Cobalt - Door won't lock/unlock from inside

[Nook]

I have a problem with my Cobalt. It's under 3 years old and under 60k km, not sure if that's of any relevance.

The unlock/lock from the remote work perfectly but the door-panel lock buttons on each side do not work (they ONLY lock and it works once every 10 tries).

I checked the fuse box, the fuse is fine.

Also, I can't open or close the back rightside window from that door, have to use the front driver controls.

What do you think could be wrong? Somehow I get the feeling that my mother leaving the windows open during the rain has something to do with this.

[tkyoshi]

I have a problem with my Cobalt. It's under 3 years old and under 60k km, not sure if that's of any relevance.

The unlock/lock from the remote work perfectly but the door-panel lock buttons on each side do not work (they ONLY lock and it works once every 10 tries).

I checked the fuse box, the fuse is fine.

Also, I can't open or close the back rightside window from that door, have to use the front driver controls.

What do you think could be wrong? Somehow I get the feeling that my mother leaving the windows open during the rain has something to do with this.

It's possible that if the switches got really wet they could have shorted out. There are also certain cases (in general) in cars where say if a switch is shorted on the Drivers Side, the Passenger side won't work either.

Since you are within 3 Years / Under 60K you can try sneaking it in under warranty.

[Nook]

Thanks for the reply.

I'm not much of a technical person so if it was shorted, is there any way I can fix it myself? The dealership takes a LONG time for things like this.

[tkyoshi]

Thanks for the reply.

I'm not much of a technical person so if it was shorted, is there any way I can fix it myself? The dealership takes a LONG time for things like this.

Well if it has shorted out it probably involves replacing the switch. Usually the switch panel just snaps on/off. But I guess the trick is to find out which switch is faulty.

Maybe try a different dealer if possible? Regardless if they don't have a switch in stock you can still drive the car and have them call you when they get the part in.

[Engi-Nir]

This is clearly a warranty issue and ask for a rental. Tell them the work is more than 2hours and you have other things to do. don't mention anything about water ;)

[CaptSmethwick]

I have a problem with my Cobalt. It's under 3 years old and under 60k km, not sure if that's of any relevance.

The unlock/lock from the remote work perfectly but the door-panel lock buttons on each side do not work (they ONLY lock and it works once every 10 tries).

I checked the fuse box, the fuse is fine.

Also, I can't open or close the back rightside window from that door, have to use the front driver controls.

What do you think could be wrong? Somehow I get the feeling that my mother leaving the windows open during the rain has something to do with this.

So the rear left window opens from the door? If so, your problem's with the switch on the right side door - probably a lead corroded or still has moisture in it; if not, doublecheck to see if you have the window lockout engaged.

If the problem is one of moisture being present, sometimes elapsed time (especially with the doors open on a dry, sunny day) or a hairdryer (or a can of compressed air) aimed into the switches themselves will do wonders. If not, go to a SCC (formerly RadioShack) and tell them what you're trying to do and ask for a potentiometer cleaner (do NOT try WD-40) - if you think you can get some of this into the switch. You might need to pry up the switch panel to get adequate access. Sometimes, these techniques are all that it takes. If you're not sufficiently intrepid to do this, don't bother trying to spray this stuff on top with the hope that it'll work.

If none of these techniques work, bring it to your dealership and follow Engi-Nir's advice.