the window so that was easy to rule out ) It appears this is a common part failure in these cars as they age. Repair requires a  $20 part ( part number 997-555-381-03 for drivers door ) - maybe 20 minute job. Might be of interest to others.

[RFM]

Usually it is the return spring that operates the rod between the inside door handle and the lock mechanism that has been broken. You will have to remove the door lining to restore it.

[dphatch]

Your right and we're talking about the came part as the area of the spring is the weakest point of part.  The most common name I found for it was  "door lock pivot " so I used that one when looking for advice. One Porsche dealers site refers to it as a " mount bracket " .  Despite the description are the  997.555.381.03 for the drivers door. Passenger door number is different ( 382 vs 381).

[Schnell 911]

16 hours ago, dphatch said:

Your right and we're talking about the came part as the area of the spring is the weakest point of part.  The most common name I found for it was  "door lock pivot " so I used that one when looking for advice. One Porsche dealers site refers to it as a " mount bracket " .  Despite the description are the  997.555.381.03 for the drivers door. Passenger door number is different ( 382 vs 381).

Same problem just started occurring on my 2006 997.1, thank you for the information.

[PAULSPEED]

My spring broke last week.  I will order the part from Sunset Porsche.

[Schnell 911]

Couple years have passed and I have just got around to the repair. Internal switch in door lock mechanism prevented window from dropping the required distance to close the door. Would always stay up until door latch interior or exterior handle is pulled. It was not the micro switch as some folks recommended. Pelican Parts # 3D1-837-015-C-M100

[PAULSPEED]

The passenger part number is 3D1-837-016-C.

Suset Porsche wants 175 dollars.

When I replaced the driver's door about 5 years ago, the part was made in Poland if I remember right.

About a two hour job for me.

[jim_hoyland]

My driver side door latch went limp too; door can be opened though. There is a iTunes video showing how to replace the part. I’ll post a link to it later.

I now have the replacement part and plan to R&R next Monday.

‘here’s the link:  https://youtu.be/fFDOKRFI464

Edited January 27, 2023 by jim_hoyland
Added tube link