TCS door latch won't release - SUCCESS!

[FourLoti]

Hi: Re-posting this with a better title:


This is going to be the first of many, many requests from the brain trust, but one immediate thing that's bugging me is that the passenger door latch won't release. Neither from the outside nor from inside. The inside door panel is off and I can pull on the lever arm on the back of the latch assy., but something is keeping it from moving. I've done a search here and there is some mention of similar issues but I haven't seen a solution. I've tried raising up the rear of the door with a shim and also working with two people wiggling and pushing/pulling at the same time, but no dice.

Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Ron

[Arizona]

I had a similar problem. Turned out the problem wasn't with the latch in the door but rather with the thing on the body (not sure what to call it) the the latch latches onto. One or both of the nuts that secured it were loose and so it was apparently moving up and down with the latch. As I remember I was somehow able to to get a hand (or maybe a wrench) into the body recess and secure it. Sorry to be a bit foggy on that (it was a long time ago) but I hope this helps.

[Clifton]

I bought my car with the same issue. I yanked hard and it opened. I wouldn't try it now that it's a nice and painted though but the hard pull did it. It has got catchy since it was re assembled. Now I spray lube in the door latches every now and then. If I don't they just stick. Passenger side it worse.

[FourLoti]

Thanks to you both. I can't seem to find the backing plate and nuts inside the sill but will keep trying. Also will try pulling even harder. I removed the window motor so now I can reach in and work the latch from both ends. The outside push button goes in but it doesn't feel right. Also the lever on the inside that's pulled by the inside door handle, won't budge. Something hard is stopping it.

I noticed on my good door that the latch has a child proof switch on the side. When that is locked, the lever inside is restricted just like my bad door. I thought that might be a clue, but of course in child proof mode the outside button should certainly still work.

Well, enough for this weekend!

Thanks again,

Ron

[4129R]

Plenty of WD40 usually helps. They get stuck if not used and lubricated regularly.

[dakazman]

I ran into this same issue when installing the door latch assembly on an S2. I hit the child lock and couldn’t open the door, I thought it was the catch also.  I was instructed to go on the outside of car and unlock with key .  It worked.   Maybe it will help you .
Dakazman
 

[FourLoti]

Good start to the week!  Clifton, you are the winner! Since I removed the window motor and was able to lower the window, I was able to get a much firmer grip on the thing and started yacking it back and forth as hard as I could. Then it suddenly popped open (and almost put me on my but) There's a lot of crud and cleaning to be done before I can figure out the issue, but I'm just glad I won't need to promote that I own a single seater road car!

Thanks again to all!

Ron

[dakazman]

There's a lot of crud and cleaning to be done before I can figure out the issue, but I'm just glad I won't need to promote that I own a single seater road car!

Thanks again to all!

Ron

  LOL, Glad you got her opened. I like when I have someone to talk too also.
Dakazman