Door won't open

[Greg Galotta]

Having a problem with my driverside door, it won't open from the outside or inside. I have been trying to push the release and still can't get it to open and suggestions, climbing over from the passinger side is killing me.

[MikeW]

If you roll the window down all the way you may be able to shine a light in the gap and see if you can see what is wrong. I suspect the linkage got disconnected in which case you won't feel much resistance on either handle. If you're lucky you'll be able to use a coat hanger or some other tool to trip the latch. Consider comparing the driver door to the working passenger door to see how the mechanism is supposed to look. The worst case scenario is going to be trying to remove the inner door panel which is going to be tricky when the door is shut. I've never needed to do that; hopefully you wouldn't have to remove the seat first.

[twsutt]

I suggest rolling down the driver's side window and climbing through it.

Try removing the interior panel (this will be difficultwith the door shut, but I think it's possible) and operating the locking mechanism from the inside of the door. You may just need to adjust the tension on the rods that connect to the handles. Good luck.

[Jeff G 78]

I don't think the interior panel will come off with the door shut. If it won't, roll the window down and pop off the stainless trim at the top of the door panel (bottom of the window opening). This will give you a much better view of the release rods. I don't remember off-hand which way they need to be moved, but it should be easy to figure out.

[Greg Galotta]

I played with it for an hour last night. Tried to pop the latch. I looked at another door same model and the piece that moves to open the latch moves but doesn't pop the latch. I am moving it down and it moves a bit, still won't release.

[AZ-240z]

Greg,

I probably don't have a clue, but sometimes the simplest solutions tried, work. The door hinge pin sleeves may be worn allowing the door's weight to rest on the latch. You may have already done so, but, when you trip the door latch, simultaneously lift up on the door with some force and rocking motion to relieve any door latch interference with door jamb latch.

Sorry for a simpleton answer, but these parts do wear and hang up.

Good luck.

Dan

[moonpup]

If you have AAA or Roadside Assistance through your insurance company, give them a call and have them get it open. If not, flag down a wrecker and see if you can give them a little cash to "slim jim" your door. Good luck!

[geezer]

Good tip Dan. I once had this same problem with different car. The unibody subframe was so deteriated and weakened, I had to jack the car up from underneath in proximity to the door latch before the stress was relieved enough to allow the latch to release. Don't know if this is relevant in your case though.

[1 Bravo 6]

Just a thought Greg,

Does the Lock Plunger Rod feel firm ?

Can you move it up and down?

If it just flaps around inside the door, then it may have disconnected from the lock whilst in the lock position.

Follow the previous suggestions ie, check out the linkage on the other door and remove the stainless steel trim on the locked door to give better access.

I doubt that you'll be able to remove the inner door panel without doing serious damage to it, due to the retaining clips that hold it in place on the door.

Rick.

:devious::devious:

[Unkle]

You will have to manipulate the latch mechanism manually from the top of the door , either the rod fell off or the handle itself is broken . Remove the passenger door panel and plastic water shield and see how it operates , then try connect a door opening tool with the mechanism to pull it back to release the latch ( drive the car over to a good locksmith or body shop ) . It's fun and games , be carefull . Also shim the door at the bottom to relieve the pressure , maybe push the door in at the same time ( stiff weatherstrip ) . Good luck !

[1 Bravo 6]

Hey Greg,

How did you get on with the door ??.

We'd LOVE to know if you've got it to open yet.

Rick.