Hi all,

I have a 1990 Honda Civic DX 1.5 L and I am trying to fix a problem I've had ever since I've owned the car.

I don't know the best way to explain this so I'll try adding as much information as possible. And I'm not sure how many experienced 1990 owners there are on these forums.

So basically, I have the Driver's door. The only way I can lock the door is by shutting the door, putting the key in the outside lock, and turning it. Or, if I am in the drivers seat, with the door closed, I can push down on the lock and it will lock (redundant if I want to get out, I know). Other than that, I cannot be outside of my car, and hit the lock on the inside of the door, and just shut it closed (The inside lock WILL NOT move down into the "locked" position if the car door is open).

My uncle just told me, that old foreign cars are built that way, so that the driver cannot lock himself out. Is that true? Or should I be able to get out of the driver side, with the door open, hit down the lock on the inside, and shut the door? Because I can do it with my dad's 1993 Toyota Corolla, and I can also do it on the passenger side of my car. So I don't think my uncle is entirely clear on the matter.

So is that how it works? Or is it safe to assume my drivers door's lock is messed up in some manor?

Thanks for your input. :]

 

I own a 1990 EX. To lock the door with the door open, hold the interior door handle open with one hand and lock the door with your other hand.

 

I see. Well it still seems a little stuck, but the general idea still somewhat works when I try it. Thanks! :]

 

That is how it is supposed to work. Get out of the car and hold the door open. Check that you have the keys. Lift the outside door handle and hold it up. Press the lock button down, continuing to hold the handle up. Close the door, while still holding the handle up. It will be locked.

 

That will probably work better than mine. My EX has power locks so it would be a little different.

Although I like the idea of needing the key to lock the door from the outside. I've locked my keys in my car a few times so it's actually a nice little feature, in my opinion.

 

yea its a safety feature so you dont lock your keys in the car.