non-opening rear door
 

Now, first of all I know there are tons of these posts out there on their door not opening, and its a very common problem I know. But my mechanic [seldom used] fixed my driver's side door and now no quirks, but that cost 50$, and honestly i'd rather learn to do it myself than to have someone else do it. So thats what I need to know. I've tried everything, opening from the inside, banging on it, locked and unlocked, but still nothing seems to work. So, could somebody explain in detail how to get a stuck door, un-stuck


-justin

Some members have suceeded in removing the door panels with the doors closed to gain access to the latch assembly. I could not do this without damaging the panels so I used a Slim Jim with a wedge between the window and outer door skin in order to see inside the door.
Attachment 79193
Attachment 79194

The second picture in the inside of the passenger's door. The circled part of the assembly is probably either seized or the latch is not unlocking. This part needs to be lifted. It took several times to get it loose. I was able to lift it up just slightly and then pushed the outside button in, lift a little more and push button in, a little more...etc. If this does not do the trick after several tries, have a buddy lock and unlock the door from inside while you are holding up on that circled part.

Here's a link ro read more on my experience:
http://www.geocities.com/autotronics...e/SSEDoors.htm

so now, you mentioned in your article a professional lock out kit, well I don't have anything near that, is there a cheaper alternative? or more specifically what tool did you use to hook onto that latch?



-justin

Normally, a lot of tow truck guys have slim jims. Call and ask where you can get one, or if you can borrow one. They might ask to see proof that you own the car.

The lock-out kit I used was purchased at an automotive swap meet. It was $20 if I recall. The suggestion of borrowing one from a tow truck operator is a good one but if this can not be done, you can probably find the items you'll need at Home Depot or a hardware store.
Wedge: 2 x 4 scrap or a door stopper

Slim Jim: Check out the steel banding straps used to retain a new pallet of heavy lumber. You'll need to find one 1 1/2" wide or so. Or you can use a length of flat steel. Hardware stores usually have all kinds of raw materials like this.

The cheap one I used needed to be pounded flat again after I was done. It wasn't nearly as strong as a "real" one so you don't have to use anything that is not readily available. If I recall corectly, one member used a very long knife. Although I would not recommend this from a safety standpoint, it just shows that you come to a creative solution.

Heck, if you get a wedge in there enough to see, a strong coat hanger may work too. The latch assembly straddles the rear window guide. The part you need to lift is on the outside of the guide near the door skin.