Originally Posted by jschrauwen

Getting back on topic. I think the mechanical locking mechanism in my driver's door may be toast. My fob will lock the mechanism on the passenger's door - I hear the "clunk" but I don't get the same for the driver's door. I might try that cycling on/off thing via the inside door locking switch to see if that shows any positive results. Failing that, I think maybe I have to replace the locking mechanism inside. Not really looking forward to removing the door panel. Past experience on other cars has shown that it's never 100% the same afterwards.
I've already replaced both door (touch) sensors last summer.

Originally Posted by SloopJohnB@mac.com

Things like door mechanisms should last the life of the car. But I share your pain on removing door panels.
Sometimes I can improve the panel by using a better grade of plastic sheeting or even adding dynamat sound dampening.

Once this stuff starts to go you really have to consider how much aggro you want to put up with for the next couple years, not to mention the salvage value of the car if in a minor fender bender.