# Subaru Outback '97 Power Lock Issue

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/subaru-outback-97-power-lock-issue/42283>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** outback, subaru, locks\
**Created:** [January 11, 2010, 1:59pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/subaru-outback-97-power-lock-issue/42283 "2010-01-11T13:59:35Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![goggle5](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/ed655f/32.png) [@goggle5](https://community.cartalk.com/u/goggle5)\
**Post date:** [January 11, 2010, 1:59pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/subaru-outback-97-power-lock-issue/42283/1 "2010-01-11T13:59:35Z")

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My girlfriend’s car ('97 Subaru Outback) is having a weird power lock problem.  
  
  
  
 The lock in the car (drivers side only) will not physically lock. If you try pushing the lever in, it gives alot of resistance and will not snap closed to lock the door. Also, the key on that door will not lock the door (you can’t turn it). If you used the keyless remote,  
  
 power lock system sounds like it’s straining and does nothing - no doors lock or unlock.  
  
  
  
 I looked online and really couldn’t find anything besides maybe a bad/blown fuse or a grounding issue?  
  
  
  
 I want to pull the door panel off, and take a look - but I haven’t had time.  
  
  
  
 Any ideas/suggestions???

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**Author:** ![dagosa](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/dagosa/32/9837_2.png) [@dagosa](https://community.cartalk.com/u/dagosa)\
**Post date:** [January 11, 2010, 2:18pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/subaru-outback-97-power-lock-issue/42283/2 "2010-01-11T14:18:03Z")

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If you don’t have the time, don’t know what to do out side the panel, aren’t willing to take to a mechanic, want the car to lock and only looking for advice here…trade the car.

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**Author:** ![mcparadise](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mcparadise/32/32_2.png) [@mcparadise](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mcparadise)\
**Post date:** [January 11, 2010, 2:36pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/subaru-outback-97-power-lock-issue/42283/3 "2010-01-11T14:36:40Z")

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Until you pull the door panel you won’t know what’s binding the lock mechanism.

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**Author:** ![Cougar](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/cougar/32/21348_2.png) [@Cougar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Cougar)\
**Post date:** [January 11, 2010, 5:30pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/subaru-outback-97-power-lock-issue/42283/4 "2010-01-11T17:30:49Z")

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I agree. The panel will have to be removed to see what is causing the mechanical problem.