Exterior Door Handle/Release Adjustment
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 716
Likes: 1
From: Albuquerque New Mexico
Exterior Door Handle/Release Adjustment
Recently picked up an '82 and in process of getting it roadworthy.
Neither of the outer door hanles will release the door latch so I currently have to leave windows down and reach inside. Both doors release and open when the interior lever is pulled though. It appears I need to adjust the piece of threaded rod coming from the outer handle so pulls more on the release lever. Holy Cow! - this looks like a nightmare to get my hands in this area
. Has anyone ever done this and have any tips.
Thanks.
Neither of the outer door hanles will release the door latch so I currently have to leave windows down and reach inside. Both doors release and open when the interior lever is pulled though. It appears I need to adjust the piece of threaded rod coming from the outer handle so pulls more on the release lever. Holy Cow! - this looks like a nightmare to get my hands in this area
. Has anyone ever done this and have any tips. Thanks.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
I have done it...and yes it's very hard. It's easier if you remove the three screws holding the main latch, and let it lower just a bit.
I also used a few long tools to help like a long set of needle nose pliers and long screw drivers.
If you have access to a son or a wife that have small hands, they may be able to help you quite a bit.
I also used a few long tools to help like a long set of needle nose pliers and long screw drivers.
If you have access to a son or a wife that have small hands, they may be able to help you quite a bit.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,236
Likes: 898
From: Myrtle Beach SC
Recently picked up an '82 and in process of getting it roadworthy.
Neither of the outer door hanles will release the door latch so I currently have to leave windows down and reach inside. Both doors release and open when the interior lever is pulled though. It appears I need to adjust the piece of threaded rod coming from the outer handle so pulls more on the release lever. Holy Cow! - this looks like a nightmare to get my hands in this area . Has anyone ever done this and have any tips.
Neither of the outer door hanles will release the door latch so I currently have to leave windows down and reach inside. Both doors release and open when the interior lever is pulled though. It appears I need to adjust the piece of threaded rod coming from the outer handle so pulls more on the release lever. Holy Cow! - this looks like a nightmare to get my hands in this area
. Has anyone ever done this and have any tips.PS...use lots of light and clean up that lock mechanism while you're in there.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 716
Likes: 1
From: Albuquerque New Mexico
Thanks for all the advise - good stuff! I got the window out of the drivers side cuase I had to take the mirror off to tighten it where mounts to it's pedestal/base. Boy was that fun!!! - Not! But I got it and installed the new outer lower trim piece. Now I'm going-in to adjust these handle mechansms and use the tips you guys provided. My daugher has narrow hands, however, doubt she will see this as beneficial to her recent french manicure. My wife could be a good secondary candidate though. I did remove the black cover and will also loosen the screws for the lock mechanism above before I start. I think I'd rather rebuild an engine vs. working inside these doors but no pain-no gain.
Question - what are the electronic connections for near the door lock cylinders? My pwr dr. locks work from the interior switches but are they supposed to engage when I turn the key too? This part is not working.
Question - what are the electronic connections for near the door lock cylinders? My pwr dr. locks work from the interior switches but are they supposed to engage when I turn the key too? This part is not working.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,236
Likes: 898
From: Myrtle Beach SC
The electronic connections near the door lock cylinders is the anti-theft switch. They key lock and power door lock switch both lock the doors...one is manual and the other electronic. A third system is the door lock **** in the armrest.
If you're saying when you turn the key, and the door does not lock, than I suspect it's a mechanical problem like the linkage is binding or a rod has lost a connection. But when you use the key, it bypasses, or better yet ignores the power lock system but still locks the door.
