1979 door locks

[2801]

I have a 1979 Avanti 2801 and I can't lock or unlock my doors from the outside. I can lock the doors with the lever on the door panel but if I put the key in the lock nothing happens. There are 2 toggle switches on the left side under the dash that lock and unlock each door electrically. Someone told me that the key is supposed to unlock both doors when turned? The lock mech. must be working but the key doesn't do anything? Any help would be appreciated Thank you. 

[mfg]

1 hour ago, 2801 said:

I have a 1979 Avanti 2801 and I can't lock or unlock my doors from the outside. I can lock the doors with the lever on the door panel but if I put the key in the lock nothing happens. There are 2 toggle switches on the left side under the dash that lock and unlock each door electrically. Someone told me that the key is supposed to unlock both doors when turned? The lock mech. must be working but the key doesn't do anything? Any help would be appreciated Thank you. 

Sounds like the clip that holds the release rod to the exterior door lock is broken or missing…. and no, turning the key lock would only open the door on that side, not both.

Interior door panels need to be removed to see what’s going on.