Problems with passenger door

youry · #1 11-23-2007, 02:53 PM

Guys I need your help. I cannot open the passanger door. Tried the remote, the central switch lock, even the handle. It is locked and can't be opened. To my surprise I cannot even pull up or down the window. Looks like there is no power at all in that door. Everything else works perfect. Any idea where should I start?
Thanks for your time

UncleBob · #2 11-23-2007, 03:02 PM

you can't open it from the inside handle either? that one doesn't need electricity so i can't imagine why it wouldn't work.
the fact that the window doesn't work either would make me suspect fuses although i don't know off the top of my head if it's the same fuse for the door lock actuator and the window regulator.

youry · #3 11-23-2007, 03:19 PM

because I cannot open the door (not even manually - seems strange) I will have to squeeze into the front passenger seat to find if I have a blown fuse.

youry · #4 11-23-2007, 03:37 PM

Ok, I checked all fuses (dashboard panel) and none of them is burned out. The switch from the door pulls up and down the window. The one from the driver panel does nothing. Still I cannot open the door from inside (well...not even from outside). Tried with some tweezers to pull the plastic knob to open it manually but doesn't work. Something like a spring pulls it back. Any idea? Could it be a relay? thanks

I have read tons of threads here and some other forums. Looks like the problem is the Door Latch mechanism. How in the world do I take off the door panel if I cannot open the door?

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youry · #5 11-23-2007, 09:00 PM

Trying to figure out how to open the door I noticed a few strange symptoms:
1. I can pull up and down the passenger window from the switch on the door even if the key is not in the ignition. It doesn't work from the driver side even with the engine running.
2. If I use the remote to open all the windows and the sunroof everything works fine except the passenger window

Before I try breaking the door I have a question (well, more than one):
what a mechanical problem like a broken plastic clip, a broken rod has anything to do with the way the windows acts?
If I can open the window I will try with a wire or something to grab the part that keeps the door locked. For people that know how the door looks inside, should I try the opening between the window and outside panel or window and inside one?
And last: supposing that I won't be able to unlock the door, can the panel be removed while the door is closed?
I'm thinking to remove the panel, see what is broke inside and after that ordering the part.
Thanks for patience guys

UncleBob · #6 11-24-2007, 03:59 AM

i've just recently replaced the door lock mechanism on my driver's side door so i'm familiar with how it all works. the inside handle goes via a cable directly to the mechanism and should open the door without the need for current. i believe it to be the "failsafe," i.e. it should always work.
the fact that you cannot open your door from the inside is the most puzzling. is there any resistance on the handle or is it completely loose? this will tell us the state of the cable.

the fact that your window works with no key is also bizarre. it shouldn't.

i'm not sure if you can remove the door panel with the door closed. it might be possible but would be a PITA. but that might be your only solution.

youry · #7 11-24-2007, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UncleBob

is there any resistance on the handle or is it completely loose? this will tell us the state of the cable.

it is a lot of resistance when I grab the handle. I can even hear the mechanism working inside. I thought it might be an electric/electronic problem so I disconnected the battery for a few minutes. Stil nothing. I will do it again. This time I will leave it at least half an hour.

Quote:

Originally Posted by UncleBob

have you done anything to your car lately, installed a stereo or something?

nothing. that's why I'm even afraid to install a Dice.

Thanks for your time

Looks like I have a code P1620. Could this be the problem?

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UncleBob · #8 11-24-2007, 06:12 AM

this might help you troubleshoot your problem. it's a pic of my old door lock mechanism.

"A" connects to the "button" you see from the inside of your car that's up when the car is open and down when it's locked.

"B" receives the end that is attached to the key cylinder. i.e. when you turn the key, this white receiver rotates.

"C" gets pulled up when you lift the outside handle

"D" gets pulled when you pull the inside handle

both C & D are pulled by a cable similar to the brakes on a bicycle. in both cases, you can see the part that holds the cable sheath.

I had a look at my passenger door and i think removing the panel would be extremely difficult if not impossible because the dashboard overlaps the door so far.

UncleBob · #9 11-24-2007, 06:16 AM

my initial thoughts were that the inside door handle should open the door but this is only true if you lock the doors from the inside. I forgot that in fact you cannot open the doors with the inside handle if you lock the doors from the outside so that even if someone smashes your window, they still cannot open the door.

the fact that your window is screwed up as well points to an electrical problem rather than a mechanical one. have you done anything to your car lately, installed a stereo or something?

youry · #10 11-25-2007, 11:47 AM

no one has any idea what might be wrong before I make an appointment to a dealer?
I disconnected the battery for a couple of hours, connected back and I tried to unlock the car. I heard the beep/unlock sound but none of the doors opened. Tried a few more time to push the unlock button and finally the car unlocked but still the passenger door does nothing. Still hopping that it will unlock by itself. I am not using that door to much. Just afraid not to have a problem with the driver's door and be forced to climb from the back seat.