Our 2007 X Type drivers door will not lock upon driving away; it locks if the lever is manually pushed in and it locks from outside using the key. We can hear the lock actuator trying to effect a lock but it seems it doesn't have enough force.

Questions:
1) Is the external door key lock mechanically linked to the door latch?
2) Is the internal door lever mechanically linked to the door latch?

Thanks! I see this is a popular topic.

 

AAJ, welcome to the forums, you will find a lot of very useful information here.

As for your questions, yes, both are mechanically linked to the latch mechanism which is where the lock solenoid feeds in too. What you are experiencing is excessive drag in the latch mechanism. Pull it out, clean it up some, apply some machine oil to the moving parts and put it back in. Should clear up your issue.