On Fri, Sep 25, 2015 at 3:49 AM, David Beierl <dbeierl@attglobal.net> wrote:

>   If you can operate the lock using the knob, then the actuator is not at
> fault.

I'd already checked. The knob indeed does not move by hand. I should have
mentioned this.

What will trap the knob/key is the motor stopping prematurely, while the
> cam is still engaged.  It's a worm gear, you're not going to push it
> backwards.  Depending on why that might make all the locks except that one
> cycle endlessly, I think (not going to draw it out right now).  Failing
> spring tension on the switch contacts might cause that; I"ve heard that
> Biro springs can be cut down to serve.
>

Thanks! That's the kind of info I was looking for. I recall those springs
and lever on the part that slides up/down and the stationary contacts.
Since I'd cleaned those parts, I'd assumed that a worn plastic part (worm
gear etc.) was causing the mechanics to bind. But that didn't make sense
given that those parts looked ok and tested out ok, part on the bench. But
now I can totally "see" that if that "see-saw" lever had a failed-failing
spring(s), poor electrical contact might result while contacts slide along
the (3?) stationary brass contact faces. Depending on which contact it
rested at, one could have a non op actuator or endlessly cycling locks?

At one point, I had the endlessly cycling lock issue. I thought it was due
to water in the actuator and/or dirty contacts at the actuator pigtail and
harness in door but in hindsight, it may well have been due to poor contact
due to spring(s) wear.

Neil.

--
Neil n

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