Driver Door Stuck 1997

[Bing999]

Hi,

I recently had problems closing my driver door and finally it just jammes shut. The outside and inside handles don't work and the lock doesn't seem to want to unlatch (these are manual not electric). I've pulled a portion of the door panel off and can reach the door latch. Every rod (key lock, out handle, in handle and button lock) seem to be connected.

Since I can't see anything is there a way that I can unlatch my door by pulling or pushing something from the inside. If so what? I've been looking for diagrams in order to better understand what I'm feeling in there, unfortunately haven't found any.

Thanks for your help

[dandxg]

Go to auto parts store browse through haynes manual, should be pretty good for your year. I have a 96and have never heard of such a thing? Maybe you latches or part of the door are out of alignment. Haynes should show you how to adjust it.

[jdonline]

Did you hear anything shift (i.e. maybe a clanking noise) inside the door prior to it locking up on you like that?

JD

[Bing999]

I didn't hear anything when I closed it... before it happened the door would be hard to close. I'd have to shut it once or twice before it latched.

As for the Haynes manual... I have it but it only shows how to replace the door latch and of course the door is open when doing so.

My main problem is trying to work on this thing while it's closed.

Thanks people

[Bing999]

Finally got the door opened and found the problem.

With the door stuck shut, I removed the arm rest and the plastic behind it. I squeezed my hand through the opening up to the latch.

1. push the platic cover which covers the latch out of the way as much as you can.
2. feel your way around the top, find where either the inside handle rod connect or the outside handle connect.

This is what causes the problem... both inside and outside handles are connected to the same mechanism which rotates levers up and down on its axis. In my case the mechanism was rusted a bit and therefore wouldn't spring back in place. with the mechanism stuck midway this prevents the lock to engage therefore making the handles unoperational.

3. now you need to try and bring the mech down in order to engage the lock.

Hard to explain but hopefully it helps some of you.