Stuck Door

[alpinemauve]

My passenger door does not open.
Its the early separate lock v handle variety.
The key works but then the push button does not come out, once pushed in.

The interior door handle is making the right noises but not offering anymore help.

How to open this door?
Going in through the internals will not get the lock off - but I may be able to get to, and move the lever?
The other thought is hinges off and chisel off the checkstrap.
Anyone else been down here?

[heraldcoupe]

Hi Nick,

With the internal trim taken off, loosen the three screws which hold the internal remote to the door frame. Shift the mechanism as far back as it will go, then re-tighten. This often works, though not always.

The other thing to try is to lift on the door as you try to open it, sometimes the striker plate is fitted at a slight angle which causes binding.

Finally, jack the car in the middle of the chassis, then try opening the door. Best to do this from the outside, but operating the internal handle through an open window.

Good luck,

Cheers,
Bill.

[herald948]

I agree with all of Bill's advice. I can only add that you might have some luck spraying a good penetrating fluid/lubricant in or at any and all parts of the mechanisms. I've had more experience with this to cure doors that won't latch, but I've also had some success with doors that wouldn't UNlatch by doing this!