inSSano

iTrader: (7)

My drivers side door will not open from either side. I pulled the window trim and can see the lever moving but no resistance to open it. I guess the latch is stuck. Any advice how to open it up?

wrencher

iTrader: (2)

Try to lube up the latch with WD or something with the window down.
Try that 1st.

inSSano

iTrader: (7)

Gave it a try and let it set but no luck. Is there a release on the latch from inside?

wrencher

iTrader: (2)

Ya but you have to get to the latch.
I have had some very difficult ones over the years on many different kinds of cars.
Have to be carful with a F-body car because of the material the door frame is made of.
I have had to remove the inner door panel best I could to access the latch & work on it like that.
Hopefully little damage, but if it's really stuck you've got a fight on your hands
I've had some where I've had to resort to a dremel & cut the latch apart from the inside of the door.

inSSano

iTrader: (7)

I think that is what it's going to come down to. I have door panel loose and sprayed the $hit outta it. It's frustrating. The latch is broke there's a plastic piece dangling but I can't get it back in for at least one open. I hate to take it to the dealer. $$$$

wrencher

iTrader: (2)

See if you can actuate the parts of the latch with a long flat bladed screw driver.
Sometimes they just wont move with the force the handles rods can exert on it.
I would look around carfully if you take it to ge done, like I said cause it's an F body alot of damage can be done. If done improperly that is.
Can be a time consuming project for sure.

inSSano

iTrader: (7)

I will check it out some more and see if I can pop it. Worst problem to fix I've had and I've done alot of work. I appreciate your help on the matter.

wssix99

iTrader: (5)

Are you looking at the back of the door where the rods attach to the actual latch?

inSSano

iTrader: (7)

Yeah from inside the car. I have the Door panel half way off. Still no luck. I have a locksmith that said he could open it. I'll try some more first.

robertbartsch

...this car does not want YOU to drive it..... it is tired and needs to rest.

wssix99

iTrader: (5)

Not sure how you could see the parts involved unless the door panel is all the way off and you've peeled back the vapor barrier at the back of the door. The two linkages connect to the latch all the way back there. I'm thinking that the linkages have popped off or part of the latch has broken.

Interested to see if a locksmith can correct a problem that isn't lock related.

inSSano

iTrader: (7)

Linkages are all hooked. The locksmith I referred to is also is a mechanic with a shop. I know my way around cars also but this has me stumped. Why can't they just put a release slot on these for this reason. Shitty week.

wssix99

iTrader: (5)

Brutal. Please post back when you get this resolved.

If your linkages are all on, IDK what could possibly be the issue unless some foreign object is jammed in between the door and car causing a wedge. I can't imagine that the latch would internally break.

inSSano

iTrader: (7)

There is a small plastic piece broken hanging from the latch I just can't figure out how to get it back in position or if it will even work then.

wrencher

iTrader: (2)

Trust me over the years I've had some real tough ones. This type of failure happens.
The latch breaks with the last door closing & thats it game over.
The worst one I ever had was a 52 plymouth. The latch looks more like a pinion gear on a starter on that thing. It took a while to get that one open without damage.

They are always a pain in the @ss though.

wssix99

iTrader: (5)

Can you get a picture?

inSSano

iTrader: (7)

I actually found another post on another forum with the same problem. He had some solutions but kinda hard to understand but i'm gonna give it another shot tomorrow. It definetly is a pain in the ***. I'll wear my passenger seat out crawling over.

wssix99-I'll post up some pics if i don't get it open tomorrow but i doubt you can see much from the angle but i'll give it a shot.

Thanks again for everyones help.

johnny89345

iTrader: (1)

the metal rod could have popped off the latch. finding a latch is going to be a pain. i just had to get one, took me two weeks to find as junk yards will not pull them from clean doors. just unbolt the latch and check it. its only 3 torques bolts and alot easier to remove then you may think

inSSano

iTrader: (7)

Taking the latch is off is absolutely no problem at all. The problem is getting to it. The door is stuck closed.

inSSano

iTrader: (7)

update-worked on it for 2hrs today. Still no dice. Get frustrated and quit. Try the same stuff over and over.