Driver's side lock mechanism [Solved]
 

2003 Stratus SE

I had a problem where the drivers side door could not be opened with a key. The key just kept continuing to spin when turned. Today I took the door panel off and found a Z shaped metal piece lying in the bottom of the door. The piece had an orange top with a flat metal connector, and inside the door there was a purple bottom.

After some struggling, I've manage to get the metal piece back on the lock, but the top part (that connects to the keyhole) refuses to stay put. It's as if some piece that was holding it together is now missing.

I can turn the key and unlock the door but the top half of the piece falls off again.

Anyone have any suggestions on how to keep it from falling off?

Welcome to DF
The piece that is missing. Is that on the rod that goes to the handle or the latch assy?

What holds the flat metal part to the cylinder (where the orange part is attached)?

If I can get the flat metal piece to stay on then everything will be good.

I took this image from another site because it best shows the area I'm talking about.

http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/3...ckcylinder.jpg

Okay you need the retainer clip to hold the lock cylinder on the inside of the door. Or the small c clip at the end of the lock.

So there is supposed to be a small clip there? I didn't see one in the door. Can you buy this piece or does the entire cylinder have to be replace?

I believe it comes with lock.

Went to a junker and took the small C clips off another vehicle. Once I put all the pieces back together, I added a little glue to it make sure it stays on this time. Working fine.

Good job.