--- In dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, "Ryan Wright" <ryanpwright@...> wrote: <SNIP> > Ah, I was thinking more of the lock module failures that applied power > to the solenoids and left it there, preventing you from actuating the > linkage. > > To be honest, I've never had a fear of getting trapped in my DeLorean. > I have, however, considered putting one of those emergency glass > hammers within reach so I could easily break through the windshield in > a bad situation. I'd imagine flipping a DeLorean upside dodwn, while > difficult to do, would not make getting out very pleasant. > > Thanks for the story! > > -Ryan > That is one thing about the DeLorean linkage system that makes it different than others. Because of that 2nd latch up front on the door, the solenoid can endure more strain. Now that's not to say that there is an inherent problem with the doors, because there isn't. It's just that over time, as lubrication is lost, the door locks are harder to operate for the door solenoids, because there are so many more joints and pivot points the gum up and create more strain. Therefore, more torque needs to be exerted by the solenoids to work properly. DeLorean owners in really dusty areas such as the Southwestern US, and parts of the Midwest need to be really caucious about this, and should include lubrication of their door locks as a routine maintenance. Now, having said that about the DeLorean's door locks, I gotta ask; Does anyone here have any first-hand experience with being locked in, or out of their car because of a malfunctioning solenoid? I've heard of this being a concern, but have never heard of a real-world example being cited? I know that you certainly run the risk of burning out the solenoids and damaging them for future use. But the DeLorean certainly wasn't the first car to use solenoids, and I've never heard of any Cadillacs, Thunderbirds, or other cars with PDLs ever trapping anyone inside because of a malfunction. Now if you did have a malfunction with the locks, and lets say one was either repeatedly trying to lock it self. Or even was stuck in the lock position, it wouldn't be a difficult predicament to get out of. Simply unlock the other door. As for the life hammers, I've thought about carrying one too, but not for my car. Rather I'd prefer to have it, in case I ever had to be a samaratin, and help someone else out of their car. It's like the same reason I carry a fire extinguisher with me. Years ago when I worked at a grocery store, there was a car out in the parking lot that caught fire. It was a loss, but it also damaged the cars that were parked next to it. I don't have fears about my car catching fire, but I've seen plenty in my time burn when I lived out in Vegas. Kicking, or even pushing the glass of the passenger doors out shouldn't really be an issue. Sure it's got a little RTV on it to seal the water out, but it's only held in with rivited clips, and a rubber gasket that is pressed agaisnt T-304 stainless steel. And stainless steel is ALOT softer than carbon steel. I've dented my door by improperly closing it with my fingers, when I slammed it once. It's not the same as the windscreen, or even the back glass. Conventional doors have their glass mounted in steel tracks, which we don't have to worry about. -Robert vin 6585 "X" To address comments privately to the moderating team, please address: moderators@xxxxxxxxxxx For more info on the list, tech articles, cars for sale see www.dmcnews.com To search the archives or view files, log in at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dmcnews Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dmcnews/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: dmcnews-unsubscribe@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/