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Is it because the latch is in 'lock' position that neither outside or inside door releases work? And for whatever reason the outside key won't do anything? Linkage fell off or something?
If so, can you grab the rod coming up from the PDL solenoid and get the latch to move into unlock position? Then try the outside or inside door releases.
With the plastic shield in place don't think you can access where the outside key lock fits into the latch.
I just did both doors on my 78.
RickM
Is it because the latch is in 'lock' position that neither outside or inside door releases work? And for whatever reason the outside key won't do anything? Linkage fell off or something?
If so, can you grab the rod coming up from the PDL solenoid and get the latch to move into unlock position? Then try the outside or inside door releases.
With the plastic shield in place don't think you can access where the outside key lock fits into the latch.
I just did both doors on my 78.
RickM
Rick I can move the rods into and out of the lock position. Same with the key. I think there is a tab that is over centered that is the problem. Based on the tab in the pic from Peterbuilt I am not able to move it to the open position. Not sure why.
Try pushing door closed while operating the latch. Worth a try.
If you cant get it open you can still hacksaw blade the striker bolt off from the inside of the door to get the door open. Cheap and easy to replace part once you get the door opened.
Try pushing door closed while operating the latch. Worth a try.
If you cant get it open you can still hacksaw blade the striker bolt off from the inside of the door to get the door open. Cheap and easy to replace part once you get the door opened.
I am mystified. The latches are quite robust. Unhook the inside door release rod at the latch and try moving that lever full stroke? You spray some lube in the latch?
Here is a pic of what the latch looks like that can't be seen with plastic shield in place. Pic is left door but you get the idea. That lever at top of pic is the outside door lock. It rotates when you turn the key and moves latch into locked position. The gold rod goes up to outside door release handle.
I am mystified. The latches are quite robust. Unhook the inside door release rod at the latch and try moving that lever full stroke? You spray some lube in the latch?
Here is a pic of what the latch looks like that can't be seen with plastic shield in place. Pic is left door but you get the idea. That lever at top of pic is the outside door lock. It rotates when you turn the key and moves latch into locked position. The gold rod goes up to outside door release handle.
I can lock & unlock the door locks either using the key (outside) or inside rod. What I can't seem to find is the outside tab that needs to be reset on the latch the makes it think it is still locked.
My two cents is that the latch is “hung up” on the door pin. Your last remedy would be using a hack saw (Blade Only) to cut off the pin that is mounted to the car body. First test how the blade will work on the door the you can open. You should put electrical tape on the blade to keep from damaging the paint.
I can lock & unlock the door locks either using the key (outside) or inside rod. What I can't seem to find is the outside tab that needs to be reset on the latch the makes it think it is still locked.
There is 3 rods that attach to the latch and the lever that fits inside the door lock. That lever and the internal door lock rod are joined together. The other 2 rods are the interior & exterior door release handles.
It could very well be hung up on the door jam post for some reason. Have someone push and pull hard on the door while you operate the release? Maybe lift up on the door also?
Sorry, that's all I got. Good luck on it.
Even though the plastic weather shield is in place, it looks like I can get to the lever from the outside door handle. In the Video Peterbuilt posted adjustioning that was the last step.
I was thinking if I popped that off the lever it might release the tension that is preventing the latch to release.
Even though the plastic weather shield is in place, it looks like I can get to the lever from the outside door handle. In the Video Peterbuilt posted adjustioning that was the last step.
I was thinking if I popped that off the lever it might release the tension that is preventing the latch to release.
Any ideas on this line of thinking?
I haven't seen the video you are referencing but you can't remove the outer door release handle without door being stripped bare. 2 studs with nuts and they are not easy to get to.
The plastic shield is held on with 2 10/32" screws. 1 is at the top of door you can remove. Other is in the door jam. All else, yank on it till it breaks. You may not gain anything by removing it though.
Most of the moving parts of the latch are inside it's "shell' so not sure how they all interact. If the key is turning the lock and you can hear it, not likely the issue?
Perhaps spring broke in the latch for the door post pawl. Don't know. You might be looking at the hacksaw blade option.
Maybe someone with more knowledge than me will chime in.
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